Slow Cooker Jambalaya
A flavorful slow cooker jambalaya loaded with chicken, smoky andouille sausage, and shrimp. Served over rice, this hearty dish is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 13.5-oz package andouille sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes
- 1.5 cups chopped onion (about 1 large onion)
- 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
Seasonings
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (reduce for mild)
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme
Seafood + Serving
- 1 lb frozen cooked shrimp (extra-large), peeled
- 4 cups hot cooked rice
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Optional Ingredients
- Green onions (for topping)
- Hot sauce (for serving)
- Lemon wedges (brightens the stew)
- Extra broth if you like it soupier
Instructions
Preparation
- Chop onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Slice andouille sausage. Cut chicken thighs into bite-size pieces.
- If your shrimp are frozen in a solid block, loosen them by rinsing briefly under cool water so they can stir in easily later.
Mixing / Assembling
- Add chicken, sausage, diced tomatoes, onion, broth, celery, bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, oregano, dried parsley, cayenne, and thyme to the slow cooker.
- Stir well so the seasonings are evenly distributed and the chicken is surrounded by liquid and vegetables.
Slow Cooking
- Cover and cook on Low for about 3 hours (or until chicken is cooked through and tender).
- While the stew cooks, prepare your rice so it’s ready at serving time.
Finishing
- Stir in the frozen cooked shrimp. Cover and cook on High for about 15 minutes, just until the shrimp are hot.
- Serve the jambalaya stew over hot rice and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like.
Notes
Tips: Add shrimp at the end to keep them juicy. Adjust flavor with hot sauce or lemon. Do not cook the shrimp for hours as they become rubbery. Optional substitutions include smoked sausage or chicken breast.