Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya

Name: Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1 cup long-grain rice; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup frozen peas

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

A hearty and flavorful dish that combines seasoned chicken, rice, and vegetables, all cooked slowly to perfection.

Created by

Natalie Warren

Last updated on 2025-12-28T20:28:15.254Z

This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is the perfect weeknight meal. It combines the rich flavors of Cajun spices, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables, all simmered together in a slow cooker for a hassle-free dinner. Just set it and forget it!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        A comforting blend of flavors that warms the soul
Effortless preparation that saves you time in the kitchen
Perfectly tender chicken that absorbs all the spices

      

The Origins of Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a dish with deep roots in Creole and Cajun cuisine, originating from Louisiana. It is a beautiful representation of the cultural fusion that characterizes the region, blending influences from Spanish, French, and African cooking traditions. Traditionally, jambalaya is made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices, all simmered together with rice to create a hearty meal that truly satisfies.

The beauty of jambalaya lies in its versatility. You can adapt the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. While this Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya uses chicken, you can easily substitute with shrimp, sausage, or even a vegetarian option by incorporating a variety of vegetables and beans. This adaptability makes it an excellent choice for any occasion.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the many advantages of this Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is its suitability for meal prep. Preparing meals in advance can save you time during the week and help you maintain a healthy diet. This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to five days and can be easily reheated for a quick lunch or dinner.

To make meal prep even easier, consider doubling the recipe. You can freeze individual portions for those busy nights when you need a comforting meal without the effort. Just portion out the jambalaya into airtight containers and freeze. When you're ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, and you'll have a delicious meal ready in minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serving Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is a delight in itself. Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and freshness. You might also consider serving it with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal. The bread is perfect for soaking up any flavorful broth left in the bowl.

For those who enjoy a little heat, offer hot sauce on the side. Many love to spice up their jambalaya with a dash of their favorite hot sauce, enhancing the dish's depth of flavor. Pairing this hearty dish with a refreshing beverage, like iced tea or lemonade, can also make for a delightful dining experience.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 cup long-grain rice
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup frozen peas

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the bell pepper, onion, celery, and garlic. Set aside.

Layer the Ingredients

In the slow cooker, add the chicken thighs, rice, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, celery, garlic, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken and rice are tender.

Add Peas

Stir in the frozen peas in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Serve

Once done, shred the chicken in the pot and mix everything well. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Benefits

This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Chicken thighs provide a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. Coupled with the colorful vegetables, this dish offers a variety of vitamins and minerals that contribute to a balanced diet.

The inclusion of rice offers a healthy dose of carbohydrates, providing the energy needed to fuel your day. The addition of peas increases the fiber content, promoting digestive health and keeping you feeling fuller for longer. This dish is a wonderful example of how comfort food can also be nutritious.

Customizing Your Jambalaya

One of the fantastic aspects of jambalaya is how customizable it is. Feel free to experiment with different proteins such as shrimp, andouille sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Each variation can bring a unique flavor while maintaining the essence of this classic dish.

You can also adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of Cajun seasoning or adding other spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. Additionally, incorporating seasonal vegetables can enhance the dish's flavor profile while making it more nutritious.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing leftovers from your Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is easy. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Properly stored, it can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months. Just be sure to label your containers for easy identification.

When reheating, it’s best to do so gently to preserve the texture of the rice and chicken. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help rehydrate the dish and enhance its flavor during reheating.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge.

→ Is this recipe spicy?

It's mildly spicy due to the Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like corn, zucchini, or even okra for extra flavor and texture.