Crockpot Recipes

January 21, 2026

Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya: 7 Comforting Flavors Cheered

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya: 7 Comforting Flavors Cheered
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, diced; 1 cup long-grain rice; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup sliced sausage (optional); 1 cup frozen green peas

📊

Difficulty Easy

Recipe by

Mia

90 Views • 8 min read

Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya: 7 Comforting Flavors Cheered

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, bringing together the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine in the easiest way possible. I remember the first time I made jambalaya for my friends; the smell wafting through the kitchen had everyone buzzing with excitement. The tender chicken, zesty spices, and hearty rice come together beautifully, and the best part? You just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic! With years of experience cooking Cajun dishes, I’ve learned that this recipe not only satisfies my cravings but also impresses everyone at the table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on the rich flavors and the simplicity of this amazing dish!

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed and drained for the best texture
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices for extra flavor
1 bell pepper, chopped (any color you love—red, green, or yellow!)
1 onion, chopped finely to release all those sweet flavors
2 cloves garlic, minced for that aromatic kick
2 cups chicken broth, low-sodium preferred for better control of seasoning
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, my secret weapon for that authentic taste!
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper for a little warmth
1 cup sliced sausage (optional, but oh-so-tasty)
1 cup frozen green peas, added at the end for a pop of color and freshness

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya

Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya - detail 1

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making this delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya! Don’t worry, it’s super simple, and I’ll guide you through every step.

Prepping the Ingredients

First things first, we need to get our ingredients ready. Start by dicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This way, they cook evenly and soak up all those amazing flavors. Next, chop your bell pepper and onion into nice little bits. I love using a mix of colors—makes it so pretty! And don’t forget to mince those garlic cloves; they’ll add a wonderful aroma to your dish!

Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Grab your slow cooker and toss in the diced chicken, rinsed rice, diced tomatoes (juices and all), chopped bell pepper, onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. If you’re feeling adventurous, add the sliced sausage here too! Give everything a good stir to combine, and make sure the rice is submerged in the broth. That’s key for perfect cooking!

Cooking Time and Temperature

Now, cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours—whichever fits your schedule best. But wait! There’s one more thing: in the last 30 minutes of cooking, add those frozen peas for a fresh touch. This little step adds color and a nice texture to the jambalaya. Once it’s done, give it a good stir before serving, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a one-pot wonder! Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the work while you kick back and relax.
The flavors are out of this world! The combination of Cajun spices, juicy chicken, and hearty rice creates a taste explosion in every single bite.
Perfect for meal prep! This recipe yields plenty of servings, making it ideal for leftovers throughout the week.
Customize it your way! Feel free to add extra veggies, swap in different proteins, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
It’s gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions.
It fills your home with an irresistible aroma as it cooks, making it hard to wait for dinner!
Great for gatherings! Serve it at parties or family dinners, and watch everyone come back for seconds.

Tips for Success

Now that you’re ready to whip up this amazing Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya, here are my top tips to ensure it turns out just perfect every time!

Taste as you go: Don’t be shy about adjusting the seasoning! If you like it spicier, feel free to add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. It’s all about your personal taste!
Choose quality ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and good-quality chicken can elevate your dish. Trust me, you’ll notice the difference in flavor.
Don’t skip the sausage: If you can, try to include the sliced sausage. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
Garnish for extra flair: When serving, sprinkle some chopped green onions or parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. It makes the dish look even more appetizing!
Serve with sides: I love pairing this jambalaya with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. It rounds out the meal and adds a nice crunch!
Store it right: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day even better!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make a delicious jambalaya that’ll have everyone raving. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s talk about the numbers behind this delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya! Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Here’s what you can expect per serving:

Calories: 350
Fat: 10g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg

These hearty stats make it a well-rounded meal, packed with protein and flavor! Perfect for fueling your day without compromising on taste. Enjoy every delicious bite, knowing you’re treating yourself well!

FAQ About Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya

Got questions about making the perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my best tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll want to extend the cooking time by about an hour. Make sure to adjust the liquid too; you might need a bit more broth to ensure it cooks properly.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

No worries! You can make your own Cajun seasoning by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. It’s super simple and gives you that delicious, spicy kick!

Can I add shrimp to the jambalaya?

Of course! If you want to add shrimp, throw them in during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. This way, they’ll cook through without becoming tough. Just be careful not to overdo it!

Is it necessary to add sausage?

Not at all! The sausage adds an extra layer of flavor, but you can totally skip it if you prefer a lighter dish or want to keep it simple. The chicken will still shine through beautifully!

How do I reheat leftovers?

The best way to reheat your Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Just add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up and stir occasionally until heated through. You’ll enjoy it just as much as the first time!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve enjoyed your delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya, let’s talk about the best way to store those tasty leftovers! You’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and flavorful for your next meal. First, let the jambalaya cool down to room temperature. This step is crucial because you don’t want to trap steam in your storage container, which can lead to sogginess.

Once it’s cooled, transfer the jambalaya into an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for meal prep! Just make sure to label it with the date so you know how long it’s been hanging out in there.

When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Just scoop out the amount you want to enjoy and place it in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or a little bit of water to help loosen it up and keep it from drying out. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through. This way, you’ll have that warm, comforting flavor just like when it was freshly made!

If you need to reheat a larger batch, you can use a pot or a larger skillet. Just keep stirring and adding liquid as needed. And if you want to go the microwave route, that’s fine too! Just make sure to use a microwave-safe container and cover it loosely to prevent splatters. Heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s nice and hot.

With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your jambalaya again and again, savoring every flavorful bite! Happy eating!

What do you think?

Share your thoughts, tips, or variations on this recipe!

Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya: 7 Comforting Flavors Cheered

Mia

Ingredients