Discover how to make a flavorful Brown Rice Jambalaya, blending chicken, sausage, shrimp, and spices in a slow cooker. Perfect for a hearty meal!
Looking for more slow cooker meals? Try my Chicken & Wild Rice, Sausage & Peppers, and Birria Tacos.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: From zesty Cajun spices to tender chicken and sausage, every bite bursts with irresistible flavor.
- Effortless Cooking: Simply toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic – it's practically cooking itself!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, this jambalaya is sure to steal the show with its hearty goodness.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Full list of ingredients with measurements listed below in recipe card.
- Chicken: Adds protein and heartiness to the dish. You can also use turkey or tofu for a twist.
- Andouille Sausage: Brings smoky flavor and a bit of kick. If unavailable, smoked sausage works great too.
- Diced Tomatoes: Provides a rich base for the jambalaya. Fresh tomatoes can be used when in season.
- Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the flavor profile. Shallots can be a fancy alternative.
- Green Bell Pepper: Offers crunch and freshness. Feel free to swap with red or yellow peppers.
- Celery: Adds subtle flavor and texture. Don't hesitate to toss in some extra for more crunch.
- Chicken Broth: Infuses richness and depth. Vegetable broth is a fine vegetarian substitute.
- Dried Oregano, Parsley, Thyme: Herb trio adds aromatic goodness. Fresh herbs are also delightful if available.
- Cajun Seasoning: Adds authentic Cajun flair. You can make your own blend or use Creole seasoning.
- Cayenne Pepper: Kicks up the heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- Frozen Cooked Shrimp: Brings a taste of the sea. Fresh shrimp can be used if preferred.
How to Make this Recipe
Full step-by-step instructions listed below in recipe card.
Combine diced tomatoes, chicken, andouille sausage, onion, bell pepper, celery, and chicken broth in the slow cooker.
Season with oregano, parsley, thyme, Cajun seasoning, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
Cover and let it cook on Low for 7-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
During the last 30 minutes, toss in the frozen cooked shrimp to heat through and absorb the flavors.
Meanwhile, cook brown rice according to package instructions, ensuring it's fluffy and ready to soak up the jambalaya goodness.
Once the jambalaya is done, serve it hot over the fluffy brown rice and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!
Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for an extra pop of freshness if desired.
Don't forget to share the love and flavors with family and friends! After all, good food is best enjoyed together.
Variations
- Seafood Bonanza: Swap chicken for chunks of fish or add crab meat for a seafood twist that'll make waves at dinner.
- Veggie Delight: Skip the meat altogether and load up on colorful veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots for a veggie-packed jambalaya extravaganza.
- Sausage Shuffle: Experiment with different types of sausage like spicy chorizo or smoky kielbasa to jazz up the flavor profile.
- Grain Switcheroo: Trade brown rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that's just as satisfying.
- Heat Adjustment: Tone down the spice by reducing the amount of cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning for a milder version that still packs a flavorful punch.
Wine Pairing
A light-hearted and casual wine pairing for this flavorful jambalaya would be a crisp and refreshing Pinot Grigio. Its bright acidity and citrus notes complement the spicy Cajun flavors while providing a delightful contrast to the richness of the dish. Cheers to a perfect match!
FAQ's
- Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen? Absolutely! Fresh shrimp works just as well. Just make sure they're cleaned and peeled before adding them to the jambalaya.
- Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker? Of course! Simply simmer the ingredients in a large pot on low heat for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until everything is cooked through and flavors meld together.
- How spicy is this jambalaya? It's got a bit of a kick thanks to the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking by reducing the amount of cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, the flavors tend to develop even more when it's allowed to sit for a while. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave when you're ready to serve.
- What's the best way to store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Tips
- Prep Like a Pro: Chop all your veggies and meats ahead of time to make assembling this dish a breeze.
- Spice Wisely: Taste as you go and adjust the spice levels to your liking. Remember, you can always add more but can't take it away!
- Don't Peek Too Soon: Keep the slow cooker lid on tight to trap in all those mouthwatering aromas and flavors.
- Shrimp Last Call: Add the shrimp during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from getting rubbery.
- Rice Right: Cook your brown rice separately to fluffy perfection before serving. It's the perfect partner for your flavorful jambalaya!
Looking for more recipes?
Looking for more slow cooker meals? Try my Chicken & Wild Rice, Sausage & Peppers, and Birria Tacos.
Did You Make this Recipe?
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Recipe Card
📋 Recipe
Brown Rice Jambolaya
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Ingredients
- 1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 pound skinless boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 pound andouille sausage sliced
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pound frozen cooked shrimp without tails
Instructions
- Mix tomatoes with juice, chicken, sausage, onion, green bell pepper, celery, and broth in a slow cooker.
- Season with oregano, parsley, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and thyme.
- Cover and cook on Low for 7 to 8 hours, or on High for 3 to 4 hours. Stir in shrimp during the last 30 minutes of cook time.
- Serve over brown rice
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
- Substitutions: Feel free to substitute other proteins like turkey sausage or tofu for the andouille sausage, or add additional vegetables such as okra or tomatoes for variation.
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