Delicious Slow Cooker Jambalaya (Print version)
Smoky slow cooker jambalaya with chicken, andouille sausage, shrimp, tomatoes, peppers and fluffy rice stirred in at the end.
# Ingredients:
For the jambalaya base
01 -
1 tablespoon olive oil, for browning the sausage (optional)
02 -
12 oz (340 g) andouille sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
03 -
1 1/2 lb (680 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
04 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 -
2 celery ribs, diced
06 -
1 green bell pepper, diced
07 -
1 red bell pepper, diced
08 -
4 garlic cloves, minced
09 -
1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
10 -
1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
11 -
1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun or Creole seasoning, plus more to taste
12 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 -
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
14 -
2 bay leaves
15 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
To finish
16 -
12 oz (340 g) raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined
17 -
4 cups (about 740 g) cooked long-grain white rice, warm or room temperature
18 -
2 scallions, thinly sliced
19 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
20 -
Hot sauce, for serving
21 -
Kosher salt, as needed
# Instructions:
01 -
If you have time, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the sausage for 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer it to a 6-quart slow cooker.
02 -
Add the chicken, onion, celery, bell peppers, garlic, diced tomatoes, broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaves and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
03 -
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3 1/2-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through to 165 F.
04 -
Stir in the shrimp during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. Cover and cook until the shrimp are pink, curled and opaque.
05 -
Remove and discard the bay leaves. Stir in the cooked rice gently, then let the jambalaya sit covered for 5 minutes so the rice absorbs some of the seasoned liquid.
06 -
Taste and add salt or more Cajun seasoning if needed. Top with scallions, parsley and hot sauce before serving.
# Good to know:
01 -
Use a 6-quart slow cooker for best results.
02 -
Cook the rice separately so it stays fluffy.
03 -
Choose gluten-free sausage and seasoning if cooking for a gluten-free table.