Name: Crockpot Jambalaya
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-491727H33M25S
Cuisine: Creole
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 lb andouille sausage; 3 sticks celery; 1 large green bell pepper; 1 large red bell pepper; 1 large yellow bell pepper; 1 large onion; 3 garlic cloves; 2-3 tablespoons Creole/Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper; 28 oz can crushed tomatoes; 1 cup chicken broth; 12 oz frozen cooked shrimp; 3 cups long-grain rice; Fresh chopped parsley

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There’s something undeniably magical about coming home to the aroma of a rich and hearty Crockpot Jambalaya wafting through your kitchen. Picture this: tender chunks of chicken melding perfectly with smoky andouille sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a medley of spices, all bubbling away in your trusty crockpot. The vibrant hues simmering together evoke not just a meal, but a sense of warmth and comfort that’s hard to match. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a laid-back summer gathering, this jambalaya recipe is the ultimate cozy dish that wraps you in its flavorful embrace.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Crockpot Jambalaya
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Crockpot Jambalaya

I can still remember the first time I tasted jambalaya. I was at a friend’s party, and amid the laughter and lively conversations, a big bowl of this Creole masterpiece was passed around. Each bite brought together the zing of spices, the heartiness of meat, and a little touch of nostalgia. The joy of hearty meals like this one is often tied to shared moments and gatherings, and it’s no wonder that it has become a staple for many. Now, let’s get to making your very own Crockpot Jambalaya that’s just as delicious and heartwarming.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Preparation takes just 20 minutes, and your crockpot takes care of the rest!
Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy a rich blend of spices and tender meats that make every bite mouthwatering.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Bright colors from the bell peppers and fresh parsley make this dish as beautiful as it is tasty.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a weeknight treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets and vegetarian options.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized cubes for quick cooking. You can swap with turkey or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version.
1 lb andouille sausage: Adds that signature smoky flavor. If unavailable, kielbasa or any spicy sausage can work too.
3 sticks celery: Chopped fine, it brings a nice crunch and earthiness.
1 large green bell pepper: Adds a sweet, fresh flavor. Feel free to use any color pepper you love!
1 large red bell pepper: Alongside the green, it enhances the aesthetics and sweetness of the dish.
1 large yellow bell pepper: Adds additional color and a hint of sweetness.
1 large onion: Chopped, it forms the base flavor of this dish, enhancing its aroma.
3 garlic cloves: Minced, for a sharp and aromatic kick.
2-3 tablespoons Creole/Cajun seasoning: Essential for that authentic kick; adjust based on your spice tolerance.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Provides a herby depth to balance the spices.
½ teaspoon dried thyme: For earthiness that complements the chicken beautifully.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Add if you like a little extra heat!
Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste as they enhance all flavors.
28 oz can crushed tomatoes: This forms the delicious sauce base.
1 cup chicken broth: Use low-sodium for better control of the salt content.
12 oz frozen cooked shrimp: Thawed and added at the end for delicate protein; feel free to omit for a meatless option.
3 cups long-grain rice: Cooked according to package directions to serve with the jambalaya.
Fresh chopped parsley: For garnish — it brightens the dish and adds freshness.

How to Make Crockpot Jambalaya

Add Ingredients: Begin by placing the cubed chicken, sliced andouille sausage, chopped celery, green, red, and yellow bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic into your crockpot. This colorful mix not only looks great but also gives a foundation of flavors that will meld beautifully as they cook. Make sure to distribute the ingredients evenly to allow for uniform cooking.

Season Generously: Next, sprinkle in the Creole seasoning, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. The spices are where your jambalaya will take on its signature flavor; don’t skimp on this step! Stir everything gently to ensure the seasoning coats the meats and vegetables thoroughly.

Pour in the Liquid: Carefully add the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth over your seasoned ingredients. This liquid forms the rich sauce for your jambalaya. Use a spoon to mix just a little, ensuring the ingredients are submerged beneath the sauce — that’s where the magic happens!

Cook Low and Slow: Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. During this time, your kitchen will fill with the stunning aroma of spices and cooked meats mingling together. Please resist the urge to lift the lid to peek too often; you want all that heat to stay inside!

Add the Shrimp: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the thawed cooked shrimp. Since they are already cooked, they will only need to warm through. Just pop the lid back on and let them mingle with the delicious flavors for a bit.

Serve and Enjoy: When you’re ready to eat, you can either spoon the jambalaya over freshly cooked rice or stir it right into the pot. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a lovely touch while enhancing the flavors. Trust me; each bite will transport you to comfort food paradise!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Crockpot Jambalaya, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the jambalaya in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Just keep in mind the shrimp may lose a bit of texture after freezing, but the flavor will still shine bright.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the shrimp by adding them right before serving to maintain their tender texture.
Use room temperature chicken for more even cooking—cold chicken might not cook through as quickly.
Adjust the spice level according to your preference—feel free to reduce the cayenne or leave out ingredients you may not enjoy.
For an extra kick, toss in some hot sauce just before serving.
If you’re a meal prep enthusiast, this dish is excellent for making ahead and portioning for easy weeknight dinners.

There’s a world of flavor waiting in this Crockpot Jambalaya, and each time you make it, you can embrace different variations. Whether you tweak the spices, throw in some more vegetables, or serve it differently, there’s always room for creativity. Enjoy the cozy, comfortable vibes that come with simmering something so delightful and let it cater to all your cravings!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this jambalaya vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken and sausage with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add some beans for protein, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version of Crockpot Jambalaya.

How do I know when the jambalaya is done?

The jambalaya is ready when the chicken is tender and cooked through. You can also check that the vegetables are soft and the flavors have had time to meld. It should smell irresistible by the time it’s done!

What if I can’t find andouille sausage?

No problem! You can use any smoked sausage like kielbasa or even a turkey sausage if you prefer. Just be sure it has that smoky flavor to mimic the traditional taste of jambalaya.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and store them in your fridge. On cooking day, simply transfer everything to the crockpot, add the liquid, and let it cook. This is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without the hassle.