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Easy Slow Cooker Jambalaya Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 14 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Cajun, Louisiana

Description

This Slow Cooker Jambalaya is a flavorful Louisiana classic made easy with a blend of smoked sausage, chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices slow-cooked to tender perfection. Perfect for a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Vegetables

  • 3 ribs celery, finely diced (125g)
  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced (1 cup, 150g)
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (1 cup, 150g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 green onions, sliced

Meat

  • 12-16 oz. smoked sausage, sliced into half moons or rounds
  • 2 chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cubed (optional)

Dry Spices

  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 Tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, 15-20 cranks

Other

  • 1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes (or two 15 oz. cans)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked (370g)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and finely dice the celery, onion, bell pepper, mince the garlic, and slice the sausage and green onions. Cube the chicken thighs if using.
  2. Layer Vegetables in Slow Cooker: Add the diced celery, onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the bottom of a 5 quart or larger slow cooker.
  3. Add Meats and Spices: Place the sliced smoked sausage and cubed chicken on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle the dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper over the meat.
  4. Add Liquids and Parsley: Pour the diced tomatoes with their juices over the meat and spices. Then add the chicken broth and a handful of chopped fresh parsley. Stir briefly to combine everything.
  5. Cook on High: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 4 hours. The liquid should be boiling by the end of this time.
  6. Add Rice: Remove the lid, add the uncooked rice ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Quickly replace the lid and continue cooking on high for 25 minutes or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender.
  7. Finish and Serve: Remove the lid, fluff the mixture gently to avoid gummy rice. Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top and serve warm.

Notes

  • This jambalaya recipe can be customized by omitting chicken for a fully sausage-based dish or adding extra shrimp if desired.
  • Use smoked sausage with good quality for maximum flavor.
  • Stirring the rice too much after cooking can cause it to become gummy, so fluff gently.
  • If you prefer spicier jambalaya, increase cayenne pepper to taste.
  • Make sure your slow cooker is at least 5 quarts to accommodate all ingredients comfortably.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (1¼ cup)
  • Calories: 348 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 611 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg