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Bold, hearty, and full of flavor, Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is the kind of meal that makes dinner effortless while still tasting like it took hours of work. Inspired by classic Louisiana cooking, this crockpot version delivers tender chicken, savory spices, and rich tomato flavor in one comforting dish. It’s perfect for busy households, cozy nights, and anyone who loves reliable easy crockpot chicken recipes.

If you’re looking for a hands-off dinner that fits right in with other favorites like crock pot chicken breast recipes or white chicken chili slow cooker, this recipe belongs in your rotation.

Recipe Roadmap

• Why Make Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya

• How to Make It

• Ingredients Overview

• Directions

• How to Serve

• Tips for Success

• FAQs

• Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya

This Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is a hearty, flavor-packed comfort meal made with tender chicken, rice, vegetables, and bold Cajun spices. Perfect for fans of easy crockpot chicken recipes, this hands-off dish is ideal for busy days, cozy family meals, and reliable recipes for dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 green bell pepper chopped
• 1 red bell pepper chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1½ cups long-grain rice uncooked
• 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Crockpot
• Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with olive oil.
• Layer Ingredients
• Add chicken, onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the slow cooker.
• Season
• Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne over the ingredients.
• Add Liquids
• Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.
• Slow Cook
• Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours.
• Add Rice
• Stir in uncooked rice, cover, and cook an additional 45–60 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
• Finish & Serve
• Stir well, taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

 

Chicken thighs can be substituted for extra juiciness.

For spicier jambalaya, increase cayenne or Cajun seasoning.

Avoid adding rice too early to prevent mushy texture.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently with a splash of broth if needed.

Why Make Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya?

Jambalaya is known for its deep, layered flavors, but traditional versions can require constant stirring and attention. This slow cooker method simplifies everything while keeping the soul of the dish intact.

Here’s why this recipe works so well:

• Minimal prep and hands-off cooking

• Uses basic pantry and freezer-friendly ingredients

• Ideal for family meals and meal prep

• A great alternative to dishes like slow cooker honey garlic chicken or crock pot teriyaki chicken

It’s also flexible, making it perfect for anyone who enjoys adapting recipes to what they already have on hand.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya

The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting in this recipe. Chicken slowly simmers with vegetables, rice, and seasonings, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. Unlike stovetop jambalaya, there’s no need to babysit the pot.

This method is similar in ease to other comfort-food classics like crockpot chicken teriyaki or even saucy dishes such as meatballs crockpot recipes—just set it and let it cook.

Ingredients Overview

Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya relies on simple, accessible ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs

• Onion, bell peppers, and celery

• Garlic

• Long-grain rice

• Diced tomatoes

• Chicken broth

• Cajun or Creole seasoning

• Paprika, salt, and pepper

These ingredients create a bold yet balanced flavor profile that makes this dish both comforting and satisfying.

Directions

1. Prepare the Base
   Add diced onion, bell peppers, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker.

2. Add the Chicken
   Place chicken breasts or thighs on top of the vegetables.

3. Season Well
   Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken.

4. Add Liquids
   Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.

5. Slow Cook
   Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.

6. Add Rice
   Stir in uncooked rice during the last 45–60 minutes of cooking. Cover and continue cooking until rice is tender.

7. Finish and Serve
   Shred or cube the chicken if desired, stir everything together, and adjust seasoning before serving.

How to Serve

Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with simple sides:

• A fresh green salad

• Steamed vegetables

• Crusty bread or cornbread

• Hot sauce for extra heat

It also reheats well, making it ideal for leftovers and next-day lunches.

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Tips for the Best Results

• Use long-grain rice to prevent mushy texture

• Add rice toward the end to avoid overcooking

• Chicken thighs add extra richness, while breasts keep it lean

• Adjust spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning

• Stir gently after adding rice to keep grains intact

These tips ensure consistent results every time, even for beginner slow cooker users.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes. This is one of the best crock pot chicken breast recipes because the slow cooker keeps the meat tender.

Is this similar to other crockpot chicken dishes?
It’s heartier and spicier than slow cooker honey garlic chicken or crockpot chicken teriyaki, but just as easy to prepare.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I add sausage later?
Yes, cooked sausage can be stirred in near the end for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is the perfect example of how bold flavor and easy preparation can go hand in hand. It’s comforting, filling, and incredibly convenient—everything you want from a slow cooker meal.

Whether you’re rotating through easy crockpot chicken recipes, feeding a crowd, or planning stress-free weeknight dinners, this dish delivers every time. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular on your menu.