Slow Cooker Cajun Jambalaya with Chicken, Sausage & Shrimp

Alright, picture this: it’s a chilly evening, you’re craving something hearty and bursting with flavor, but the last thing you want is to be stuck by the stove all night. Enter my slow cooker Cajun jambalaya—a dish that somehow manages to be both wildly comforting and packed with that spicy kick we all love from Louisiana. The smell of smoky sausage mingling with tender chicken and juicy shrimp fills the kitchen, and the rich, tomatoey rice bubbles away, soaking up all those classic Cajun spices. Trust me, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser and absolute magic in the slow cooker. Plus, it frees up your day for everything else!

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours on low
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz smoked Andouille sausage, sliced
12 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 ½ cups chicken broth
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook until it’s browned and the edges are slightly crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside—this step really amps up the flavor by rendering some of that smoky fat.

Step 2:

In the same skillet, toss in the diced chicken thighs and sauté just until the edges start to turn golden—no need to cook through completely here since it will slow cook later. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer the chicken and sausage to your slow cooker.

Step 3:

Now, add your bell pepper, onion, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. This trio—often called the “holy trinity” in Cajun cooking—brings that authentic depth to the dish.

Step 4:

Pour the sautéed vegetables into the slow cooker along with the rinsed rice, the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all those gorgeous flavors.

Step 5:

Cover and cook on low for 3.5 hours. Resist the temptation to lift the lid; slow cooker jambalaya loves steady heat to bring all those textures and tastes together.

Step 6:

About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, stir in the shrimp. Cover and let the shrimp steam gently until just cooked through and pink—overcooked shrimp gets rubbery, so keep an eye here. Give the jambalaya a final stir, taste for seasoning, and adjust salt, pepper, or extra Cajun spice if needed.

Variations & Tips

Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs stay juicier in slow cookers.
Use brown rice, but add 15–20 minutes to cooking time and extra liquid.
For a vegetarian version, omit meats and add chickpeas or smoked tofu, increase vegetable broth accordingly.
Adding a splash of hot sauce or a handful of chopped green onions right before serving takes it next level.
If your jambalaya is too runny after cooking, leave the slow cooker uncovered for 15-20 minutes to thicken.

How I Like to Serve It

I love spooning this jambalaya into big bowls and topping it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions. It’s perfect for casual family dinners, weekend meal prep, or even a Mardi Gras-themed party. Add some crusty French bread on the side to soak up those spicy, savory juices—and maybe a cold beer if you’re feeling festive!

Notes

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep shrimp tender.
You can freeze jambalaya in portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Closing: This slow cooker Cajun jambalaya is a dependable, flavor-packed meal that always brings warmth and a little spice to the table—perfect for those days you want big taste with minimal effort.