Easy Slow Cooker Jambalaya Recipe – Flavorful One-Pot Meal
This Easy Slow Cooker Jambalaya is a flavorful and hearty one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, smoky sausage, and juicy shrimp, each bite is loaded with Creole spices that bring the dish to life. First, everything comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld as it simmers throughout the day. Then, when you’re ready to eat, you'll be greeted with a comforting bowl of rice, vegetables, and meats that are perfectly cooked. Best of all, this jambalaya is simple to prepare, making it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Whether you're feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress.
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
- Effortless Preparation – Everything is tossed into the slow cooker, making it super easy with minimal hands-on time.
- Bold Creole Flavors – The perfect blend of spices gives this jambalaya a rich and authentic taste.
- One-Pot Convenience – Less cleanup and all the flavors develop in one pot, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Versatile Ingredients – You can easily swap proteins or adjust spices to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – This dish stores and reheats well, so it’s great for leftovers or prepping ahead of time.
- Crowd-Pleasing – A hearty and filling meal that’s sure to satisfy a group, whether for a family dinner or a party.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken – Tender, juicy chicken adds protein and soaks up the Creole flavors.
- Smoked Sausage – Adds a smoky, savory depth that balances the spices.
- Shrimp – Plump and juicy, shrimp provides a seafood element that completes the dish.
- Bell Peppers – Colorful and sweet, they add texture and flavor to the jambalaya.
- Onions – Essential for the base, giving the dish a savory backbone.
- Celery – Adds crunch and rounds out the classic vegetable trio.
- Garlic – Aromatic and flavorful, garlic elevates the dish.
- Creole Seasoning – The star of the show, this seasoning brings bold and spicy flavors.
- Diced Tomatoes – Adds acidity and richness to the sauce.
- Rice – Soaks up all the delicious broth, making the dish hearty and filling.
- Chicken Broth – Helps cook the rice and enhances the overall flavor.
Chefs Helpful Tips
- Brown the Sausage First – For an extra layer of flavor, quickly brown the sausage in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Use Fresh Shrimp – If possible, opt for fresh shrimp to avoid overcooking. Add it towards the end of cooking for the best texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Rice – To prevent mushy rice, you can cook it separately and stir it into the jambalaya just before serving.
- Adjust the Spice Level – If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Creole seasoning or use a milder version.
- Customize the Protein – Feel free to swap the chicken, sausage, or shrimp for your favorite proteins, such as turkey sausage or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Meal Prep Tip – Jambalaya freezes well! Portion out leftovers and freeze for easy meals later on.
- Add Fresh Herbs – Stir in fresh parsley or green onions at the end for a bright, fresh finish.
Recipes To Try...
This Easy Slow Cooker Jambalaya is a flavorful and hearty one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, smoky sausage, and juicy shrimp, each bite is loaded with Creole spices that bring the dish to life. First, everything comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld as it simmers throughout the day. Then, when you’re ready to eat, you'll be greeted with a comforting bowl of rice, vegetables, and meats that are perfectly cooked. Best of all, this jambalaya is simple to prepare, making it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Whether you're feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress.
- 1 lbs chicken breast (450g, diced)
- 12 oz smoked sausage (340g,sliced)
- 1/2 lbs shrimp (225g, peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup bell peppers (160g, diced, use a mix of colors for variety)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can or 14.5oz diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice (285g)
- 2 cups chicken broth (475ml)
- 2 tbsp Creole seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning sausage)
- Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)
- Prepare the Ingredients
Dice the chicken, slice the sausage, and chop the vegetables (bell peppers, onion, and celery). Mince the garlic.
- Optional Step (Browning)
If desired, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the sausage for 2-3 minutes on each side, then set aside. This step adds extra flavor but is not necessary.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, combine the diced chicken, browned sausage (if browned), bell peppers, onion, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes (with juice), Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Stir everything together.
- Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Add Rice
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the rice. Continue cooking until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
- Add Shrimp
During the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, add the shrimp. Stir and cook just until the shrimp turns pink and is fully cooked.
- Season
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Rest
Let the jambalaya rest for about 5 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to settle.
- Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy!
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- Calories from Fat 150kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Cholesterol 140mg47%
- Sodium 1100mg46%
- Potassium 750mg22%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 30g60%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.