Chicken-Shrimp Jambalaya for Slow Cooker
Chicken-Shrimp Jambalaya for Slow Cooker Recipe
Introduction
Chicken-Shrimp Jambalaya is a classic Creole dish that is packed with flavor and perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe is made easy by using a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together while you go about your day.
History
Jambalaya is a dish that originated in Louisiana and is a mix of Spanish, French, and African cuisines. It is traditionally made with rice, vegetables, and a variety of meats or seafood. This slow cooker version simplifies the process while still delivering the delicious flavors of the classic dish.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz (397 g)) of no-salt-added diced tomatoes
- 1 can (1 oz (28 g)) of reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1.5 cups of crushed complete wheat bran flakes (about 3 cups of cereal)
- 1 cup of chopped onion
- 0.33 cup of no-salt-added tomato paste
- 1 tbsp of cajun seasoning
- 2 tsp of worcestershire sauce
- 1.25 lb (567 g) of skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 0.25 lb (113 g) of fully cooked smoked turkey sausage, cut into 0.25 inch slices
- 1.25 cups of instant brown rice
- 0.5 lb (227 g) of frozen, cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp, thawed
- 1 cup of chopped green bell pepper
How to prepare
- In a 4 to 5 qt (4.73 liter) crockery cooker, combine undrained tomatoes, broth, cereal, onion, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Trim the fat from the chicken and cut it into 1-inch pieces.
- Stir the chicken and sausage into the tomato mixture.
- Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours or on high-heat setting for 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Stir in the rice, shrimp, and pepper.
- Cover and let it stand for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Serve with vegetables, such as sugar snap peas, if desired.
- Note: The shrimp is added near the end of the cooking time because it will get tough if left in the slow cooker for the entire time.
Variations
- Substitute the chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Add in additional vegetables such as okra or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to trim the fat from the chicken thighs before adding them to the slow cooker to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
- Thaw the shrimp before adding them to the slow cooker to ensure they cook evenly.
- Stir in the shrimp towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming tough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken-Shrimp Jambalaya with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
The slow cooker method allows the flavors of the Chicken-Shrimp Jambalaya to develop slowly over time, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use regular chicken broth instead of reduced-sodium if desired.
- Swap out the turkey sausage for Andouille sausage for a spicier kick.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply add everything to the slow cooker and let it cook throughout the day.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the Chicken-Shrimp Jambalaya in a large serving bowl garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this dish with a glass of crisp white wine or a cold beer to complement the bold flavors of the jambalaya.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
350
Carbohydrates
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
Fats
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Proteins
- Protein: 33g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 30%
- Calcium: 6%
- Iron: 20%
Alergens
Contains shellfish (shrimp)
Summary
This Chicken-Shrimp Jambalaya is a well-balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for a satisfying meal.
Summary
Chicken-Shrimp Jambalaya is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight meal. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy all the flavors of this classic Creole dish with minimal effort.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a warm summer day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a faded, yellowed piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the ground. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for Chicken-Shrimp Jambalaya for Slow Cooker.
I felt a rush of excitement as I read through the ingredients and instructions. I had always loved jambalaya, but I had never tried making it in a slow cooker before. The thought of the flavors melding together over hours of gentle cooking was enough to make my mouth water.
I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients. I chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery, and minced garlic. I seasoned chicken thighs and shrimp with a mix of spices that included paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. And I measured out rice, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes.
As I browned the chicken and sautéed the vegetables, the kitchen filled with the rich, savory aroma of the dish. I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me as I thought about all the meals I had prepared over the years, and all the memories that were tied to them.
I remembered my own grandmother teaching me how to make her famous meatloaf, with its secret blend of herbs and spices. I remembered my mother showing me how to bake a perfect apple pie, with a flaky crust that melted in your mouth. And I remembered the countless family gatherings where we would all come together to share a meal and catch up on each other's lives.
But as much as I cherished those memories, I knew that it was important to create new ones as well. And so, as the jambalaya simmered away in the slow cooker, I thought about all the people I would share it with. I imagined the smiles on their faces as they took their first bite, and the laughter and conversation that would flow around the table.
When the jambalaya was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and garnished it with fresh parsley. The colors were vibrant and the aromas were intoxicating. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.
As I took my first bite, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. The chicken was tender, the shrimp were succulent, and the rice was perfectly cooked. The flavors were bold and satisfying, with just the right amount of heat from the cayenne pepper.
I couldn't help but smile as I savored each mouthful. This recipe was a keeper, one that would surely become a staple in my kitchen for years to come. And as I sat down to enjoy my meal, I felt grateful for all the people who had shared their recipes with me over the years, and for the joy that cooking had brought into my life.
In that moment, surrounded by the comforting warmth of the jambalaya and the memories it evoked, I knew that I was exactly where I was meant to be. Cooking was not just a means to an end, but a way to connect with the past and create new memories for the future. And for that, I would always be grateful.
Categories
| American Recipes | Brown Rice Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Chicken Stock And Broth Recipes | Crockpot Recipes | Green Bell Pepper Recipes | Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends | Shrimp Recipes | Tomato Paste Recipes | Tomato Recipes | Turkey Sausage Recipes |