Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Start by preparing all the ingredients – chop the vegetables, slice the sausage, and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sear Meat (Optional): For added flavor, you can sear the chicken and sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until they get a nice brown color. This step is optional but highly recommended.
3. Layer Ingredients: Place the seared or uncooked chicken, sausage, diced tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic into the slow cooker.
4. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Mix well to ensure even distribution of spices.
5. Pour in Rice and Broth: Add the rice on top of the mixture in the slow cooker. Then, pour in the chicken broth. Ensure that the rice is submerged in the liquid.
6. Add Bay Leaves: Tuck the bay leaves into the mixture. These will infuse flavor as the jambalaya cooks.
7. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
8. Check for Doneness: Around the 4-hour mark on low or 2-hour mark on high, check to ensure the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. If needed, cook for an additional 15-30 minutes.
9. Serve: Once cooked, discard the bay leaves. Garnish the jambalaya with chopped fresh parsley if desired. You can also add cooked shrimp on top for an extra seafood element.
10. Enjoy: Serve the slow cooker jambalaya hot and enjoy the spicy, flavorful goodness!

Tips:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preferences.
• Rice Variations: You can use brown rice, but keep in mind it might require a longer cooking time and more liquid.
• Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like okra, diced tomatoes with green chilies, or even bell peppers of different colors for variation.

Slow cooker jambalaya is not only delicious but also versatile. Once you’ve got the hang of this recipe, don’t hesitate to make adjustments based on your preferences!