Chicken Sausage Jambalaya Slow Cooker: Super Easy Comfort Food

Chicken sausage jambalaya in a slow cooker makes mealtime easy and enjoyable. This dish combines chicken, sausage, and vibrant vegetables, creating a flavorful experience. It’s perfect for family dinners and requires minimal effort—anyone can whip it up! With the slow cooker handling most of the heavy lifting, cooks can focus on spending quality time with loved ones.

Want to impress the family with a hearty meal? Keep reading to discover how to create this delicious jambalaya that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Key Takeaway

• Chicken sausage jambalaya is easy to make in a slow cooker.
• It combines meats, veggies, and spices for a tasty meal.
• Cooking time allows flavors to blend perfectly.

Ingredients

To prepare chicken sausage jambalaya in a slow cooker, it’s important to gather a few essential ingredients. Here’s a handy list that covers everything needed for this tasty dish:

Proteins:

• Chicken: Use 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Thighs are often preferred for their tenderness and rich flavor.
• Sausage: Add 12 ounces of smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced. Andouille sausage adds a nice smoky flavor that complements the dish well.

Vegetables:

• Celery: 5 stalks, diced, provide a crunchy texture and flavor base.
• Bell Peppers: Include 1/2 medium red bell pepper and 1/2 medium green bell pepper, both diced. These add sweetness and color.
• Onion: 1 large yellow onion, diced, enhances the savory profile of the jambalaya.
• Garlic: Use 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to deepen the overall flavor.

Liquids:

• Chicken Broth: Pour in 3.5 cups of chicken broth to keep everything moist and flavorful.
• Tomato Paste or Crushed Tomatoes: Add 6 ounces for a rich, tangy element that brings the dish together.

Seasonings:

• Creole Seasoning: Sprinkle in 3.5 teaspoons to add a spicy kick typical of Cajun and Creole dishes.
• Herbs: Use 2 teaspoons of herbs de Provence or dried oregano for added depth.
• Bay Leaves: 3 large bay leaves infuse their distinct flavor throughout the cooking process.
• Salt and Pepper: Add these to taste to fine-tune the dish’s flavor.

Grains:

• Rice: Incorporate 1.75 cups of long-grain white rice. This type of rice cooks well without becoming mushy, soaking up the flavorful broth.

Collecting these ingredients leads to a warm and satisfying meal. The chicken and sausage provide a hearty dose of protein. Meanwhile, the colorful veggies bring essential vitamins and a nice crunch. The broth and tomato combine to create a juicy base, adding a delightful zing to every bite. This combo makes for a dish that truly comforts and delights the family. (1)

Preparation Steps

Credits: The Magical Slow Cooker

Making chicken sausage jambalaya is straightforward and rewarding. By following these steps, it becomes easy to prepare this savory meal.

1. Sauté the Sausage:
   • Start by drizzling olive oil in a pan set over medium heat.
   • Add the sliced sausage. Cook until it’s browned on the edges. This caramelization boosts flavor. Once done, turn off the heat and set the sausage aside.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
   • In a 4-6 quart slow cooker, pour in the chicken broth and tomato paste. Stir them until well mixed.
   • Next, add the diced onion, celery, bell peppers, minced garlic, chicken thighs, and the browned sausage.
   • Sprinkle in the Creole seasoning and herbs de Provence. Toss in the bay leaves as well. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
3. Cooking:
   • Cover the slow cooker. Set it to high for about 3 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. The goal is tender chicken that’s easy to shred.
4. Add Rice:
   • Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken mixture from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken using two forks, making it easy to mix.
   • Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the long-grain white rice. Mix everything well, then cover again.
   • Continue cooking on high for an additional hour, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the delicious flavors.
5. Serve:
   • After the rice is cooked, give the pot a good stir to blend everything together. Serve the jambalaya hot, with extra rice if desired. This dish is perfect for gatherings, making it great for family and friends!

These steps make cooking easy and enjoyable. The slow cooker handles the hard work, allowing flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender. It’s a dish that everyone is sure to enjoy!

Tips for Success

To elevate chicken sausage jambalaya, here are some practical tips that can make a real difference:

• Rice Cooking: Some cooks prefer preparing the rice separately. This method helps prevent overcooking in the slow cooker. If going this route, follow the package instructions for cooking the rice. Stir it into the jambalaya just before serving to keep it fluffy.
• Add Shrimp: For a delightful seafood touch, consider adding shrimp in the last 15 minutes of cooking. This small addition boosts flavor and adds protein, creating a more varied dish.
• Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, it’s a good idea to taste the jambalaya. Adjust the seasonings as needed. Some Creole seasonings can be saltier than expected, so checking beforehand ensures the dish stays balanced.
• Garnish: To give the dish a fresh look, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley just before serving. This adds a pop of color and a refreshing taste to the meal.

These tips help ensure a flavorful and enjoyable meal. They also make the cooking process smoother, leading to a better jambalaya experience. Giving these ideas a try could make all the difference! (2)

Conclusion

Chicken sausage jambalaya in a slow cooker is an easy and delicious dish. It blends chicken, sausage, and colorful veggies into a flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This hearty recipe is sure to impress and bring comfort to the table. Everyone will enjoy the warmth and taste it offers, making it a favorite at any gathering. It’s a simple way to create a memorable dining experience!

FAQ

What is the best way to add cooked shrimp to the jambalaya?

To add cooked shrimp to the chicken sausage jambalaya, simply stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will allow the shrimp to heat through without overcooking.

How do I choose the right type of sausage for this recipe?

The best sausage to use for chicken sausage jambalaya is andouille sausage. Andouille has a bold Cajun flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. You can also use a smoked or spicy chicken sausage if you prefer.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use brown rice instead of white rice in this chicken sausage jambalaya recipe. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but brown rice will work just fine. Just be sure to add the uncooked brown rice at the beginning along with the other ingredients.

How do I make this recipe in the slow cooker?

To make chicken sausage jambalaya in the slow cooker, simply add all the ingredients except the rice and shrimp to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. During the last 30 minutes, stir in the uncooked rice and any cooked shrimp you want to add. This allows the rice to cook through without getting mushy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely make this chicken sausage jambalaya recipe ahead of time. Once it’s cooked, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for 3-4 days. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

What is the best way to add the sausage to the jambalaya?

For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to brown the sausage before adding it to the jambalaya. This helps develop the Cajun spices and creates a nice caramelized exterior on the sausage.

Can I use boneless skinless chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this chicken sausage jambalaya recipe. Just be sure not to overcook them, as chicken breasts can become dry more easily than chicken thighs. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

How do I add the rice to the slow cooker jambalaya?

For a slow cooker chicken sausage jambalaya, it’s best to add the uncooked rice during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This prevents the rice from getting mushy or overcooked. Simply stir the dry rice right into the slow cooker along with any cooked shrimp you want to include.

What is the difference between Cajun and Creole seasoning?

Cajun and Creole seasonings both contain a blend of spices, but Cajun seasoning tends to be bolder and spicier, often using more cayenne pepper. Creole seasoning is a bit milder and has more herbal notes. Either one will work well in this chicken sausage jambalaya recipe.

References:

1. https://www.allrecipes.com/chicken-and-sausage-jambalaya-recipe-8726289
2. https://www.thekitchn.com/slow-cooker-jambalaya-recipe-23471121

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• https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-jambalaya-slow-cooker/
• https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-instant-pot/
• https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-jambalaya-recipe-dutch-oven/

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