Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is a one-pot wonder that combines the flavors of the South with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Phoebe Turner

Created by

Phoebe Turner

Last updated on 2025-12-28T15:16:09.254Z

Jambalaya is a classic dish from Louisiana that brings together the best of Creole and Cajun cuisines. This simple slow cooker version allows you to enjoy the rich flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty and satisfying meal with a kick of spice
  • Effortless preparation and minimal cleanup
  • Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 1 cup long grain rice
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Mix all the ingredients in the slow cooker for a flavorful meal.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Mince the garlic and set aside.

Combine in Slow Cooker

In the slow cooker, add the chicken thighs, rice, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped vegetables, Cajun seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

Add Shrimp (Optional)

If using shrimp, add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir to combine.

Serve

Once done, fluff the jambalaya with a fork, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade jambalaya!

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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 spicy?

Absolutely! You can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to increase the heat.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and shrimp, and use vegetable broth instead.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya

This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is a one-pot wonder that combines the flavors of the South with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration4 hours
Overall Time4 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Phoebe Turner

Recipe Type: Global Flavors

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  2. 1 cup long grain rice
  3. 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  4. 1 cup chicken broth
  5. 1 onion, chopped
  6. 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  7. 1 cup celery, chopped
  8. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  9. 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  10. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  11. Salt and pepper to taste
  12. 1 cup frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
  13. 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

Chop the onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Mince the garlic and set aside.

Step 02

In the slow cooker, add the chicken thighs, rice, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped vegetables, Cajun seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 03

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

Step 04

If using shrimp, add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir to combine.

Step 05

Once done, fluff the jambalaya with a fork, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 30g