Description
This Forgotten Jambalaya Crockpot Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy bold Louisiana flavors with minimal effort! A one-pot meal packed with tender chicken, smoky Andouille sausage, juicy shrimp, and perfectly seasoned rice, this slow-cooker jambalaya guarantees deep, robust flavors without constant stirring. Whether you prefer the Creole (red) or Cajun (brown) version, this easy crockpot adaptation makes a delicious, hearty meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
- Protein:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 12 oz Andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined (optional)
- Vegetables:
- 2 cups bell peppers, diced (use red & green for color)
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- Liquids & Broth:
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- Seasonings & Spices:
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves (remove before serving)
- Rice:
- 1.5 cups uncooked long-grain rice
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the sausage into thin rounds.
- Chop the bell peppers, celery, and onion.
- Mince garlic.
- Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot:
- Add the chicken, sausage, bell peppers, celery, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Add Liquids & Stir:
- Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth.
- Stir gently to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce (if using).
- Slow Cook for Maximum Flavor:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- The slow cooking process enhances flavors while keeping the meat tender.
- Add Rice & Shrimp (Last 30 Minutes):
- Stir in the uncooked rice and shrimp during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Continue cooking until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.
- 💡 Pro Tip: If rice absorbs too much liquid, add an extra ¼ to ½ cup of broth.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Adjust seasoning with extra Cajun seasoning or hot sauce, if needed.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete Southern meal.
Notes
- Moisture Adjustment:
- If too dry: Add ½ cup extra broth.
- If too wet: Cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce liquid.
- For Extra Spice:
- Use spicy Andouille sausage and add extra cayenne pepper.
- Vegetarian Option:
- Replace meat with kidney beans, mushrooms, or jackfruit.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Keto-Friendly Version:
- Swap rice for cauliflower rice (add in the last 10 minutes).
- Increase sausage & shrimp to keep it filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Cuisine: Southern, Cajun, Creole
Nutrition
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g