Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Spicy and flavorful Slow Cooker Jambalaya is instant family favorite comfort food you will fix again and again. Way too easy and delicious to make only once! 

Want more of these big, bold Cajun flavors? Be sure to try my recipes for Cajun Grilled Salmon, Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet, and Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta next.

How to Make This Recipe

Recipe Ingredients

• Andouille Sausage – Smoked sausage is so good in his jambalaya recipe. I do prefer Andouille, but you can use whatever smoked sausage you like.
• Uncooked Shrimp – I always buy the already peeled and de-veined shrimp but you can purchase the shrimp with the shells and tails, it will just be more work for you once the dish is cooked.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast –Pound the boneless, skinless breast to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Bell Peppers – For a pretty jambalaya, add one of each bell pepper: green, red, and yellow or orange) and dice them up.
• White or Yellow Onion – Either onion you have on hand here is okay. Apply a fine chop to them.
• Jalapeños –Remove the seeds and stems from the jalapenos for a delicious kick without overwhelming heat.
• Uncooked White Rice – The rice will cook in the broth and other juices, so go ahead and add it in uncooked, it’s totally fine.
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth – Any name-brand chicken broth will work here. I like low sodium so that I can add the salt later to taste. You could also use chicken stock if you prefer.
• Crushed Tomatoes – Open a can, any can, and add those crushed beauties right to the pan.
• Minced Garlic – I like to use the garlic in the jar that’s already minced but you can mince your own.
• Cajun Seasoning – Either store-bought or homemade Cajun spices will work well.
• Salt and Pepper – Any salt and pepper to tase is a-okay by me!
• Cilantro or Parsley – These herbs are optional, but I like to finely chop them and add them over the top of this jambalaya recipe as a garnish. You can also use green onions and a tablespoon of olive oil swirled on the top in a pinch.

Step By Step Directions

1. First, slice the smoked sausage into sections (into about ¼ inch thick slices). Remove the tails from shrimp if they are still on, and chop the chicken into 1-inch pieces. (not pictured)
2. Next, add the sausage, chicken, bell peppers, onion, jalapeños, chicken broth, tomatoes, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and salt and pepper to greased slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook the jambalaya for 3-4 hours on low. Stir in the rice and cook another 1-2 hours until rice is fully cooked and tender. (photos 1-3)
3. Then, about 20 minutes before serving, uncover the slow cooker, stir in the shrimp, cover again, and then cook it for about another 15-20 minutes. Stir in the contents of the slow cooker, sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve hot. (photo 4)

Storage Directions

Not sure how to store this jambalaya? It’s easy. You can put it in an airtight container in and pop it in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’d prefer to freeze it, use an airtight container as well and put it in the freezer for up to 6 months.

If you’ve used shrimp with the shell on, be sure to take the shells off before freezing.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Two jalapeños will not make this dish real spicy. If you want more of a kick, I recommend adding a third jalapeño, or try adding in your favorite hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Make sure you use the right amount of liquids and no more. Otherwise, the jambalaya will be too mushy.
• If you typically wash your rice before cooking, in this case I would suggest not rinsing it as the starches on the rice help thicken the jambalaya.
• To make this jambalaya vegan, use vegetable broth and skip the sausage. Instead, add more peppers or other vegetables you enjoy.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Loving fix and forget meals in your crockpot? Try Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Soup, Best Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs, and Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore.