Description
This Slow Cooker Jambalaya Recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, spicy andouille sausage, fresh shrimp, vegetables, and aromatic Cajun spices. Perfect for a comforting dinner with minimal prep and easy slow cooking, this dish offers authentic Southern flavors and a satisfying blend of textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 pound andouille sausage links, sliced
- 1 pound raw shrimp (13-15 count)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
Liquids & Seasonings
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Grains
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add chicken, sausage, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, chicken broth, dried thyme, oregano, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and tomato paste into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients uniformly.
- Cook the Base Mixture: Set the slow cooker on low heat and cook for 7-8 hours or alternatively on high heat for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the proteins to tenderize.
- Add Rice: About one hour before the cooking time is complete, stir in the uncooked long grain rice, ensuring it is evenly distributed in the mixture.
- Add Shrimp: In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the raw shrimp and stir gently. This ensures the shrimp cooks perfectly without becoming tough.
- Serve: Once cooking is finished, serve the jambalaya hot for a warming and fulfilling meal.
Notes
- For spicier jambalaya, increase the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning to taste.
- You can substitute chicken sausage for andouille sausage if preferred.
- Ensure the slow cooker is large enough to hold all ingredients comfortably, at least a 6-quart model recommended.
- If your slow cooker cooks hotter or faster, adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking the rice or shrimp.
- For gluten-free version, confirm that the Cajun seasoning used does not contain gluten.
