Slow Cooker Jambalaya Louisiana Comfort Made Easy
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever fancied a taste of Louisiana without the airfare? This crockpot jambalaya recipe is your ticket. Honestly, it's bursting with smoky, spicy flavours that'll make you feel like you're right in the French Quarter.
Brief Overview
Jambalaya hails from Louisiana, a real celebration of Creole cuisine. Think of it as a one-pot wonder. This easy jambalaya recipe is super simple.
It takes about 20 minutes to prep, then your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. This recipe will comfortably feed six to eight hungry souls.
Main Benefits
This chicken and sausage jambalaya isn't just tasty. It is also packed with protein and veggies. Perfect for a fuss free weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with mates.
What makes this Creole jambalaya recipe so special? You chuck everything in, set it, and forget it.
Let's Talk Ingredients!
Right, let's get down to the nitty gritty. You'll need a pound of Andouille sausage , sliced. Grab a pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, too.
Oh, and don't forget the holy trinity of Cajun cooking: onion, bell pepper, and celery. This one-pot meal is a guaranteed winner.
Want that extra kick? I always chuck in a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper. If you're feeling adventurous, add some shrimp in the last 30 minutes for a shrimp jambalaya recipe twist.
Serve with cornbread for that full southern comfort food experience.
This authentic jambalaya crockpot is a proper crowd pleaser. Plus, it’s pretty flexible! You can easily make a vegetarian jambalaya recipe by swapping the meat for extra veggies and using vegetable broth.
Fancy it a bit healthier? Then check out the healthy jambalaya recipe , and try to use low-sodium jambalaya .
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Slow Cooker Jambalaya
Alright, let's talk shopping! Getting your ingredients right is key for this easy jambalaya recipe . I've had complete fails because I skimped on quality.
Honestly? It's worth spending a little extra for proper flavour. Plus, we're gonna make it a one-pot meal with minimal cleanup.
Winning!
Main Ingredients: The Heart of Your Jambalaya
- Andouille Sausage: 1 pound ( 450g ), sliced. Go for a good quality sausage. It makes a difference. Trust me.
- Chicken Thighs: 1 pound ( 450g ), boneless and skinless, cut into bite sized pieces. Thighs stay juicier in the slow cooker jambalaya than breasts.
- Shrimp (Optional): 1/2 pound ( 225g ) cooked, peeled and deveined. Add it in the last 30 minutes.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups).
- Green Bell Pepper: 1, chopped (about 1 cup).
- Celery: 2 ribs, chopped (about 1 cup).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is always best, innit?
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can ( 14.5 ounce/411g ), undrained.
- Diced Green Chilies: 1 can ( 4 ounce/113g ), undrained. Choose your heat level!
- Frozen Okra: 1 cup ( 125g ), optional. For that proper southern comfort food vibe.
- Long Grain White Rice: 1 1/2 cups ( 300g ), uncooked. Don't rinse it.
- Chicken Broth: 3 cups ( 710ml ). Low sodium's good, or watch the salt.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 can ( 8 ounce/227g ).
Seasoning Notes: Unleash the Cajun Power!
For this Creole jambalaya recipe , a good seasoning blend is crucial. If you want a really good authentic jambalaya crockpot it's a must.
- Cajun Seasoning: 2 tablespoons. Tony Chachere's is a classic.
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon.
- Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for heat).
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Bay Leaves: 2. Don't forget to remove them before serving.
Spice is key! Adjust cayenne to your liking. For a healthy jambalaya recipe , consider a low-sodium jambalaya by using low-sodium broth and watching the salt in your seasoning.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
You really don't need much for this chicken and sausage jambalaya . It’s a dump and go jambalaya , remember?
- Slow Cooker: 6-quart or larger. I've got a basic one. Works a treat.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping veggies.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accuracy. A pint glass will do in a pinch!
If you are cooking a shrimp jambalaya recipe , remember to add that last! This weeknight dinner recipe is so easy to do, even after a long day.
This will be the best slow cooker cajun recipe you will ever try. Perfect as a party recipe .
Slow Cooker Jambalaya: Your Ticket to Louisiana Flavor
Fancy a taste of the South? This crockpot jambalaya recipe is just the ticket. Honestly, it's one of my favorite easy jambalaya recipe because it's so simple.
You know, sometimes you just want something delicious without all the fuss. This is your weeknight dinner recipe sorted. It's pure southern comfort food in a bowl, and it's all thanks to your slow cooker.
Let's get started.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Before we dive in, let's talk prep. This is where the mise en place magic happens. First, chop your onion, bell pepper, and celery.
Mince that garlic like you mean it. Slice the Andouille sausage and dice your chicken. Now, gather all your spices.
It's important. Having everything ready means smoother sailing later, trust me. Remember that you're gonna use 1 pound (450g) of Andouille sausage , and 1 pound (450g) of boneless chicken.
step-by-step: Crockpot Jambalaya , Made Easy
Right, let's get cooking this slow cooker jambalaya . It’s easier than falling off a log.
