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Slow Cooker Jambalaya Recipe

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4.2 from 1 review

This Slow Cooker Jambalaya recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot Cajun dish featuring tender chicken, spicy andouille sausage, fresh vegetables, and succulent shrimp simmered to perfection with rice in a blend of aromatic spices and tomato broth. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Proteins

  • 2 cubed chicken breasts (skinless, boneless)
  • 1 pound sliced andouille sausage
  • 1 pound raw shrimp (13-15 count)

Vegetables

  • 1 large chopped onion
  • 2 stalks thinly sliced celery
  • 1 finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes

Liquids and Staples

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice

Spices and Seasonings

  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: Place cubed chicken breasts, sliced andouille sausage, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, sliced celery, chopped red bell pepper, chicken broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried oregano, Cajun seasoning, and cayenne pepper into the slow cooker. Stir everything together well to evenly distribute the spices and mix the ingredients.
  2. Cook Base Mixture: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Allow the mixture to cook for 7-8 hours, or use high heat and cook for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking infuses all the flavors deeply into the dish.
  3. Add Rice: About one hour before the total cooking time is complete, stir in the uncooked long-grain rice. This step allows the rice to cook and absorb the flavorful broth without becoming mushy.
  4. Add Shrimp: In the final 15 minutes of cooking, add the raw shrimp to the slow cooker. This ensures the shrimp cooks just enough to be tender and juicy without overcooking.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cooking is finished, give the jambalaya a good stir and serve it hot. Enjoy this comforting and authentic Cajun meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.

Notes

  • Use long-grain rice for the best texture as it holds up well during slow cooking without becoming overly sticky.
  • You can adjust the level of cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
  • Andouille sausage adds authentic smoky flavor, but you can substitute with another smoked sausage if preferred.
  • Ensure shrimp is peeled and deveined for ease of eating.
  • If you want a thicker stew-like consistency, cook uncovered in the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.