Zesty Slow Cooker Jambalaya Recipe: Simmered Southern Magic

Jambalaya emerges as a culinary adventure that brings Louisiana’s vibrant spirit right into your kitchen.

Memories of New Orleans dance through this hearty one-pot marvel.

Spices weave their magic, creating layers of rich, complex flavors.

Tender proteins mingle with colorful vegetables, promising a meal that satisfies deeply.

Southern comfort meets easy preparation with this slow cooker twist.

Coastal ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering an authentic taste without hours of complicated cooking.

You’ll find this recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings that demand something extraordinary.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Jambalaya

• Chicken: Tender meat that adds a hearty base to the jambalaya.
• Sausage: Spicy sausage that provides rich, bold flavor to the dish.
• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that brings a classic Louisiana touch to the jambalaya.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery: Classic Cajun holy trinity that creates a deep, aromatic flavor foundation.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and robust flavor to the dish.
• Green Onions, Parsley: Fresh herbs for garnishing and adding a bright, crisp finish.

• Diced Tomatoes: Provides a tangy and juicy base for the jambalaya.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the overall savory profile.
• Rice: Hearty grain that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
• Cajun Seasoning: Signature spice blend that gives the dish its characteristic Louisiana heat.
• Thyme, Bay Leaf: Aromatic herbs that contribute depth and complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing flavors.

How to Make Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Step 1: Prep Protein Powerhouse

Grab your slow cooker and toss in sliced sausage and chunked chicken. Make sure the meat pieces are bite-sized for easy eating.

Step 2: Add Veggie Medley

• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Celery
• Garlic cloves

Sprinkle them over the meat in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Uncooked rice
• Cajun seasoning
• Thyme
• Bay leaf
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything until well combined and evenly distributed.

Step 4: Slow Cook Magic

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.

The goal is tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice.

Step 5: Seafood Finale

About 30 minutes before serving, add fresh shrimp to the mix.

Gently stir to integrate the seafood.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Remove the bay leaf and fluff the jambalaya with a fork.

Sprinkle chopped green onions and fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming jambalaya into bowls and serve immediately.

This hearty one-pot meal is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Tips for Slow Cooker Jambalaya Success

• Slice sausage and chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and better flavor distribution.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance, adding more or less based on personal preference.
• Add shrimp only during the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, juicy texture.
• Let jambalaya rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow rice to fully absorb remaining liquid and enhance overall taste.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months, reheating gently to preserve moisture and flavor.

Variations on Slow Cooker Jambalaya

• Seafood Lover's Jambalaya: Replace chicken with extra shrimp and add crab meat for a richer seafood experience.
• Vegetarian Power Jambalaya: Swap meats with plant-based sausage, add extra bell peppers, mushrooms, and black beans for protein.
• Spicy Creole Kick: Increase Cajun seasoning, add chopped jalapeños, and mix in hot sauce for heat lovers.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining traditional flavors.

Pairing Suggestions for Slow Cooker Jambalaya

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, spicy flavors of jambalaya, creating a refreshing balance on the palate.
• Complement with Cool Beer: Choose a light, hoppy craft beer like a wheat ale or Louisiana-brewed Abita Amber to enhance the Cajun dish's robust and zesty profile without overwhelming the meal.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Prepare a citrusy mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to provide a light, palate-cleansing contrast to the hearty and spicy jambalaya, adding freshness to the dining experience.

How to Store Slow Cooker Jambalaya

• Store leftover jambalaya in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled jambalaya to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture, and cover. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What is Jambalaya?

A traditional Louisiana Creole dish that combines meat, vegetables, and rice, originating from the French Quarter of New Orleans, featuring a mix of proteins like chicken, sausage, and shrimp.

• Can I use different meats in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap chicken for turkey, use andouille or smoked sausage, or even add different seafood like crawfish to customize your jambalaya.

• Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?

Cajun seasoning varies in heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less seasoning and adjust to taste, or use a mild version that provides flavor without intense heat.

Slow Cooker Jambalaya: Bold, Spicy, and Easy

• Streamline Meal Prep: Toss all ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work magic, creating a hands-off cooking experience that saves precious time and energy.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty proteins like chicken, sausage, and shrimp, this jambalaya delivers bold Cajun flavors that satisfy even the pickiest eaters and bring families together.
• One-Pot Wonder: Eliminate multiple pots and pans with this single-vessel recipe that combines proteins, vegetables, and rice into a delicious, complete meal without extensive cleanup.
• Flexible Cooking Options: Adaptable to different schedules, this recipe offers low and high cooking settings, allowing you to customize preparation based on your day's demands.

Slow Cooker Jambalaya Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy slow cooker jambalaya dances with Creole spirit, blending sausage, shrimp, and chicken in a rich, robust sauce. Hearty Louisiana flavors simmer effortlessly, inviting you to savor each bold, comforting bite of this classic southern feast.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 g) smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken broth
• 2 cups (340 g) long-grain rice
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Green onions
• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Layer sausage, chicken, vegetables, and aromatics into the slow cooker, creating a robust foundation for the jambalaya.
2. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients and sprinkle Cajun seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper to infuse deep, spicy flavors throughout the dish.
3. Incorporate diced tomatoes and rice, ensuring even distribution of ingredients for consistent cooking.
4. Set slow cooker to low temperature and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 6-7 hours, or use high setting for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes fully cooked and rice reaches tender consistency.
5. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, introduce shrimp to the slow cooker, stirring carefully to prevent breaking delicate seafood.
6. Eliminate bay leaf, which has imparted its aromatic essence during cooking, and gently separate rice grains with a fork to create a fluffy texture.
7. Transfer jambalaya to serving dishes, garnishing with freshly chopped green onions and parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.
8. Serve immediately while hot, allowing the rich, complex flavors to tantalize taste buds.

Notes

• Use andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor, but substitute with smoked turkey sausage for a lighter option if desired.
• Ensure chicken is cut into uniform chunks to guarantee even cooking throughout the dish.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular rice with cauliflower rice or use certified gluten-free rice to maintain the recipe’s texture and taste.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling the amount of added salt, perfect for those watching their salt intake.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg