Description
Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya: A hearty, weeknight-friendly dish that delivers bold Cajun flavor with minimal effort. Tender chicken thighs mingle with peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and rice in a smoky, savory broth. This slow cooker recipe keeps prep simple and hands-off while delivering big taste, perfect for busy families or casual gatherings. Serve with chopped green onions for a fresh finish—great for meal prep and flavorful leftovers. It’s economical, feeds a crowd, and cleans up in one pot.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- ½ cup sliced turkey sausage
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
- Lightly coat the slow cooker with olive oil.
- Add chicken, onion, bell peppers, garlic, diced tomatoes, broth, rice, and seasonings.
- Stir to combine, ensuring rice is submerged in liquid.
- Add sliced turkey sausage on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Stir gently before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute Andouille or turkey kielbasa for the sausage.
- Omit cayenne for milder heat or use more if you like it spicy.
- If rice is not fully tender at the end, cook 30 minutes longer on low.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stove.
- To keep it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free sausage and broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya, Cajun chicken jambalaya, one-pot jambalaya, weeknight dinner, easy slow cooker recipe, chicken and rice, peppers and tomatoes, Cajun spices, turkey sausage, green onions, family dinner, leftovers