This Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil Recipe brings all the bold, buttery flavors of a classic seafood boil to your table with minimal effort—perfect for Labor Day gatherings, backyard celebrations, or relaxed family dinners. Instead of standing over a boiling pot, this easy slow cooker version lets the flavors meld together while you enjoy the day. Loaded with tender shrimp, smoky sausage, sweet corn, and seasoned potatoes, this crowd-pleasing dish delivers comfort, convenience, and irresistible coastal flavor in every bite.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 generous servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds baby red potatoes, halved
- 14 ounces smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced into rounds
- 4 ears corn, husked and cut into thirds
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 ½ pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Layer the slow cooker: Place potatoes in the bottom of a large slow cooker. Add sausage, corn, onion, and garlic on top.
- Season and add liquid: Pour in chicken broth. Scatter butter pieces evenly over the ingredients. Sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add lemon slices.
- Cook until tender: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add shrimp last: Stir gently, then add shrimp on top. Cover and cook for 15–30 minutes, just until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Tip: Do not overcook the shrimp—they cook quickly and can become rubbery.
- Finish and serve: Remove lemon slices if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, spooning the buttery cooking liquid over each portion.
Best Practices & Tips:
- For maximum flavor, use shell-on shrimp and peel before serving.
- Avoid lifting the lid frequently—this releases heat and slows cooking.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the seasoned butter broth.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sodium: 1,480mg
Pro Tip:
A reliable slow cooker makes all the difference in recipes like this Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil, where steady, even heat helps the potatoes cook perfectly while keeping the shrimp tender and juicy. If your current slow cooker runs hot, has uneven heating, or you don’t own one yet, upgrading to a modern model with programmable settings and a locking lid can make entertaining—especially for holidays like Labor Day—much easier and stress-free. A quality slow cooker lets you focus on enjoying the meal and your guests instead of watching the clock.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil Recipe is an easy, stress-free way to serve up classic seafood boil flavor for Labor Day celebrations or anytime you want a hearty, shareable meal. With simple ingredients, bold seasoning, and hands-off cooking, it’s a reliable favorite that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it family-style, enjoy the relaxed pace, and savor every buttery, flavorful bite.
