Forgotten Jambalaya Crockpot Recipe

The Forgotten Jambalaya Crockpot Recipe is a delicious and effortless way to enjoy a classic Cajun dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Originating from Louisiana, jambalaya is a one-pot meal with bold flavors, combining meats like chicken, sausage, and shrimp with rice, vegetables, and a blend of spices. The beauty of this crockpot version is that it allows all the ingredients to simmer together slowly, enhancing the flavors and creating a rich, satisfying dish with minimal hands-on effort.

The beauty of this recipe, though, is its simplicity. After you toss the ingredients to cook slowly, you can walk away and let it do the work, making it a perfect way for busy families, meal preppers, or comfort-food lovers to cook without the fuss. Slow cooking allows the proteins to tenderize, the rice to soak up all the aromatic spices, and the dish to attain that deeply complex flavor of genuine Louisiana cookery. Plus, it’s highly customizable whether you prefer a spicier kick, more vegetables, or a different protein, this recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your taste.

This Forgotten Jambalaya Crockpot Recipe also makes a great crowd-pleaser. It’s a cheap meal that yields many servings, and the leftovers are even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Serve it with cornbread or a simple salad, and you have a comforting, satisfying meal. For fans of Cajun cuisine or tasting jambalaya for the first time, this slow-cooked version will become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Table of Contents

Origins of Forgotten Jambalaya Crockpot Recipe

Jambalaya is a classic of Louisiana Creole and Cajun cooking, one that’s tied closely to the history of the American South. Influenced by Spanish paella and French cooking techniques, jambalaya arose as a practical and flavor-rich dish that could be prepared with available ingredients. Traditionally, it combines chicken, sausage, and shrimp with vegetables, rice, and bold seasonings. The beauty of jambalaya lies in its versatility. Louisiana’s early settlers adapted the dish according to local ingredients, resulting in two predominant variations: Creole jambalaya (which contains tomatoes) and Cajun jambalaya (which does not). The Forgotten Jambalaya Crockpot Recipe uses a crockpot to bring this essence into the modern kitchen, creating a lazy, hands-off tomorrow approach that slowly builds deep, richly coalesced flavors with not much work.

Why Make Jambalaya in a Crockpot?

One of the best things about cooking jambalaya in a crockpot is that you do not have to constantly monitor it to ensure it does not burn or overcook, allowing a straightforward and stress-free way to make a traditionally arduous cooking process. Unlike stovetop versions that need frequent stirring and fiddling with timing, the crockpot enables all ingredients to blend over low heat with time, amplifying their inherent flavors. The low-and-slow technique produces tender proteins, prevents mushy rice, and allows the spices to infuse into the dish fully. Whether you’re a busy parent, meal prep enthusiast, or someone who loves hearty comfort food, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy authentic jambalaya with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Keys to a Perfect Forgotten Jambalaya Crockpot Recipe

To achieve the best flavor and texture, it’s essential to follow a few key tips:

• Use the Right Meats: A mix of smoked sausage, chicken, and shrimp is ideal. The sausage gives a smoky richness, the chicken contributes a meaty texture, and the shrimp offers a gentle sweetness.
• Use the holy trinity: In Cajun and Creole cooking, the holy trinity is onions, bell peppers , and celery. Because these three ingredients dominate the dish, they build layers of flavor and aroma.
• Season Generously: An authentic jambalaya is based on strong seasonings, like Cajun spice blend, paprika, thyme, and bay leaves. Add cayenne pepper to taste if you like the flavor but want some heat.
• Layer Ingredients Correctly: Depending on what you’re cooking, you’ll want to layer meats and vegetables on the bottom and then layer rice, broth, and seasonings. However, shrimp cooks quickly, so it shouldn’t be added until later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
• Use the Right Rice: Long-grain rice works best as it absorbs flavors without becoming mushy. Avoid instant rice, which can break down too quickly in the crockpot.

Health Benefits of Jambalaya

Jambalaya is not only delicious but also nutrient-dense, offering a well-rounded balance of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. The dish contains lean protein sources such as chicken and shrimp, while vegetables provide fiber and antioxidants. Below is a breakdown of its nutritional benefits per serving:

By using lean meats, whole-grain rice, and plenty of vegetables, you can make this dish even more nutritious while still maintaining its rich and satisfying flavor.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Jambalaya

• Brown the Sausage First: One of the best tips is to sauté the sausage before putting it in the crockpot to help with the smoky flavor and to prevent it from being too mushy.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it to the last 15 to 20 minutes of cooking to stay tender and juicy.
• Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: When making a Creole-style jambalaya, opt for fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular canned ones, giving the dish a smoky depth.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the jambalaya to sit for 5-10 minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together even more.

