Crockpot Jambalaya {Instant Pot Jambalaya}

SLOW COOKER METHOD:

1. Optional: If you’d like to add sausage to your jambalaya, you can do so by browning sliced kielbasa or andouille sausage in a skillet. Add the browned sausage to the slow cooker along with the chicken and other ingredients. Proceed with the rest of the cooking instructions.
2. In slow cooker, stir together chicken, celery, onions, bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic, salt, diced tomatoes (in their juices), broth and tomato paste.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours (or on HIGH for 2 - 3 hours).
4. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks; return to the pot.
5. Stir in shrimp, cover, and cook for an additional 10-20 minutes (or just until shrimp turn pink), stirring once. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper or Creole seasoning, if necessary. Serve over rice and garnish with parsley or green onion.

INSTANT POT METHOD:

1. Optional: If you’d like to add sausage to your jambalaya, you can do so by browning sliced kielbasa or andouille sausage in the Instant Pot at the same time that you brown the chicken. Remove the chicken and sausage as instructed above, and proceed with the rest of the cooking instructions above.
2. Select “sauté” on the Instant Pot and adjust to “normal.” Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pot. When hot, add the chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until browned. Using a slotted spoon, transfer chicken to a bowl (leave oil in the pot).
3. Add celery, onion, bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic, and salt to the pot. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Press “cancel.”
4. Add chicken, tomatoes in their juices, 1 cup of broth, and tomato paste to the pot. Secure the lid on the pot. Close the pressure-release valve.
5. Select “manual” and cook at high pressure for 10 minutes. When cooking is complete, use a quick release to depressurize. Press “cancel.”
6. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks; return to the pot.
7. Select “sauté” and adjust to “normal.” Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, or until shrimp are cooked through (they will turn pink and you’ll know they’re done). Press “cancel.”
8. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper or Creole seasoning, if necessary. Ladle the jambalaya over the rice and garnish with parsley or green onion.