Savor the bold, spicy flavors of the South with this easy Slow Cooker Jambalaya.
Packed with Cajun seasoning, andouille sausage, shrimp, and chicken, this classic comfort dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
The slow cooker does the work for you, delivering a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort—ideal for busy days.
This Slow Cooker Jambalaya is the perfect choice for an easy, flavor-packed meal. Simply add the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it do the work.
A mix of vibrant bell peppers, onions, and jalapeños blends seamlessly with the proteins, creating a rich, spiced rice dish. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe delivers a satisfying, comforting meal every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 package smoked sausage (such as andouille or chorizo), sliced into ¼-inch pieces
- ½ pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 large boneless, skinless chicken thigh, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 bell peppers (a mix of green, red, and orange), diced
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 2 serrano peppers, seeds and stems removed, diced
- 1 ½ cups uncooked jasmine rice
- 2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 ½ tablespoons Creole seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- Chopped green onions or fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Base: Lightly grease a slow cooker. Add the sausage, chicken, bell peppers, onion, serrano peppers, chicken broth, tomatoes, garlic, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine.
Step 2: Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours.
Step 3: Add Rice: Stir in the jasmine rice and continue cooking for another 1–2 hours, or until the rice is tender and absorbs the flavors.
Step 4: Finish with Shrimp: About 20 minutes before serving, add the shrimp, stir, cover, and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the shrimp is opaque and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve: Stir well, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 6 hours
- Serving: 6 servings
- Equipment: Slow Cooker
Expert Tips for the Best Jambalaya
- Layer for Flavor: Arrange the sausage, chicken, and vegetables first, then add the broth and spices to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Rice Timing: Stir in the rice during the last few hours to keep it from getting mushy.
- Control the Heat: Adjust spiciness by adding jalapeños—two for mild, three for extra kick.
- Perfect Shrimp: Mix in the shrimp during the final 20 minutes for the best texture.
- Finishing Touch: