Slow Cooker Jambalaya: Easy, Flavorful Creole Comfort Food

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Get ready for a hearty, spicy, and deeply flavorful Creole classic made simple! This Slow Cooker Jambalaya delivers all the authentic taste of traditional jambalaya with minimal effort—just set it and forget it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ One-pot wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
✅ Customizable heat – Make it mild or fiery
✅ Feeds a crowd – Perfect for parties or meal prep
✅ Authentic taste – Packed with Creole spices and smoky depth

Ingredients & Substitutions

Protein (Pick 2-3)

  • 1 lb chicken thighs, diced
  • 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
  • ½ lb shrimp, peeled & deveined (add last 30 mins)

Veggies & Aromatics

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp Creole seasoning (like Tony Chachere’s)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 bay leaf

Rice

  • 1½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Meats (Optional but Recommended)

  1. Sear sausage in a skillet until browned, then transfer to slow cooker.
  2. Brown chicken in the same pan (2-3 mins per side), then add to cooker.

2. Layer Ingredients

  1. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic to slow cooker.
  2. Pour in tomatoes, broth, and all spices. Stir well.

3. Cook

✔ Low heat: 6-7 hours
✔ High heat: 3-4 hours

4. Add Rice & Shrimp

  1. 30 mins before serving, stir in rice.
  2. 15 mins before serving, add shrimp.

5. Finish & Serve

✔ Discard bay leaf.
✔ Adjust salt/heat to taste.
✔ Garnish with green onions and hot sauce!

Pro Tips

🍚 Rice Texture – For firmer rice, reduce liquid by ¼ cup.
🔥 Extra Spice – Add sliced jalapeños or more cayenne.
🦐 Shrimp Tip – Use large shrimp to prevent overcooking.

Variations

🐄 Cajun-Style – Add smoked brisket or tasso ham.
🌱 Vegetarian – Use mushrooms, kidney beans & veggie broth.
🍗 Chicken & Sausage Only – Skip shrimp for a simpler version.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but add ½ cup extra broth and cook longer.

How long does it keep?

3-4 days refrigerated (shrimp tastes best fresh).

Can I freeze it?

Yes (without shrimp), up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Jambalaya brings Big Easy flavor to your kitchen with zero fuss! Perfect for Mardi Gras, game day, or anytime you crave bold Creole taste

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