Slow Cooker Jambalaya
Introduction
Few dishes deliver a burst of Louisiana flavor as effortlessly as Slow Cooker Jambalaya. This one-pot wonder combines smoky sausage, juicy chicken, plump shrimp, and tender rice with bold spices for a true taste of New Orleans—all slow-cooked to perfection without the fuss. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, jambalaya’s aromatic, hearty, and deeply savory notes make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why Slow Cooker Jambalaya Stands Out
What makes this recipe uniquely appealing is the way the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into layers of complex Cajun flavor—no need to hover over the stove. Each component melds together, resulting in a low-stress meal that’s both comforting and vibrant.
With sausage, shrimp, and chicken in one satisfying pot, jambalaya also offers something for everyone, making it a favorite for families and entertaining alike.
The Essentials: Chopping and Prep Tips
Success in jambalaya often starts with the “Holy Trinity” of Cajun cooking—onion, bell pepper, and celery. For speedy, uniform chopping, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper is a game changer, ensuring quick prep and even cooking.
Use a sturdy cutting board to handle smoked sausage and chicken—try a Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 for an eco-friendly, durable option that works great for proteins and veggies alike.
Building Flavor in the Slow Cooker
After prepping your vegetables and proteins, layer ingredients in your slow cooker so the flavors infuse throughout the cooking process. Browning the sausage in a skillet first adds depth, but for a lighter prep, you can put everything straight into the pot.
For perfect seasoning, don’t hesitate to use a digital meat thermometer, like the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking, to ensure chicken pieces reach a safe temperature without overcooking.
How to Serve and Store Slow Cooker Jambalaya
Jambalaya is traditionally served hot and garnished with sliced green onions or fresh parsley. Present your meal in a handy, mess-free way for picnics or potlucks with the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green, perfect for storing and transporting leftovers.
For larger gatherings, consider laying out a Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack, White to keep clean-up a breeze—so you can focus on food and fun.
Nutritional Information and Yield
This jambalaya recipe serves about 6 people. Each hearty serving contains roughly 400–500 calories, depending on protein choices and any added rice. It’s packed with protein and lots of vegetables, making it filling and satisfying!
Simplified, Flavor-Packed Slow Cooker Jambalaya (Recap)
Slow Cooker Jambalaya brings you the rustic, spicy heart of Cajun cooking with effortless prep and maximum flavor. It’s a robust, festive meal that practically cooks itself and will have your kitchen smelling incredible.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the onion, bell peppers, and celery using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick, even dicing. Slice sausage on a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Board.
- For best flavor, brown sausage in a skillet with olive oil for 2–3 minutes before transferring to the slow cooker, but you can skip for ease. Add chicken pieces, diced veggies, minced garlic, and all seasonings.
- Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 4½–5 hours (or HIGH for 2½–3 hours).
- Add uncooked rice and stir gently into the mixture. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30–40 minutes, until rice is tender.
- Stir in shrimp during the last 10 minutes of cooking, cover, and cook until they turn opaque and pink.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with green onion and parsley. Store extra jambalaya in the Bentgo Salad Container for easy leftovers.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours (including rice and shrimp steps)
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Slow Cooker Jambalaya: The Best of Louisiana, Made Easy
With your favorite proteins and a medley of vegetables, this set-it-and-forget-it Slow Cooker Jambalaya brings a crowd-pleasing punch to your dinner table with minimal work—so you can enjoy a new comfort food classic any day of the week.