Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya

Name: Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup smoked sausage, sliced; 1 onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1 cup long-grain rice; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Enjoy the rich flavors of Louisiana with this easy slow cooker chicken jambalaya. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Created by

Tabitha Green

Last updated on 2025-12-30T01:04:18.724Z

This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of New Orleans right to your kitchen. With tender chicken, spicy sausage, and a blend of vegetables, it’s a comforting meal that practically cooks itself.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and clean up.
Packed with flavor from a blend of spices and fresh ingredients.
Perfect for meal prepping and tastes even better the next day!

      

The History of Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a quintessential dish from Louisiana, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Creole and Cajun cultures. It is believed to have originated from Spanish paella, with distinct influences from French and African cuisines. Traditionally, jambalaya was a way to use leftover meats and vegetables, making it a versatile one-pot meal that has stood the test of time.

The dish typically consists of three types of ingredients: meat (such as chicken, sausage, or shrimp), vegetables (like onions, bell peppers, and celery), and rice. Each family and region in Louisiana has its own variation, ensuring that this beloved dish continues to evolve while remaining true to its roots.

Slow Cooking Benefits

Using a slow cooker for jambalaya transforms the cooking process, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time. This method is not only convenient for busy lifestyles but also enhances the depth of flavor in your dish. As the ingredients simmer together, the chicken becomes tender, and the spices infuse the rice, resulting in a comforting meal that’s bursting with taste.

Slow cooking also means that you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other activities. This hands-off approach makes it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, ensuring you always have a hearty, home-cooked dish ready to enjoy.

Customizing Your Jambalaya

One of the best aspects of jambalaya is its adaptability. While this recipe features chicken and sausage, feel free to swap in your favorite proteins, such as shrimp or even vegetarian options like tempeh or tofu. You can also experiment with different vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season.

Additionally, if you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. The possibilities are endless, making it easy to cater this dish to your family's preferences while still keeping the essence of traditional jambalaya.

Ingredients

For the Jambalaya

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup smoked sausage, sliced
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 cup long-grain rice
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

Mix well and allow all the flavors to meld together.

Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker

In a slow cooker, combine the chicken, sausage, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, thyme, bay leaf, and rice. Stir to mix.

Cook the Jambalaya

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

Serve

Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

Enjoy your delicious jambalaya!

Storage and Reheating

Leftover jambalaya can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors continue to deepen the longer it sits, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. For longer storage, you can freeze the jambalaya for up to three months. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. If the rice has absorbed too much liquid, adding a splash of chicken broth can help restore its original texture, ensuring that your jambalaya remains delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Jambalaya is a hearty dish that can stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the meal. A piece of crusty French bread or cornbread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.

For an authentic touch, serve your jambalaya with a side of hot sauce, allowing everyone to customize the spice level to their liking. This dish is also great for gatherings, making it a crowd-pleaser at potlucks or family dinners.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Just add them to the slow cooker in the morning.

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so you may need to cook it for an additional hour.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients listed are gluten-free, but always check the labels of processed items like sausage and broth.

→ What can I serve with jambalaya?

Jambalaya is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread.