You’re in for a treat with this Slow Cooker Jambalaya! The beauty of this dish? It’s a one-pot wonder that’s packed with flavor but requires minimal effort. Trust me, you’re going to love this! Picture tender chicken, smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and rice all simmering together in a medley of spices, creating the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with mouth-watering aromas. Whether you’re having a casual family dinner or need a dish to wow your friends at a gathering, this jambalaya is your go-to. It’s cozy, comforting, and just the right amount of spicy! Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting—this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Jambalaya
This dish is all about layers of flavor that come together effortlessly. Imagine the richness of sausage, the tenderness of shrimp, and the heartiness of chicken all mingling in a medley of seasoned rice. Trust me, you’re going to love this! It’s a one-pot wonder that practically makes itself while you go about your day. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight meal or want something show-stopping for a gathering, this jambalaya hits all the right notes. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
It’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests at a casual dinner party, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. And because it’s made in the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it!
Budget-Friendly
Jambalaya doesn’t require fancy ingredients. It uses simple, budget-friendly items that pack a punch in flavor. This is a great way to make something hearty and satisfying without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy
While this recipe simmers away in the slow cooker, you can relax and let the flavors meld together. With minimal prep time, you’ll find that this is a perfect solution for busy days.
Customizable
Want a spicier kick? Toss in a little extra cayenne or hot sauce! Prefer a milder version? Just adjust the seasonings to your liking. This jambalaya is as flexible as you need it to be.
Crowd-Pleasing
This one is always a winner. You’ll be lucky to have leftovers! With the savory combo of proteins and a bold, comforting base, everyone will be coming back for seconds.

Ingredients in Slow Cooker Jambalaya
Let’s talk ingredients. The best part? They’re simple and super flavorful.
Sausage
The heart of this jambalaya. A smoky, spicy sausage gives the dish its bold base flavor, adding that rich, comforting touch.
Chicken Breasts
Tender chunks of chicken breast are perfectly cooked in the slow cooker, absorbing all those delicious seasonings. They become melt-in-your-mouth juicy and full of flavor.
Shrimp
Tender shrimp round out this dish beautifully. Just add them toward the end of the cooking time so they don’t overcook—they’ll be perfectly juicy!
Bell Peppers
The fresh, slightly sweet crunch of bell peppers adds color and balance to the richness of the sausage and chicken.
Onion
The classic base of any great jambalaya, onion brings that savory depth of flavor that’s essential for a good meal.
Celery
Another classic addition that adds a bit of crunch and freshness to balance the other ingredients.
Tomatoes
You need some tomatoes for moisture and a touch of acidity. They also help thicken the sauce, making the jambalaya more satisfying.
Rice
The star of the dish! Rice absorbs all those yummy juices and seasonings, becoming the perfect base for all the meat and veggies.
Spices
A few key spices—like paprika, thyme, and cayenne—give this dish its signature Southern flavor. You can adjust the spice level to your preference!
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into making this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Slow Cooker
Start by turning on your slow cooker to the low setting. You’ll want to give it time to warm up before you start adding the ingredients.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the sausage, chicken, bell peppers, onions, celery, tomatoes, rice, and spices. Make sure everything is well coated and mixed together. It’s like a flavor-packed pre-party!
Add to Slow Cooker
Transfer your ingredient mixture into the slow cooker and give it a quick stir to distribute everything evenly.
Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for about 4–6 hours. The rice will absorb the flavors, and the meats will become tender. Keep an eye on it toward the end of the cook time.
Add Shrimp
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the shrimp and stir gently. Let the shrimp cook through until they’re just pink and juicy—perfectly tender!
Finishing Touches
Once the cooking time is up, give everything a final stir. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors have time to settle.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve this jambalaya hot, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s ready to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Jambalaya
This jambalaya is rich and hearty, so you don’t need much to accompany it, but here are a few ideas to complete the meal:
Fresh Salads
Pair with a light salad to balance out the richness. Something fresh and crisp like a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette will do the trick.
Crusty Bread
Serve with some warm, crusty bread to soak up all those savory juices. Garlic bread is always a great choice!
Creamy Accompaniments
A side of sour cream or a tangy yogurt dip could add a cool contrast to the spicy jambalaya.
Roasted Vegetables
Serve alongside roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, to add some extra color and nutrition.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead
Chop and measure your veggies and sausage the night before. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge to save time on cooking day.
Spice It Up
Feel free to adjust the cayenne and paprika to your heat preference. If you like it spicy, don’t be afraid to turn it up a notch!
Dietary Adjustments
For a healthier twist, you can use brown rice instead of white rice, and swap the sausage for turkey sausage or a plant-based option for a lighter version.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prepping!
Double the Batch
Making a double batch is always a good idea. It freezes well, so you can enjoy a homemade meal later when you’re short on time.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for pork or even tofu if you want a vegetarian version.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prep all the ingredients and store them in the fridge overnight. Then, just toss them in the slow cooker the next day.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. It’s even better the next day!
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warm. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of broth.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the doubled ingredients. You may need to adjust the cook time slightly.
Q7: Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
A7: Yes! Jambalaya is naturally gluten-free, just be sure to use gluten-free sausage if necessary.
Q8: What sides go well with jambalaya?
A8: Try a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or roasted veggies to round out the meal.
Q9: How can I make this dish spicier?
A9: Add extra cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to bring the heat!
Q10: What’s the best way to serve jambalaya?
A10: Serve it in a large bowl with some fresh parsley on top for that perfect finishing touch.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Jambalaya is the perfect recipe for any occasion—simple, flavorful, and bound to impress. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Slow Cooker Jambalaya
This Slow Cooker Jambalaya is the ultimate comfort food, bursting with the bold flavors of sausage, chicken, and shrimp. Easy to prepare and perfect for a busy day, this dish is a guaranteed hit!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
- Total Time: 6-7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker, One-Pot
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- For the Jambalaya:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Garnish:
- Green onions
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, combine the sausage, chicken, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, rice, Cajun seasoning, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the shrimp to the slow cooker and stir.
- Once done, remove the bay leaf and fluff the jambalaya with a fork.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and parsley.
Notes
- Feel free to use your favorite type of sausage, whether it’s andouille or a milder variety.
- If you prefer more heat, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 130mg