Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya Recipe

If you’re craving a delicious, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavors, then this Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya recipe is exactly what you need. This one-pot dish combines tender chicken, smoky sausage, bell peppers, and a blend of spices, all slow-cooked to perfection for a comforting, flavorful experience.

Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or serving it up for guests, this jambalaya is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

✅ Set It and Forget It – Let the slow cooker do all the work.
✅ Packed with Flavor – A perfect blend of spices, chicken, and sausage.
✅ Comfort Food – Ideal for cozy family meals.
✅ Feeds a Crowd – Easily scalable for large gatherings or meal prep.
✅ Versatile – You can add your favorite ingredients or make it your own.

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Key Ingredients 🛒

This chicken jambalaya recipe uses simple ingredients you might already have in your pantry. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

For the Base:

• 2 large chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces 🍗
• 1 lb smoked sausage – Sliced into rounds 🌭
• 1 bell pepper – Chopped (red, green, or yellow for color) 🌶️
• 1 onion – Chopped 🧅
• 2 celery stalks – Chopped 🌱
• 3 garlic cloves – Minced 🧄

For the Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a smoky flavor 🌶️
• ½ teaspoon thyme – For earthy warmth 🌿
• ½ teaspoon oregano – A touch of Italian herbs 🍃
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning – For that bold, spicy kick 🌶️
• 1 bay leaf – Adds depth to the flavor 🍂
• 1 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste 🧂
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – For extra zing 🖤

For the Liquid:

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Drained 🍅
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth – For a savory base 🍗
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – For added umami 😋
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste – Adds richness 🍅

For the Rice:

• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice – The key to authentic jambalaya 🍚

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Instructions 👨‍🍳

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients 🔪

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and slicing the sausage into rounds. Chop the bell pepper, onion, celery, and garlic.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker 🥄

Add the chicken, sausage, bell pepper, onion, celery, and garlic into your slow cooker.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings 🌿

Next, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir everything together so that the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Add the Liquids 🥣

Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Give everything a good stir. This liquid will cook the rice and give the dish its signature jambalaya flavor.

Step 5: Let the Slow Cooker Do Its Magic ⏰

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

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Step 6: Add the Rice 🍚

After the cooking time has passed, add the rice to the slow cooker. Stir to combine everything well. Make sure the rice is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook on low for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Pro Tip:

If you prefer a little extra crispy rice, you can let it cook for a few extra minutes after turning off the slow cooker.

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Step 7: Serve & Enjoy! 🍽️

Once the rice is cooked, give everything a final stir. Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Spoon the jambalaya onto plates and serve!

You can garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for added freshness and color. Pair with a side salad or cornbread for a complete meal.

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Tips and Variations 🌟

• Add Shrimp: For an authentic jambalaya twist, you can toss in some shrimp during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
• Spicy Level: Increase the Cajun seasoning or add some red pepper flakes for more heat if you love spice! 🌶️
• Use Brown Rice: If you prefer brown rice, just keep in mind it may take a bit longer to cook and require more liquid.
• Make it Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra vegetables, like zucchini or mushrooms, for a vegetarian version.
• Frozen Veggies: If you’re short on fresh veggies, frozen ones work great too! Simply toss them into the slow cooker with the other ingredients.

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What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya 🍽️

This Chicken Jambalaya is already a complete meal, but here are a few ideas to complement it:

• Cornbread: The slight sweetness of cornbread balances out the spiciness of jambalaya.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast.
• Garlic Bread: For something a little more indulgent, garlic bread works wonders alongside this dish.

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Storage & Reheating 🧊

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover jambalaya in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

This dish also freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

To reheat, simply microwave the jambalaya in short bursts, stirring in between, or warm it in a pot over low heat. If it’s too thick, add a little extra broth or water.

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Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Can I Make This Jambalaya Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prep everything and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just pop it into the slow cooker when you’re ready to start.

Can I Use Pre-cooked Chicken or Sausage?

Yes! Pre-cooked chicken or sausage can be used in place of raw. Add them in after the rice, and cook everything for an additional 20 minutes.

Can I Make This Spicy?

Absolutely! Adjust the Cajun seasoning or add a few more peppers to kick up the heat. You can also add hot sauce when serving!

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?

Yes, but you may need to add a bit more liquid and cook the jambalaya for a longer period. Brown rice takes longer to cook.

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Conclusion 🌟

This Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s a flavorful, hearty dish that is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. With tender chicken, smoky sausage, and perfectly seasoned rice, this dish is comfort food at its finest. Plus, the slow cooker does all the hard work, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the amazing flavors of Cajun cuisine at home! 🍗🌶️ You won’t be disappointed!