Description
Hearty slow cooker jambalaya offers a spicy Louisiana classic packed with shrimp, sausage, and chicken. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, delivering authentic Creole comfort you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 chicken breasts (skinless, boneless, cut into chunks)
- 1 pound (454 grams) andouille sausage (links sliced)
- 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp (13–15 count)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 2 stalks celery (thinly sliced)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (28 ounces / 794 grams)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Base and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) rice
- 2 cups (474 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Blend chicken, sausage, bell peppers, onions, celery, tomatoes, garlic, and cajun seasoning in the slow cooker, ensuring thorough mixing for even flavor distribution.
- Cover and program slow cooker to low temperature setting, allowing ingredients to simmer and meld together for 7-8 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours.
- Approximately 60 minutes before cooking completion, gently fold uncooked rice into the simmering mixture, ensuring grains are fully submerged and absorb surrounding flavors.
- During final 15 minutes of cooking, delicately incorporate raw shrimp, positioning them atop the mixture to ensure they cook evenly without becoming rubbery.
- Check that shrimp turn opaque and firm, signaling they are perfectly cooked and ready to be incorporated into the jambalaya.
- Optional: For separate rice preparation, transfer jambalaya to serving dishes and accompany with steamed rice on the side, allowing diners to customize their plate.
Notes
- Prevent Overcooking Shrimp by adding them in the final 15 minutes to maintain their tender, delicate texture and avoid turning rubbery.
- Customize Spice Levels by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning or hot sauce to suit your personal heat tolerance or family preferences.
- Accommodate Dietary Needs by swapping proteins like using chicken instead of sausage or making a vegetarian version with plant-based alternatives and extra vegetables.
- Enhance Flavor Depth by using homemade or high-quality stock instead of store-bought, which can significantly boost the overall taste of the jambalaya.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Creole/Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg