Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that combines bold flavors with the convenience of a slow cooker, Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is your perfect answer. This hearty dish brings the zest of Cajun cuisine right to your table, offering a delightful combination of chicken, sausage, vegetables, and rice all cooked together in a savory, spiced sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare, and the slow cooking process ensures all the flavors meld beautifully.

What Makes Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya So Special?

Jambalaya is a classic dish from Louisiana, known for its one-pot goodness and deeply flavorful ingredients. Traditionally, it combines meat, vegetables, and rice, all cooked together with aromatic spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, and thyme. In this slow cooker version, the chicken and sausage cook low and slow, resulting in juicy, tender meat and a flavorful base that’s infused with the rich essence of Cajun seasoning.

Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, a special occasion, or even meal prepping for the week, this Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya provides a fuss-free yet satisfying way to enjoy a hearty Southern meal.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya

To make this dish, you’ll need the following essential ingredients:

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Chicken breasts are typically used for this dish, but thighs work wonderfully if you prefer a richer flavor and slightly more tender meat. Dice the chicken into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.

• Andouille Sausage: This is a key ingredient that gives the dish its authentic, smoky flavor. Andouille sausage is a type of smoked sausage typically found in Cajun and Creole cooking. Slice it into ½-inch pieces before adding it to the slow cooker.

• Cajun Seasoning: This spice blend includes a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme, giving the jambalaya its signature warmth. Adjust the amount to your heat preference.

• Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add color, sweetness, and crunch to the dish, balancing the heat from the Cajun seasoning.

• Celery: Celery brings a subtle, earthy flavor and texture that complements the peppers and other ingredients.

• Onion: Onions add depth to the flavor base, making the dish even more savory.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the overall taste with a sharp, aromatic kick.

• Crushed Tomatoes: The tomatoes provide a rich, tangy sauce that forms the base of the jambalaya.

• Oregano: Dried oregano brings an earthy, herbal note to balance out the spice.

• Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is used to create the cooking liquid, infusing the rice with flavor as it cooks.

• Rice: Long-grain white rice is the traditional choice for jambalaya. It’s best to cook the rice separately and mix it into the jambalaya towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya

Making this dish is incredibly simple, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a flavorful and hearty meal:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces, and slice the Andouille sausage. Chop the bell peppers, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic and set everything aside for easy access.

Step 2: Add the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Once your ingredients are ready, place the diced chicken, sliced sausage, bell peppers, celery, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and dried oregano. Stir everything together to combine and ensure the meat and vegetables are coated with the seasoning.

Step 3: Set the Slow Cooker

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During the cooking time, the chicken and sausage will become tender, and the flavors will meld together, creating a deliciously spiced base for the rice.

Step 4: Add the Rice

Once the cooking time is up, it’s time to add the rice. Cook the rice separately according to the package instructions and then stir it into the jambalaya mixture. This ensures the rice doesn’t become mushy from cooking for too long. Mix everything together, and your Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is ready to serve!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the jambalaya hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. You can enjoy this dish on its own or pair it with a side of warm bread or a simple green salad.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya

To ensure your jambalaya turns out just right, here are a few helpful tips:

• Use Quality Sausage: The sausage is a key flavor element, so be sure to use high-quality Andouille sausage for the best taste.

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning, or omit the cayenne pepper. For more heat, feel free to add extra spice.

• Don’t Overcook the Rice: Since the rice is added at the end of the cooking process, it’s essential to cook it separately and only add it once the meat and vegetables are ready. This prevents the rice from becoming too soft and soggy.

• Customize Your Meat: While this recipe uses chicken and sausage, you can easily customize it by adding shrimp or even pork. Simply add shrimp during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.

• Leftover Storage: Store any leftover jambalaya in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, making it great for meal prep.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya

This dish is delicious on its own, but here are a few sides that pair perfectly with jambalaya:

• Warm Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

• Garlic Bread: If you’re in the mood for something with a little extra flavor, garlic bread complements the dish beautifully.

• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve the jambalaya with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

• Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the jambalaya.

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans make a great side dish to add some extra texture and flavor.

Variations of Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya

One of the best things about jambalaya is how versatile it can be. You can adjust the ingredients and spices based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try that can bring new flavors or accommodate different tastes.

1. Add Shrimp for a Seafood Twist

While this recipe calls for chicken and sausage, adding shrimp can elevate the dish with a delicious seafood flair. Simply add peeled and deveined shrimp to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing them to cook through without becoming tough. This will result in a wonderful combination of chicken, sausage, and shrimp all in one dish.

2. Make it Vegetarian

If you want to make a vegetarian version of jambalaya, you can leave out the chicken and sausage and replace them with plant-based alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas. Add more vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, to enhance the flavor and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly. You can also adjust the spices for a milder or spicier taste.

3. Spicy Jambalaya

For those who enjoy extra heat, you can increase the spiciness of the dish by adding more cayenne pepper or a few chopped jalapeños. You can also add a teaspoon of hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor. This spicy version is sure to satisfy those who like their meals with a fiery kick.

4. Gluten-Free Jambalaya

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it uses rice and does not contain any gluten-based ingredients. However, if you’re concerned about cross-contamination, make sure to choose gluten-free sausage and check that your Cajun seasoning mix is also gluten-free. You can also serve the jambalaya with gluten-free bread or crackers on the side.

5. Cajun Jambalaya with Creole Seasoning

If you’re a fan of Creole cuisine, you can substitute the Cajun seasoning for Creole seasoning. Creole seasoning has a slightly different flavor profile, with a hint of sweetness from ingredients like paprika and a bit of a smokier taste. This substitution will give the dish a new depth of flavor while still maintaining that signature Southern taste.

6. Low-Carb Jambalaya

For a low-carb version, swap out the rice for cauliflower rice. This is a great way to enjoy the flavors of jambalaya without the carbs. You can prepare the cauliflower rice separately and mix it into the jambalaya just before serving, or even cook it in the slow cooker alongside the other ingredients. The cauliflower rice will soak up the flavorful sauce while keeping the dish low-carb and light.

How to Store Leftovers of Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya

This recipe makes a generous amount, making it perfect for leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat your Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya:

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Allow the jambalaya to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: If you want to store the jambalaya for a longer period, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat.

Reheating Leftovers

• Stovetop: To reheat on the stovetop, place the jambalaya in a pan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much.

• Microwave: You can also microwave the jambalaya, but make sure to cover it to prevent splatters. Reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until it’s heated through.

Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya – Recipe Card

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces

• 12 oz (340g) Andouille sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (cooked separately)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Dice chicken, slice sausage, and chop vegetables. Mince garlic.

2. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Add chicken, sausage, bell peppers, celery, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.

3. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Add Cajun seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

4. Cook:

   • Low: 6–8 hours

   • High: 3–4 hours
     Until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

5. Add Rice: Cook rice separately according to package instructions. Stir the cooked rice into the slow cooker during the final 10–15 minutes.

6. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Enjoy hot!

Notes

• Spice Level: Adjust Cajun seasoning or add cayenne/hot sauce if you want it spicier.

•  Add Shrimp: Add peeled shrimp in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

• Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with tofu, chickpeas, or mushrooms; use vegetable broth.

• Rice Tip: Cook rice separately to avoid it becoming mushy.

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Estimated)

• Calories: 385

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 17g

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 5g

• Sodium: 880mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portions used.

Quick Info

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 6–8 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)

• Total Time: ~6 hrs 15 min (or 3 hrs 15 min on High)

• Method: Slow Cooker

• Cuisine: Cajun / Southern

• Servings: 6

• Calories: 385 per serving

• Yield: 6 servings