- Toss everything into your slow cooker (except the shrimp, if using). This means sausage, chicken, veggies, rice, broth, tomatoes, seasoning, the whole shebang.
- Give it a good stir. Make sure the rice is evenly spread. That’s key.
- Pop the lid on. Set it to low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours .
- If using shrimp, stir it in during the last 30 minutes . Cook until it's pink and cooked through.
- Don't forget to pull out those bay leaves before serving. Then season to taste with salt and pepper.
Pro Tips: Jambalaya Genius
Here's where we elevate our Creole jambalaya recipe from good to amazing . For a richer flavor, brown the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker .
It makes a huge difference. And don't lift the lid too often while it's cooking. Honestly, it lets the heat out and messes with the cooking time.
If you're worried about the spice, start with less cajun seasoning . You can always add more later.
Seriously, this one-pot meal is a winner. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Your Crockpot Jambalaya Adventure
This crockpot jambalaya recipe is pretty straightforward. But let's chat about some things to keep in mind, alright? Honestly, these are the bits that make all the difference.
I've learned a thing or two (or ten) over the years of making easy jambalaya recipe .
Serving Suggestions: Gettin' Fancy (or Not!)
Want to impress? Plate that chicken and sausage jambalaya in a nice bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions.
Presentation counts! It's like putting on your best frock for a night out, innit?. If you're not feeling fancy, just shove it in a bowl and dig in.
Pairs well with a cold beer or sweet iced tea. For sides, cornbread is a classic. A simple green salad cuts through the richness nicely too, I reckon.
Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh
If you have leftovers (doubtful!), let the slow cooker jambalaya cool completely. Then, pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge.
It'll keep for three to four days . You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge.
For reheating, microwave is your friend. Or, you can gently warm it on the stovetop. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of chicken broth.
Variations: Making It Your Own
Got dietary restrictions? No worries! For a gluten-free jambalaya , just make sure your sausage and Cajun seasoning are gluten-free.
Boom, sorted!. For a low-sodium jambalaya , use low-sodium broth and go easy on the salt. You can even make a vegetarian jambalaya recipe by skipping the meat and adding more veggies, like mushrooms, eggplant, or even some butternut squash.
Get creative, people!. A healthy jambalaya recipe version can be achieved by reducing the amount of sausage and using brown rice.
It gives the Creole jambalaya recipe a nutty taste.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
This Andouille sausage jambalaya packs a decent punch of protein, thanks to the chicken and sausage. It's also got a good mix of carbs and veggies.
But remember, it can be high in sodium, depending on the sausage and seasoning you use. I am very fond of the dump and go jambalaya recipe.
The average serving, based on 8 servings, comes in between 450-550 calories, 30-40g of protein, and 20-30g of fat. Keep these numbers in mind if you're watching your calorie intake.
It is a great weeknight dinner recipe and a party recipe .
So, there you have it! Now you're armed with all the info you need to make the perfect Crockpot Jambalaya recipe .
Go on, give it a whirl. I know you'll nail it!. Enjoy this southern comfort food recipe!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this crockpot jambalaya recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Crockpot Jambalaya is great for meal prepping. You can cook it completely and then store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just ensure it's cooled down properly before refrigerating, like you would with a Sunday roast. Reheat thoroughly before serving, and you're good to go!
My rice always turns out mushy in the slow cooker. How can I prevent that with this crockpot jambalaya recipe?
Ah, the dreaded mushy rice! The key is to not overcook it. Stick to the recommended cooking times and check the rice for doneness after the minimum time. Also, avoid lifting the lid frequently, as that releases heat and moisture.
If you're still worried, try rinsing the rice before adding it to the slow cooker to remove excess starch think of it like getting a good cup of tea; preparation is key!
I don't have Andouille sausage. What can I substitute in this crockpot jambalaya recipe?
No Andouille, no worries! Smoked sausage, like kielbasa or chorizo, will work as a substitute. It won't have quite the same spicy kick, but it'll still add a lovely smoky flavour to your jambalaya.
You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to compensate for the missing heat, a bit like adding that extra drop of tabasco if the dish isnt spicy enough!
Can I freeze leftover crockpot jambalaya?
You bet! Freezing is a great way to extend the life of your jambalaya. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers or bags. It'll keep well for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave.
You can even put some in a thermos for a tasty treat for the lunch time.
Is there a way to make this crockpot jambalaya recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the chicken and sausage for plant based alternatives like vegan sausage or extra vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and double check that your Cajun seasoning is vegan friendly.
You'll have a delicious, plant powered jambalaya in no time; it's a smashing alternative for vegetarians!
Slow Cooker Jambalaya Louisiana Comfort Made Eas
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 500 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 4g |
