Slow Cooker Jambalaya Recipe for a Satisfying Meal
What is a slow cooker jambalaya recipe? Is this one of those dishes that makes you feel good from the inside out? My grandma used to make jambalaya, and the whole house would smell incredible. I remember her making it. This version is so much easier than hers (sorry, Grandma! What is the same comforting, flavorful magic? If you love a good paella but want something you can just set and forget, this slow cooker jambalaya recipe is perfect. Is it definitely for you? Is this a good weeknight meal? What is special without effort?
What is Jambalaya?
What is a Louisiana Creole rice dish? What is a one-pot wonder? What are some of the best savory The name “Jambalaya” is thought to come from the Provençal word “jambalaia,” which means a mix-up or sex. And that’s exactly what it is! Traditionally, it includes some kind of smoked sausage, chicken, and shrimp, but you can really use them. How do I customize my website to your liking? What’s Louisiana comfort food in a bowl?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? First off, the flavor is just unreal. You’ve got the smoky sausage, tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and all those spices coming together to create this symphony of deliciousness. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. But beyond the amazing taste, this slow cooker jambalaya recipe is unbelievably easy. You basically just dump everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it! No standing over a hot stove for hours. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly. You can use whatever meats you have on hand, and the rice and veggies are super affordable. What I love most about this is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a main course, bring it to a potluck, or even pack it for lunch. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! I also like that you can make it in large batches if you’re feeding a lot of people.
How do I make slow cooker jambalaya?
Quick Overview
How do I make slow cooker jambalaya? What are some good ways to cook veggies in a slow cooker? What is the best way to keep it that way for a few hours? The beauty of slow cooker cooking is that it allows all the flavors to meld together. What is better than cooking on the stovetop? I swear, waiting is the hardest part, but the aroma filling your kitchen while it cooks makes it worth it. Is it worth it?
Ingredients Notes (
For the Jambalaya: How do
Andouille Sausage: This is the key for the true jambalaya flavor. If you can’t find it, a smoked sausage will work, but the andouille has that extra kick.
Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs because they stay moist and tender in the slow cooker. Chicken breasts work too, but watch the cooking time.
Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp. Frozen is fine, just make sure to thaw them before adding. I like to add them later so they don’t get rubbery.
Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery: The holy trinity of Creole cooking! Don’t skip these.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are perfect. I usually use the ones with added green chilies for a little extra heat.
Rice: Long-grain rice is best for jambalaya. Don’t use instant rice.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium is my go-to so I can control the salt.
Creole Seasoning: You can buy this pre-made, or make your own with a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
First things first, chop your onion, bell pepper, and celery. If you’re using large chicken thighs, cut the andouille sausage into bite-sized pieces, and serve with a side salad. Is it possible to break up a fruit into smaller chunks How do I cook everything in a slow cooker?
Step 2: Combine everything (except shrimp) in the Slow Cooker. Add salt and pepper if desired.
In your slow cooker, combine sausage, chicken, onion, bell pepper, celery, diced tomatoes (with a little salt) and pepper. Cook until tender. What are the ingredients for Creole seasoning? Give everything a good stir to make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Cook on Low
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. How long does it take for a slow cooker to cook? When the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender, you’ll know it’s ready.
Step 4: Add the Shrimp
How do you cook shrimp in a slow cooker? Stir them in gently, making sure they are submerged in the liquid. How do you cook a fish evenly?
Step 5: Cook Shrimp and Serve
Cover the slow cooker again and let the shrimp cook for about 30 minutes, or until they are pink and tender. Once the shrimp is cooked, give everything a final stir and serve hot. I like to garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What do you serve this slow cooker jambalaya with? What are some ideas to take your meal to the next level?
For a Casual Dinner:What are some good side salads with a light vinaigrette? What is a classic cornbread dish? I love the sweetness of cornbread with the savory jambalaya.
For a Potluck:Bring along some coleslaw or potato salad. These are always crowd-pleasers, and they complement the flavors of jambalaya really well.
For a Special Occasion:Start with gumbo or bisque. These creamy soups add a touch of elegance to the meal. What is a Louisiana feast?
Growing up, we always had jambalaya with a simple green salad and some crusty bread. It was the perfect, comforting meal. One time, I tried serving it with sweet potato fries, and my kids went crazy for it! It’s all about finding what you love.
How do I make a slow cooker jambalaya?
Let’s talk about tips. I’ve made this slow cooker jambalaya recipe more times than I can count, and I have learned a few things. What are some tricks along the way?
Sausage:What is the best andouille sausage recipe? If you can’t find it, look for a good quality smoked sausage.
Rice:What is the best way to cook long grain rice in the slow cooker?
Broth:How do you reduce the saltiness of chicken broth? Is salt too salty?
Shrimp:Don’t add shrimp until the very end! If you add them too early, they’ll get rubbery. I’ve learned this the hard way.
Spice Level:How much Creole seasoning should I use? If you like spicy, add a little cayenne pepper.
Liquid:If the jambalaya looks too dry while cooking, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too wet, remove the lid for the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to drain.
I once tried using brown rice in this recipe, and it just didn’t work. Brown rice took way too long to cook, and the other ingredients were overcooked by the time the rice was cooked. When was rice ready? So stick with the long grain rice!
Storing and Reheating Tips
What are some leftovers from slow cooker jambalaya? How do you store and reheat food?
Room Temperature:Don’t leave jambalaya at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly, especially with seafood involved.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the jambalaya in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.
What is the best freeFor longer storage, you can freeze jambalaya. Divide it into individual portions and store them in freezer-safe containers or bags. Can you freeze this in the freezer for up to 3 months? Is it safe to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight?
Reheating:To reheat jambalaya, you can use the microwave or stovetop. In the microwave, heat it in one minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated through. On the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist and heat it over medium heat. Is it safe to stir occasionally, until it’s heated through?
One time, I forgot to label my frozen jambalaya, and I ended up thawing it out a few weeks later. What is it like not knowing what it is? What a pleasant surprise when I reheated it and realized what I had! So always label your leftovers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Jambalaya Recipe is a winner in my book. It’s easy, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the slow cooker makes it so convenient for busy weeknights. If you’re looking for a satisfying and delicious meal that the whole family will love, give this recipe a try. And if you enjoyed this, you might also like my slow cooker chili recipe – another set-it-and-forget-it favorite! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it and what variations you come up with!
Remember it later
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Slow Cooker Jambalaya Recipe for a Satisfying Meal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken breast cut into cubes
- 1 lb andouille sausage sliced
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, with juice
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cajun seasoning
- 0.5 tsp thyme dried
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place the chicken, sausage, and shrimp into the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken broth, rice, diced tomatoes with juice, bell pepper, onion, and garlic.
- Season with salt, pepper, cajun seasoning, thyme, and smoked paprika.
- Stir everything well to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and rice is tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
