Lazyday Louisiana Crockpot Jambalaya
Ready for a Louisiana Party?
Ever get that craving for something proper tasty, but can't be arsed to spend hours in the kitchen? Me too! Honestly, sometimes you just need a bit of culinary magic with minimal effort.
That's where this crockpot jambalaya recipe comes in. It is an easy way to get that amazing cajun flavour with hardly any work!
This version of andouille sausage jambalaya gives you a taste of New Orleans without the transatlantic flight. Jambalaya is a classic dish, traditionally simmered in one big pot.
It's soul food, pure and simple. This easy jambalaya recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.
It is a lazy jambalaya recipe after a long day. It yields enough to feed a crowd (6-8 servings) and requires just about 20 minutes of prep and 6- 8 hours on low in the slow cooker.
Why You'll Love This Lazy Jambalaya Recipe
One of the best things about this slow cooker jambalaya is that you just dump everything in and let it do its thing.
How brilliant is that? Plus, it's packed with protein from the chicken and sausage, giving you a hearty and satisfying meal.
It’s a brilliant one pot jambalaya wonder!. This is not just another dish; it's a way to bring a bit of joy to your dinner table.
This weeknight jambalaya recipe will become a firm family favourite.
Benefits Beyond the Flavour
Besides being dead easy, this recipe can be pretty healthy. It's got a decent amount of protein and you can load it up with veggies.
This cajun jambalaya recipe is excellent for a potluck because it's a crowd pleaser and travels well. What sets this apart is that it's a dump and start jambalaya .
Which means you can literally just chuck everything in the slow cooker and forget about it until dinner time. This truly is the slow cooker cajun recipes to keep in your back pocket!
Ingredients You'll Need
So, what's in this jambalaya with chicken and sausage ? Here’s the list so you can have a look and get it prepared so you can have your jambalaya cooking by tonight!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this easy jambalaya recipe ! Honestly, the beauty of this crockpot jambalaya recipe is that it's all about simple ingredients and minimal fuss.
Let's get started.
Ingredients & Equipment to Ace Your Jambalaya
This slow cooker jambalaya is super easy. You need only a few things.
Main Ingredients: Get These Right
- Andouille Sausage: 1 lb (454g) . Get proper smoked sausage for that authentic flavour. If you can't find andouille, any good smoked sausage will do.
- Chicken Thighs: 1 lb (454g) , cut into 1 inch pieces. Thighs stay juicy in the slow cooker. That's key, innit?
- Shrimp (optional): 1 lb (454g) , peeled and deveined. Add these later, last 30- 60 minutes only.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . For starting things off right.
- Onion: 1 large , chopped. Don't skimp on this!
- Green Bell Pepper: 1 , chopped. Adds a nice sweetness.
- Celery: 2 stalks , chopped. Essential for that Cajun flavour base.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Because, garlic, duh!
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can (411g) , undrained.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (8 oz) can (227g) .
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups (946ml) . Low sodium is a good shout here.
- Long Grain Rice: 2 cups (400g) , rinsed. Rinse, rinse, rinse! Seriously, it stops it getting sticky.
- Cajun Seasoning: 2 tbsp . store-bought is fine, or make your own if you're feeling adventurous.
- Dried Thyme: 1 tsp .
- Paprika: 1/2 tsp .
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 tsp (or to taste). Adds a bit of zing!
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Seasoning Notes: Cajun Magic
This is a Cajun jambalaya recipe , so seasoning is important. Cajun seasoning is the star. It has paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.
You can substitute with a mix of these spices if you're in a pinch. The thyme and paprika enhance the overall flavour.
For a spicier kick, add more cayenne or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Taste as you go, yeah?
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot): 6-quart or larger . This is a slow cooker jambalaya , after all!
- Large Skillet (Optional): For browning the sausage and chicken. It adds flavour but it's optional.
- Chopping Board & Knife: Standard stuff, innit?
That's all there is to it. This dump and start jambalaya is a great lazy jambalaya recipe . You can even get this one pot jambalaya done on a weeknight jambalaya recipe .
Just toss everything in and let the slow cooker cajun recipes do their thing. Jambalaya with chicken and sausage ? Absolutely banging, mate!
Alright, let's talk about this crockpot jambalaya recipe . Honestly, if there's one thing I love, it's a dish you can basically throw in a pot and forget about.
This slow cooker jambalaya is exactly that. A lazy jambalaya recipe for a proper, lush feed!
Knockout Crockpot Jambalaya: How to Nail It
Want a guaranteed way to have an easy weeknight? Easy jambalaya recipe is what you need. You know, sometimes you just can't be bothered with fancy stuff.
This one pot jambalaya is all about maximum flavour, minimum effort. It really is dump and start jambalaya , what's not to love?
Prep Steps: Sorted in No Time
First, get your mise en place sorted. That's just fancy talk for chopping all your bits and bobs. Dice your onion, bell pepper, and celery.
Mince the garlic. Slice that andouille sausage jambalaya (or any smoked sausage you fancy). Cut your chicken thighs into chunks.
Honestly, about 20 minutes should do the trick.
Safety Note: Watch those fingers when you're chopping, yeah?