Jambalaya Variations

The Forgotten Jambalaya Crockpot Recipe can be easily customized based on dietary preferences and available ingredients. Here are some variations:

• Seafood Jambalaya: Swap out chicken and sausage for a mix of shrimp, crab, and scallops for a seafood-rich version.
• Vegetarian Jambalaya: Use plant-based sausage or tofu, and substitute vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Spicy Cajun Jambalaya: Increase the cayenne pepper and hot sauce for a fiery kick.
• Low-Carb Jambalaya: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.

Forgotten Jambalaya Crockpot Recipe From OoohDelish!

Forgotten Jambalaya Crockpot Recipe

This Forgotten Jambalaya Crockpot Recipe is a hands-off, flavor-packed dish that combines chicken, sausage, shrimp, rice, and bold Cajun spices in a slow cooker. It’s the perfect one-pot meal that lets you enjoy a rich and hearty Louisiana favorite without constant monitoring.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Resting time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 6 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Cajun, Southern

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker (at least 6-quart capacity)
• Large spoon (for stirring)
• Sharp knife (for chopping ingredients)
• Cutting board (for easy prep)
• Measuring cups (for broth and rice)
• Measuring spoons (for seasonings)
• Can opener (for diced tomatoes)
• Tongs (for handling shrimp)

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups diced boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 lb smoked sausage sliced into rounds
• 1 cup shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 medium bell pepper chopped
• 2 stalks celery chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with juice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ teaspoon hot sauce optional, for extra spice
• 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Prep the Ingredients: Dice the onion, bell pepper, celery, and mince the garlic. Cut the chicken breast into cubes and the sausage (chorizo or andouille) into rounds.
• Slow Cooker Directions: Add chicken, sausage, onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the crockpot.
• Add Seasoning & Liquids: Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and hot sauce (if using). Stir everything together.
• Cook on low: cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or until the chicken is tender.
• Add the Shrimp & Rice: In the final 30 minutes of cooking, add the shrimp and the uncooked rice. Cook until the rice is cooked and the shrimp is pink and opaque.
• Final Touches: Pull the bay leaves, stir everything through, and it'll be good to let it rest for 5–10 minutes to meld before serving.

Notes

• For a spicier jambalaya, increase the Cajun seasoning or hot sauce to taste.
• If you prefer a thicker jambalaya, let it sit for 10–15 minutes after cooking to allow the rice to absorb more liquid.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Enjoy this Forgotten Jambalaya Crockpot Recipe—a delicious, easy, and comforting meal perfect for any night of the week!

 

 

Keyword Cajun Jambalaya, Easy Jambalaya, Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Conclusion: Why You Should Try the Forgotten Jambalaya Crockpot Recipe

Jambalaya is a great recipe that goes into a crockpot, but this version Forget about Jambalaya Crockpot Recipe is delicious and filling. With a slow cooker, you achieve all the depth of flavor you expect in classic Jambalaya without the constant stirring or careful timing associated with stovetop iterations. The outcome: a full-bodied, vibrant dish where each mouthful carries the smoky, savory, and slightly hot flavors that are the cornerstone of Jambalaya, a Southern classic.

This recipe has the bonus of being quick and versatile. Suppose you’re a busy home cook searching for an easy weeknight dinner, trying to meal prep for the week ahead, or looking to entertain casually. In that case, this crockpot jambalaya offers a set-and-forget-it solution. You can get it going and let the flavors develop throughout the day. It’s hugely flexible, and you can mix and match it with protein options, spice levels, and ingredient variations to suit your taste and dietary restrictions. Want a seafood-only jambalaya? Swap out the chicken for crab or scallops. Need a vegetarian version? Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth for a meat-free take.

In addition to its outstanding flavor and ease, this recipe is nutrient-packed and nutritious, with a good dose of protein, healthful carbs, fiber, and vital vitamins. With lean meats, veggies, and spices all wrapped together, it is a comforting meal and a healthy and filling addition to any diet. Whether you enjoy it in its classic form or somehow adapt it to your particular tastes, the Forgotten Jambalaya Crockpot Recipe is guaranteed to deliver bold flavors, effortless cooking, and ultimate satisfaction. So, gather your ingredients, set your crockpot, and let the magic happen. Your taste buds will thank you!

FAQs : Forgotten Jambalaya Crockpot Recipe

Share Your Twist!

We’d love to hear your version of Forgotten Jambalaya Crockpot Recipe ! What special ingredients or techniques do you use to make it uniquely yours? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to create even more delicious meals!

References

Colleen’s Slow Cooker Jambalaya Recipe