Jambalaya is one of those dishes that instantly fills your kitchen with the soulful aroma of the South. It’s a vibrant medley of meat, seafood, spices, and vegetables—hearty enough to satisfy a crowd and simple enough to make on a weeknight, especially when your slow cooker does the heavy lifting. This recipe takes the traditional bold flavors of jambalaya and adapts them for the convenience of a slow cooker. With tender chunks of chicken, smoky slices of sausage, sweet shrimp, and a rich tomato base infused with Cajun seasoning, each bite delivers a balance of spice and comfort. What makes this version special is that it requires almost no effort—just toss the ingredients in and let time do the work. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for an easy dinner party, this dish brings people together around the table. It can be served over freshly cooked rice or include the rice during the last hour of slow cooking for an all-in-one meal. Either way, the result is deliciously warming and deeply satisfying.
Servings: Makes approximately 6 hearty servings
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped
1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 large onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
2 cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup uncooked rice (optional, see notes)
1 pound large shrimp (13-15 count), peeled and deveined
Instructions
Place all ingredients—except for the shrimp and rice—into your slow cooker. Stir to combine. Cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. If using uncooked rice, add it to the slow cooker one hour before the cooking time ends and stir in well. In the final 15 minutes, add the shrimp and allow them to cook until pink and opaque. Serve hot as-is or over cooked rice, depending on preference.
Notes
You can choose to cook the rice separately and serve the jambalaya over it to maintain a firmer texture, or add it directly to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.
Nutritional and Dietary Notes
This jambalaya is protein-rich from the combination of chicken, sausage, and shrimp. It offers a range of vegetables for fiber and nutrients, while the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper give it a spicy kick. It’s not ideal for low-sodium or low-fat diets due to the sausage and seasoning content. Also, it’s not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Gluten-free if your sausage and broth are certified gluten-free.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring
Tried this slow cooker jambalaya? We’d love to hear what you think! Share your twist—did you spice it up more or swap in different veggies? Drop a comment and let others benefit from your kitchen creativity. Sharing your experience helps build a flavorful, helpful community of food lovers!