Ingredients and preparation
Jambalaya is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines a variety of ingredients to create a one-pot wonder. To prepare this recipe in your crock pot, you’ll need a mix of proteins, vegetables, spices, and rice. Below is the list of ingredients you’ll need, along with preparation tips to ensure everything is ready to go before you start cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound of smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 pound of raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup of long-grain white rice
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 3 cups of chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
- Chicken and sausage: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Slice the smoked sausage into even rounds to ensure they cook evenly.
- Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking. Peel and devein the shrimp, and set them aside in the refrigerator until needed.
- Vegetables: Dice the bell peppers, onion, and celery into small, uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and blend well into the dish.
- Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This step helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky during cooking.
- Spices: Measure out the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix them together in a small bowl for easy addition during cooking.
- Broth and tomatoes: Open the can of diced tomatoes and have the chicken broth measured and ready to pour into the crock pot.
With all your ingredients prepped and ready, you’re now set to move on to the cooking process. Proper preparation ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in your crock pot.
Step-by-step cooking instructions
To begin, set your crock pot to the low or high setting, depending on your preferred cooking time. Cooking on low will take approximately 6-7 hours, while cooking on high will take about 3-4 hours. Follow these steps to create a perfectly cooked jambalaya:
- Step 1: Layer the proteins and vegetables. Start by adding the bite-sized chicken pieces and sliced smoked sausage to the bottom of the crock pot. Then, layer the diced green and red bell peppers, chopped onion, and diced celery on top of the proteins. This layering helps distribute the flavors evenly as the dish cooks.
- Step 2: Add the rice and seasonings. Sprinkle the rinsed long-grain white rice evenly over the vegetables. Next, add the pre-mixed Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir gently to combine the rice and seasonings with the vegetables and proteins.
- Step 3: Pour in the liquids. Pour the chicken broth and undrained diced tomatoes over the mixture in the crock pot. Use a spoon to gently press down the ingredients, ensuring the rice is fully submerged in the liquid. This step is crucial for even cooking and prevents the rice from drying out.
- Step 4: Cook the jambalaya. Cover the crock pot with its lid and let the ingredients cook undisturbed. If cooking on low, allow the jambalaya to simmer for 6-7 hours. If cooking on high, reduce the time to 3-4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this releases heat and can extend the cooking time.
- Step 5: Add the shrimp. About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, stir the jambalaya gently to ensure the rice is evenly cooked. Then, add the peeled and deveined shrimp, spreading them evenly across the top. Replace the lid and let the shrimp cook until they turn pink and opaque, which should take about 20-30 minutes.
- Step 6: Adjust seasoning. Once the shrimp are cooked, taste the jambalaya and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the Cajun seasoning already contains salt.
When the cooking time is complete, your jambalaya should be a rich, flavorful dish with tender chicken, smoky sausage, perfectly cooked shrimp, and fluffy rice infused with spices. Stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients before serving.
Tips for serving and storing
Serving jambalaya is all about presentation and enhancing the flavors of this hearty dish. Once your jambalaya is ready, spoon it into bowls or onto plates, ensuring each serving includes a generous portion of chicken, sausage, shrimp, and vegetables. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sliced green onions for a pop of color and a burst of freshness. These simple additions not only elevate the dish visually but also add a subtle layer of flavor that complements the spices.
For an authentic touch, serve your jambalaya with a side of crusty French bread or cornbread to soak up the flavorful juices. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. For those who enjoy a bit of extra heat, place a bottle of hot sauce on the table so guests can customize their spice level.
When it comes to storing leftovers, allow the jambalaya to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out.
If you’d like to freeze your jambalaya for later, portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the containers with the date, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the jambalaya in the refrigerator overnight and reheat using the methods mentioned above. Keep in mind that the texture of the rice may change slightly after freezing, but the flavors will remain just as delicious.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can make the most of your jambalaya, whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the crock pot or savoring it as leftovers. This dish is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or entertaining guests, offering a taste of Louisiana comfort food that’s sure to impress.