Savory Slow Cooker Cajun Jambalaya
This Savory Slow Cooker Cajun Jambalaya is a delightful fusion of robust flavors that captures the essence of Southern cuisine. Perfect for busy weekdays, this dish combines tender vegetables, hearty proteins, and perfectly cooked rice all in one pot. The blend of kielbasa or andouille sausage with juicy chicken and succulent shrimp creates a symphony of taste with every bite. Simply prepare your ingredients, toss them into the crock pot, and let the magic happen while you go about your day. Serve this dish with a crusty baguette or warm rolls for an unforgettable meal that brings friends and family together around the table. Enjoy the comfort of homemade flavor with minimal effort!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 (finely chopped)
green bell pepper
1 (chopped)
celery ribs
2 (thinly sliced (with leaves))
kielbasa or andouille sausages
16 ounces (sliced)
cooked chicken
2 cups (cubed (optional))
petite diced tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (undrained)
converted rice
1 cup (uncooked)
chicken stock or water
1 cup
cajun seasoning
2 teaspoons
frozen tailless cooked large shrimp
1 lb (defrosted)
fresh parsley
to garnish (snipped)
hot sauce
to serve
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, sliced kielbasa or andouille sausage, and optional cooked chicken. Stir to mix well.
2
Add the undrained diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, and chicken stock (or water) to the vegetable and sausage mixture. Sprinkle the cajun seasoning over the top and combine all ingredients thoroughly.
3
Transfer the mixture to the crock pot and set it to cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or until the rice is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. For older crock pot models, you may need to cook on HIGH for the same duration.
4
About 20-30 minutes before serving, stir in the defrosted shrimp, cover, and allow to cook until the shrimp are heated through and cooked.
5
Once ready, garnish with snipped fresh parsley and serve hot, along with hot sauce for added spice.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
30g
Carbs
20g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow Cooker Cajun Jambalaya?
It is a Southern-inspired one-pot meal that combines sausage, chicken, shrimp, vegetables, and rice cooked slowly to meld robust flavors.
How many calories are in one serving of this jambalaya?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What types of sausage can I use for this recipe?
You can use either kielbasa or andouille sausage, sliced into rounds.
Is the chicken in this recipe required?
No, the 2 cups of cubed cooked chicken are optional and can be omitted if preferred.
What kind of rice is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of uncooked converted rice.
How long does the jambalaya need to cook in the slow cooker?
It should cook on the LOW setting for 4 to 5 hours, or until the rice and vegetables are tender.
Can I cook this dish on the HIGH setting?
Yes, especially for older crock pot models, you can cook it on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours.
When should the shrimp be added to the pot?
Add the shrimp about 20 to 30 minutes before you are ready to serve.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, you should use the 28-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes undrained.
What are the main vegetables used in this dish?
The recipe uses the 'holy trinity' of Cajun cooking: onion, green bell pepper, and celery.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 20 grams of protein.
How many grams of fat are in this recipe?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this jambalaya?
The dish contains 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does this meal provide?
This recipe provides 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
Can I use water instead of chicken stock?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 cup of chicken stock or 1 cup of water.
What type of shrimp should I buy?
The recipe suggests 1 lb of frozen, tailless, cooked, large shrimp that have been defrosted.
How much Cajun seasoning is needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning.
How should I prepare the celery?
Two celery ribs should be thinly sliced, including the leaves.
Is this a spicy dish?
It has a kick from the Cajun seasoning and is traditionally served with extra hot sauce for more spice.
What are some good side dishes for this jambalaya?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a crusty baguette or warm rolls.
What is the best way to garnish the dish?
Garnish the finished jambalaya with snipped fresh parsley.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including the garnishes and optional items.
Is the rice added to the slow cooker raw or pre-cooked?
The rice is added uncooked directly into the slow cooker.
What size can of tomatoes is required?
You need one 28-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes.
Does this recipe work for a family meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a family meal and is designed to bring people together around the table.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be finely chopped before being added to the mixture.
What is the preparation for the green bell pepper?
The green bell pepper should be chopped.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comfort food with homemade flavor and minimal effort.
Do I need to stir the ingredients before putting them in the crock pot?
Yes, it is best to combine the ingredients in a large bowl first to ensure they are thoroughly mixed.
Is this a good recipe for busy weekdays?
Absolutely, as a slow cooker meal, it lets the magic happen while you go about your day.