Getting Your Crockpot Jambalaya Sorted: Easy Peasy
Here's how to turn this into a killer Cajun jambalaya recipe :
- (Optional) Brown the sausage and chicken in a pan. This adds major flavour!
- Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and celery until soft. Then add garlic.
- Chuck everything (including the sausage and chicken) into your slow cooker .
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, 4 cups chicken broth, 2 cups rinsed rice, and Cajun seasoning.
- Give it all a good stir.
- Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours .
- Add shrimp ( 1 lb ) in the last 30- 60 minutes (optional).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
The key temperature? Just make sure that rice is cooked through.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Jambalaya
- Don't skip browning the sausage! It really makes a difference.
- Rinse your rice to avoid a mushy mess.
- Spice it up! Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Common mistake: overcooking the shrimp! Add them last. Consider it to be a jambalaya with chicken and sausage and the shrimp is just a bonus.
You can easily make this ahead! Just prep all the ingredients the night before and dump them in the slow cooker in the morning.
It's going to be one of your favorite slow cooker Cajun recipes .
Alright, let's talk about making this crockpot jambalaya recipe even better . You know, the little things that take it from 'good' to 'Oh my gosh, what is this amazingness?!'
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions: Proper Lush Plating
Right, so, presentation. Honestly, this easy jambalaya recipe is so tasty it could be served in a dog bowl and I'd still scoff it.
But, if you're having people over, you know, make it look a bit posh. A nice big bowl is always good, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Or, portion it out into individual bowls. You could even get a bit fancy and serve it with a side of crispy cornbread.
I've seen folks serve it with a dollop of sour cream, but I reckon that's just wrong.
And what to drink? A nice cold beer is perfect. Or maybe an ice cold glass of sweet tea. A pint is always a winner.
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh, Bruv
Got leftovers? Lucky you. This slow cooker jambalaya keeps brilliantly. Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge.
It'll be good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can either microwave it (easy peasy), or warm it up in a pot on the hob.
Add a splash of water if it seems a bit dry.
Freezing is also an option! Just let it cool completely before freezing it in a freezer safe container. It'll keep for a couple of months.
When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat as above. It is great one pot jambalaya .
Variations: Get Creative With Your Jambalaya
Feeling adventurous? Why not try a few variations on this cajun jambalaya recipe ? For a spicy kick, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Or, if you're trying to be healthy (good on ya!), you could load it up with extra veggies. Mushrooms, courgettes, aubergines.
.. go wild.
Fancy a vegetarian version? Just leave out the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It's still ace .
This recipe works so well when it's dump and start jambalaya .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Pot
Okay, so let's get real, this is Louisiana comfort food, not a kale smoothie. But you are getting protein from the chicken and sausage.
The rice gives you some carbs for energy. And the veggies give you some vitamins. Overall, it's a hearty, satisfying meal that's good for the soul.
Who can say no to a weeknight jambalaya recipe .
So, there you have it! A proper lush andouille sausage jambalaya that's dead easy to make. Don't be scared to have a go, and don't worry if you mess it up a bit the first time.
Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. Now get in the kitchen and create some magic! Seriously, this slow cooker cajun recipes it is a flavour sensation that's worth every single bite.
It is such a lazy jambalaya recipe that you just have to try it! This jambalaya with chicken and sausage is the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this crockpot jambalaya recipe spicier? I like a bit of a kick!
Absolutely! If you're after that extra zing, try adding a finely chopped jalapeño pepper to the slow cooker. Alternatively, you could increase the amount of cayenne pepper or use a hotter Cajun seasoning blend.
Just remember to add a little at a time, give it a taste, and then adjust you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
Help! My rice always turns to mush in the slow cooker. How can I prevent this with your crockpot jambalaya recipe?
Ah, the dreaded mushy rice! The secret is rinsing the rice thoroughly before adding it to the crockpot; this removes excess starch. Also, don't overcook it! Keep an eye on the rice during the last hour of cooking, and if it starts to look too soft, turn off the slow cooker and let it sit for a bit.
Using the right rice-to-liquid ratio is also crucial, so stick to the recipe measurements.
I don't have andouille sausage. What's a good substitute in this crockpot jambalaya recipe?
No andouille, no worries! A good substitute would be kielbasa or another smoked sausage. Chorizo can also work, but keep in mind it'll add a slightly different flavour profile. The key is to find a sausage with a good smoky flavour that will hold up well during the slow cooking process.
Can I make this ahead of time, and how long will leftover crockpot jambalaya last?
You sure can! Crockpot jambalaya is great for meal prepping. Once cooked, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It'll keep well for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if it seems too dry.
You can also freeze it for longer storage, but the texture of the rice might change slightly upon thawing.
I want to add shrimp, but I'm worried about overcooking them. What's the best way to incorporate shrimp into your crockpot jambalaya recipe?
Shrimp can turn rubbery if overcooked, so timing is key! Add the shrimp to the slow cooker during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking. They should be pink and opaque when done. Make sure they are submerged in the liquid for even cooking and avoid stirring them excessively as this can also lead to overcooking.
Lazyday Louisiana Crockpot Jambalaya
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-30g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
