Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Name: Slow Cooker Jambalaya
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489500H23M17S
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 cubed chicken breasts (skinless, boneless); 1 pound sliced chicken sausage; 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes; 1 large chopped onion; 2 stalks thinly sliced celery; 1 finely chopped red bell pepper; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice; 1 pound raw shrimp

Posted on October 4, 2025

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Slow Cooker Jambalaya is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. This one-pot wonder combines chicken, turkey sausage, and shrimp with a medley of bold spices and fresh vegetables, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. With just 10 minutes of prep time, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: Enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort thanks to the slow cooking method.
Flavorful Ingredients: A blend of spices and fresh vegetables ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Versatile Dish: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends.
Hearty and Satisfying: This jambalaya is loaded with protein from chicken and shrimp, keeping you full and satisfied.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Slow Cooker Jambalaya, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that simplify the cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Slow cooker
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing spoon

Why These Tools Matter

Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully while you’re busy with other tasks.
Chef’s knife: Ensures precise chopping of vegetables, making preparation quick and easy.
Measuring cups and spoons: Guarantees accurate ingredient measurements for perfect results every time.

Ingredients

For the Jambalaya

2 cubed chicken breasts (skinless, boneless)
1 pound sliced chicken chicken chicken chicken andouille sausage
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 large chopped onion
2 stalks thinly sliced celery
1 finely chopped red bell pepper
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice (see notes)
1 pound raw shrimp (13-15 count)

How to Make Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Add the following ingredients into your slow cooker:
1. 2 cubed chicken breasts
2. 1 pound sliced chicken chicken chicken chicken andouille sausage
3. 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
4. 1 large chopped onion
5. 2 stalks thinly sliced celery
6. 1 finely chopped red bell pepper
7. 2 cups chicken broth
8. 1 tablespoon tomato paste
9. ½ teaspoon dried thyme
10. 2 teaspoons dried oregano
11. 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
12. ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 2: Set Your Slow Cooker

Set your slow cooker to low for 7–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. This allows the flavors to develop fully as everything cooks together.

Step 3: Add Rice

One hour before cooking is complete, add in 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice. Stir well to ensure it’s evenly distributed in the mixture.

Step 4: Incorporate Shrimp

In the last 15 minutes of cooking, gently fold in the 1 pound of raw shrimp. Allow them to cook until they’re pink and opaque.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is cooked through, serve your delicious Slow Cooker Jambalaya hot. Enjoy this hearty dish as is or with a side salad for a complete meal!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Serving Slow Cooker Jambalaya is all about enhancing its rich flavors and making it a delightful experience for your guests. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, crunchy texture.
Fresh Parsley: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and flavor enhancement.

Pair with Crusty Bread

Sourdough Bread: Serve slices of sourdough to soak up the delicious broth.
Garlic Bread: Offer warm garlic bread for a tasty side that complements the spices in the jambalaya.

Add a Side Salad

Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a crisp contrast to the hearty jambalaya.
Coleslaw: Serve tangy coleslaw to balance the richness of the dish.

Serve with Hot Sauce

Cajun Hot Sauce: Provide a selection of hot sauces for guests who enjoy extra heat.
Chili Flakes: Offer chili flakes on the side for those who want just a bit more spice.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Jambalaya involves attention to detail and a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken make a significant difference in flavor.
Adjust Spices Carefully: Taste as you go; adjust spices according to your preference for heat and flavor intensity.
Layer Ingredients Wisely: Place rice on top of other ingredients in the slow cooker for even cooking and absorption of flavors.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking times based on your slow cooker model; adjust if needed to prevent overcooking.
Add Shrimp Last: Incorporate shrimp during the last 15 minutes of cooking for tender, juicy results without overcooking.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your Slow Cooker Jambalaya experience. Here are some delicious options that pair well with this flavorful dish.

Cornbread: Sweet, buttery cornbread complements the spicy jambalaya perfectly.
Fried Plantains: Crispy fried plantains add sweetness and crunch, balancing the bold flavors.
Rice Pilaf: Lightly seasoned rice pilaf provides a simple, fluffy contrast to the hearty jambalaya.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies enhance nutrition and add vibrant colors to your meal.
Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad offers a cool, refreshing side that contrasts well with spicy dishes.
Grilled Asparagus: Tender grilled asparagus adds a healthy touch with its smoky flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Jambalaya, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Skipping the seasoning: Many people forget to season their dish properly. Make sure to use enough spices like Cajun seasoning and dried herbs for that authentic flavor.
Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Add them in the last 15 minutes of cooking to keep them tender.
Not stirring before cooking: Failing to stir your ingredients can lead to uneven cooking. Always mix everything well in the slow cooker before setting it to cook.
Using the wrong rice: Using quick-cooking rice will not yield the best results. Stick with long-grain rice for perfect texture and flavor.
Neglecting prep time: Rushing through prep can result in chopped vegetables that are too large or uneven. Take your time to chop everything uniformly for even cooking.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Allow the jambalaya to cool before sealing it in containers.

Freezing Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Freeze in portions using freezer-safe bags or containers.
It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed, and stir until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for chicken sausage in Slow Cooker Jambalaya?

You can use turkey sausage or any other poultry-based sausage. They will provide similar flavors without losing authenticity.

Can I make Slow Cooker Jambalaya vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the meat with additional vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I know when Slow Cooker Jambalaya is done?

The dish is ready when all proteins are fully cooked, and the rice is tender. The total time should be around 7-8 hours on low.

Can I add more vegetables to my Slow Cooker Jambalaya?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, corn, or green beans according to your preference for added nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Jambalaya is a delightful meal that combines bold flavors with convenience. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your taste preferences. Whether you stick with chicken or explore other proteins, this recipe promises satisfaction with minimal effort. Give it a try today!