If you’re craving a warm, hearty meal packed with bold Southern flavor, this Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is exactly what you need. Tender chicken, smoky sausage, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice all cook together in one pot for an easy, comforting dinner that tastes like it simmered all day, because it did!
Table of Contents
Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya
Equipment
- Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz smoked sausage sliced into rounds
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Lightly grease the slow cooker insert.
- Add the chicken pieces and sliced sausage to the slow cooker.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- After 4 hours, stir in the uncooked rice evenly into the mixture.
- Cover and continue cooking on low for 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Remove bay leaves and stir the jambalaya gently.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya
There’s something magical about walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the rich, smoky aroma of slow cooker chicken jambalaya. It’s like a warm hug from Louisiana itself. This dish is bold, comforting, and unbelievably easy.
One-Pot Comfort Food
Who doesn’t love fewer dishes? Everything cooks together in one pot, soaking up flavor like a sponge. The rice absorbs the seasoned broth, the chicken becomes tender, and the sausage adds that irresistible smoky kick.
Perfect for Busy Days
Got a packed schedule? No problem. Toss the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to serve.
Bold Louisiana Flavors at Home
You don’t need a trip to New Orleans to enjoy authentic flavors. This recipe brings the spirit of Cajun cooking straight to your table.
What Is Jambalaya?
Jambalaya is a classic Louisiana dish made with rice, meat, vegetables, and bold spices. It’s hearty, colorful, and deeply satisfying.
Cajun vs Creole Jambalaya
Cajun jambalaya usually skips tomatoes, while Creole includes them. This slow cooker chicken jambalaya leans slightly toward the Creole style, thanks to juicy tomatoes that give it that beautiful reddish color, just like in the photo.
Traditional Ingredients Explained
The “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking, onion, bell pepper, and celery, forms the flavor base. Add chicken, smoked sausage, rice, and spices, and you’ve got magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Proteins
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Smoked sausage
Vegetables
- Onion
- Green bell pepper
- Celery
- Garlic
- Diced tomatoes
Seasonings and Liquids
- Chicken broth
- Cajun seasoning
- Paprika
- Dried thyme
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
Rice Selection Tips
Use long-grain white rice. It holds its shape and won’t turn mushy. Avoid instant rice, it cooks too fast and can ruin the texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
Chop your vegetables evenly. Slice the sausage into rounds. Cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Layering in the Slow Cooker
Add chicken, sausage, vegetables, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Stir gently.
When to Add the Rice
Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Add rice during the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking.
Final Stir and Garnish
Once the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed, stir well. Garnish with chopped parsley for that fresh green pop.
Pro Tips for the Best Flavor
Browning the Meat First
If you have extra time, brown the sausage and chicken in a skillet first. It adds depth and locks in flavor.
Adjusting Spice Levels
Love heat? Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Prefer mild? Reduce Cajun seasoning slightly.
Avoiding Mushy Rice
Timing is everything. Add rice later and avoid over-stirring.
Variations and Substitutions
Spicy Version
Add jalapeños or extra cayenne for a fiery kick.
Seafood Twist
Stir in shrimp during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Low-Carb Option
Swap rice for cauliflower rice, adding it during the last 30 minutes.
For another bold slow cooker soup that benefits from gradual simmering, try Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Tortilla Soup, It also develops rich flavor while you let the crockpot do the work.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya
Side Dishes
- Cornbread
- Garlic bread
- Simple green salad
Drink Pairings
- Sweet iced tea
- Lemonade
If you enjoy bold, slightly unexpected slow cooker flavor combinations, you may like Crock Pot Pumpkin Peanut Butter Chicken Soup, It offers a creative twist while still delivering comforting richness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Best Reheating Methods
Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to revive moisture.
For another comforting chicken classic that stores beautifully, check out, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, It’s another reliable make-ahead option for busy weeks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding rice too early
- Using too much liquid
- Skipping seasoning adjustments
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but it takes longer to cook and may need extra liquid.
Can I make slow cooker chicken jambalaya ahead of time?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day.
How do I keep rice from getting mushy in crockpot jambalaya?
To prevent mushy rice:
Use long-grain white rice
Add rice near the end of cooking
Avoid stirring too often
Measure broth carefully
Can I freeze slow cooker chicken jambalaya?
Yes. Let the jambalaya cool completely before freezing. Store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a small splash of broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
Slow cooker chicken jambalaya isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with bold Southern flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers every single time. Toss it in the slow cooker, let the magic happen, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort.
