Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya Recipe
Introduction
Experience the rich flavors of the South with this easy Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya. This hearty one-pot meal combines tender chicken, smoky sausage, and vibrant vegetables for a comforting dish perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts (diced into 1 inch pieces)
- 1 lb andouille sausage links (sliced into 1/2 inch pieces)
- 1 Tbsp cajun seasoning
- 1/2 onion (diced into small pieces)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced into large pieces)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced into large pieces)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (14.5 oz can)
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Place all ingredients except the cooked rice into the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken pieces and sausage are evenly distributed among the vegetables and seasonings.
- Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Step 3: Stir in the cooked rice thoroughly. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of your jambalaya.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to suit your taste.
- Use smoked sausage or kielbasa if andouille is not available.
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions make a great garnish.
- Make ahead by cooking the jambalaya without rice, then add freshly cooked rice before serving to keep it fluffy.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use uncooked rice instead of cooked rice?
This recipe calls for cooked rice because raw rice won’t cook properly in the slow cooker with the other ingredients. To avoid mushiness or undercooked rice, it’s best to prepare the rice separately and add it at the end.
Can I freeze leftover jambalaya?
Yes, jambalaya freezes well. Store leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, spicy andouille sausage, and vibrant vegetables slow-cooked to perfection. Infused with Cajun seasoning and herbs, this comforting meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a crowd, delivering authentic Louisiana-inspired flavors with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts, diced into 1 inch pieces
- 1 lb andouille sausage links, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 onion, diced into small pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, diced into large pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, diced into large pieces
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 tsp minced garlic
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (14.5 oz can)
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup chicken broth
Other
- 3 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces, slice the andouille sausage into 1/2-inch pieces, dice the onion and bell peppers, slice the celery stalks, and mince the garlic to get everything ready for the slow cooker.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the diced chicken, sliced sausage, vegetables, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and chicken broth together in the crock pot. Mix slightly to distribute the seasoning.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The dish is done when the chicken is fully cooked through and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Add Cooked Rice: Once the slow-cooking is complete, stir in the 3 cups of cooked rice to the jambalaya mixture. Mix well so the rice absorbs the rich flavors of the stew.
- Serve: Serve the jambalaya warm directly from the slow cooker. Enjoy the comforting taste of this classic Cajun meal.
Notes
- You can use brown rice instead of white rice, but ensure it’s pre-cooked before adding since rice isn’t cooked in the slow cooker here.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked andouille sausage.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (slow cooker low setting)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern American
Keywords: Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya, Cajun Jambalaya, Slow Cooker Recipe, Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya, Easy Jambalaya, Comfort Food
