Sizzling Slow Cooker Jambalaya Recipe: Cozy Cajun Magic

Weeknight dinners just got more exciting with this slow cooker jambalaya that brings Louisiana’s vibrant culinary spirit right to your kitchen.

Spicy sausage, tender chicken, and plump shrimp mingle together in a rich, aromatic sauce that promises comfort and flavor.

Every bite tells a story of New Orleans’ incredible food traditions.

The magic happens effortlessly inside your trusty slow cooker, blending complex seasonings without requiring constant attention.

Fresh ingredients and bold spices create a meal that feels like a celebration on your plate.

Peppers, onions, and rice absorb the incredible depth of Creole-inspired seasonings throughout the cooking process.

You’ll want to savor every single remarkable spoonful of this classic Southern dish that turns an ordinary evening into a delicious adventure.

Slow Cooker Jambalaya That Brings the Heat

• This jambalaya recipe transforms complex Creole cuisine into a hands-off meal, letting you toss ingredients and walk away while the slow cooker works its magic.
• By searing meats first and then combining everything in the slow cooker, you'll develop deep, rich flavors without standing over the stove for hours.
• Using affordable proteins like chicken and sausage with simple pantry ingredients means delicious dining without breaking the bank.
• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and game day gatherings, this jambalaya satisfies hungry crowds with its hearty, spicy Louisiana-style goodness.

What You’ll Need for Flavor-Packed Jambalaya

• Chicken: A tender, lean protein that absorbs the rich Cajun flavors and provides hearty texture.
• Andouille Sausage: Spicy Cajun sausage that adds smoky depth and traditional Louisiana flavor.

• Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic base for the jambalaya with classic Cajun foundation.
• Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetable that brings fresh crunch and mild sweetness to the dish.
• Celery: Classic Cajun trinity vegetable that offers subtle earthy undertones.
• Garlic: Intense flavor enhancer that adds robust aromatic element to the jambalaya.

• Olive Oil: Used for initial searing to develop rich, caramelized flavors in meats.
• Cajun Seasoning: Signature spice blend that gives authentic Louisiana-style heat and complexity.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture, tanginess, and helps create jambalaya's signature sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base for slow cooking and helps tenderize ingredients.
• Rice: Traditional starch that absorbs all the delicious flavors and creates hearty meal base.

How to Cook Classic Jambalaya Low and Slow

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Meats

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and sausage slices, letting them sear until they develop a golden-brown crust. This process should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once beautifully caramelized, transfer the meats to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Chop and Sauté Aromatics

• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Celery

Toss them into the same skillet where you browned the meats. Sauté until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. The residual oils and browned bits will add extra depth of flavor.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Minced garlic
• Cajun seasoning
• Dried thyme
• Paprika

Stir and cook for an additional minute to release their aromatic oils and intensify the spice profile.

Step 4: Combine and Layer Ingredients

• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Worcestershire sauce

Step 5: Add Rice and Seafood

Sprinkle uncooked long-grain rice over the mixture. Just before serving, stir in raw shrimp, allowing them to cook gently in the hot liquid.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low setting for 6-7 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process will meld all the flavors together, creating a rich and hearty jambalaya.

Step 7: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy this classic Louisiana-style one-pot meal.

Tips for Perfect Rice, Sausage, and Shrimp

• Sear for Maximum Flavor: Browning chicken and sausage before slow cooking creates a deeper, richer taste profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Smart Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option that still maintains the jambalaya's classic spicy character.
• Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to customize the spice level for different taste preferences or family members.
• Rice Timing Matters: Add rice during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect texture and moisture.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions just before serving to add brightness and fresh flavor to the hearty dish.

Storage Tips for Keeping Jambalaya Just Right

• Store leftover jambalaya in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled jambalaya into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining flavor and texture.
• Transfer refrigerated jambalaya to a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through completely.
• Place jambalaya in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until steaming hot throughout.

What to Serve with This Spicy Louisiana Favorite

• Select a robust Zinfandel or Syrah that matches the spicy, rich flavors of jambalaya, cutting through the dish's complex protein and seasoning profile.
• Choose a light, refreshing beer like Abita Amber or Dixie Lager from Louisiana to balance the dish's heat and provide a clean, palate-cleansing effect.
• Mix a classic Hurricane or Sazerac cocktail to echo the New Orleans roots of jambalaya, offering a bright, zesty counterpoint to the hearty meal.
• Prepare a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to add freshness and cut through the dish's richness, providing a light contrast to the spicy, dense jambalaya.

Ingredient Swaps for Jambalaya Recipes

• Vegetarian Jambalaya: Replace chicken and sausage with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for robust flavor and texture.
• Seafood Jambalaya: Swap chicken and sausage with shrimp, crawfish, or a mix of seafood. Reduce cooking time to prevent seafood from becoming tough and rubbery.
• Low-Carb Jambalaya: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use lean proteins like chicken breast and turkey sausage to keep the dish light and nutritious.
• Gluten-Free Jambalaya: Ensure all ingredients like sausage and seasonings are gluten-free. Use gluten-free rice and check labels for potential cross-contamination.

Slow Cooker Jambalaya Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Louisiana’s hearty slow cooker jambalaya melds spicy sausage, tender chicken, and plump shrimp into a rich one-pot marvel. Rich layers of Creole seasonings and robust ingredients create a soulful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, diced
• 12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille or kielbasa)
• 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 oz or 400 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 cup (180 g) uncooked long-grain rice (optional, if cooking in the slow cooker)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Caramelize chicken and sausage in a hot skillet, creating a rich golden exterior that locks in savory flavors, then transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
2. Layer diced onions, bell peppers, and celery into the slow cooker, creating a aromatic foundation for the classic Creole dish.
3. Pour crushed tomatoes over the vegetable and meat base, ensuring even distribution throughout the cooking vessel.
4. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, and herbs like thyme and oregano across the ingredients to infuse deep, complex flavor profiles.
5. Carefully add uncooked rice to the mixture, gently stirring to incorporate without disturbing the layered ingredients.
6. Pour chicken broth over the entire composition, allowing liquid to permeate through all layers without fully submerging the components.
7. Cover and set slow cooker to low heat, allowing the jambalaya to simmer and meld flavors for 6-7 hours, or until rice is tender and proteins are perfectly cooked.
8. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, fold in raw shrimp, which will gently poach in the rich, spicy liquid.
9. Once cooking is complete, fluff the rice and gently stir to distribute all ingredients evenly, creating a harmonious blend of New Orleans-inspired cuisine.
10. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot, allowing the vibrant colors and robust aromas to entice your dining companions.

Notes

• Adjust meat browning time based on thickness to ensure even caramelization without overcooking, which maintains juicy textures.
• Select spicy or mild sausage depending on personal heat preference, allowing customization of the jambalaya’s overall flavor profile.
• Consider using bone-in chicken thighs for richer taste and more tender meat compared to chicken breasts, which can dry out more easily.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate overnight to enhance the depth of spices and allow flavors to meld together before slow cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Cajun/Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg