Easy Crockpot Jambalaya Recipe

This Easy Crockpot Jambalaya is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal! Imagine tender chicken andouille sausage, shrimp, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered together in a rich and spicy broth with fluffy rice. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, thanks to the convenience of your slow cooker. Simply toss the ingredients in, set it, and forget it! You’ll come home to a delicious and authentic-tasting jambalaya that’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables, along with Creole seasoning and other spices, creates a delicious and aromatic jambalaya that’s bursting with flavor.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal active cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time. The slow cooker does most of the work for you!
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, saving you time and effort.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize the vegetables or add your favorite protein, such as sausage or ham, for a different twist.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Andouille sausage: Adds a spicy kick and smoky flavor to the jambalaya. You can substitute with a milder smoked sausage if you prefer less heat.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch pieces for quick cooking and even distribution in the jambalaya.
• Onion, celery, and green bell peppers: Chopped and adds a classic mirepoix flavor base to the dish.
• Garlic: Diced and adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and freshness to the jambalaya.
• Chicken broth: Adds flavor and forms the base of the cooking liquid. Use low-sodium or no-sodium broth for better control over the saltiness.
• Creole seasoning: Adds a blend of spices that’s characteristic of Cajun and Creole cuisine. You can use store-bought or make your own (see recipe notes for a homemade version).
• Dried oregano: Adds a slightly bitter and earthy flavor.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Add After Cooking

• Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, with tails removed or left on, depending on your preference. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp (thawed if frozen).
• Long-grain rice: A versatile rice that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
• Water: Used to cook the rice separately.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped and adds a pop of color and fresh flavor as a garnish (optional).

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Easy Crockpot Jambalaya

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

In your slow cooker, combine the sliced andouille sausage, chicken pieces, chopped onion, celery, bell peppers, garlic, undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Creole seasoning, oregano, and salt. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through. About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

About 20 minutes before serving, cook the rice. In a medium pot with a lid, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the rice and stir once. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Do not remove the lid while the rice is cooking. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Stir the cooked rice into the jambalaya in the slow cooker. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the rice to absorb any extra liquid. You can drain any excess liquid or add more broth if needed. Season the jambalaya to taste with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if using, and serve hot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Shrimp options: You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw frozen shrimp before adding it to the slow cooker. It’s traditional to serve the shrimp with the tails on, but you can remove them before cooking if you prefer.
• Sausage choice: Andouille sausage is traditional for jambalaya, but it can be quite spicy. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute with another type of smoked sausage.
• Make your own Creole seasoning: If you don’t have Creole seasoning on hand, you can easily make your own by grinding together paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (optional).
• Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker along with the onions, celery, and bell peppers, such as diced zucchini, corn, or chopped mushrooms.

How to Serve

This Easy Crockpot Jambalaya is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping and sopping up the flavorful broth.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the jambalaya.
• Hot Sauce: Offer hot sauce on the side for those who like extra spice.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Crockpot Jambalaya is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover jambalaya in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating, as the rice will absorb some of the liquid as it sits.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can! You can use brown rice, white rice, or even quinoa. Adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed.

2. Can I make this recipe without the shrimp?
Yes, you can! The shrimp adds a delicious seafood element, but you can omit it if you prefer.

3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Omit the sausage, chicken, and shrimp, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add chickpeas, lentils, or tofu for protein.

4. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Add more Creole seasoning, red pepper flakes, or a diced jalapeño to the slow cooker.

This Easy Crockpot Jambalaya Recipe is a flavorful and convenient way to enjoy a delicious and authentic Cajun-inspired meal. With its simple preparation, versatile ingredients, and hearty flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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