Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya: A Cozy, Bold 5-Ingredient Favorite

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If there’s one meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, it’s Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya. This is the kind of recipe that comes to the rescue when your schedule is packed, your energy is low, and everyone still expects dinner to be amazing. (No pressure, right?)

I love this recipe because it delivers big Louisiana-style flavor with very little effort. You toss everything into the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a house that smells downright incredible. It’s hearty, comforting, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting—without scaring off picky eaters.

Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just life in general, this Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is one of those dependable meals you’ll keep coming back to.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya

Let’s be honest—we all need a few recipes that do the work for us. This one checks all the boxes:

Set-it-and-forget-it easy (your slow cooker is the MVP)
Bold Cajun-inspired flavors without complicated steps
Budget-friendly ingredients you can find anywhere
Perfect for leftovers (it might taste even better the next day)

It’s cozy comfort food with just enough spice to make dinner feel special—even on a random Tuesday.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this flavor-packed Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya. Nothing fancy, just good, honest ingredients that work together beautifully.

1 ½ lbs chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
1 lb andouille sausage links, sliced into ½-inch pieces
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
½ onion, diced small
1 red bell pepper, diced into large pieces
1 green bell pepper, diced into large pieces
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 can crushed tomatoes (14.5 oz)
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 cup chicken broth
3 cups cooked rice

Tip from my kitchen: Andouille sausage adds that smoky depth that makes jambalaya taste authentic. If you like things milder, you can swap it for smoked sausage—but the flavor will be a little different.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya

This recipe is refreshingly simple. No browning, no extra pans, no stress.

Step 1: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Place all the ingredients except the cooked rice directly into your crock pot. Yes—chicken, sausage, veggies, spices, tomatoes, and broth all go in together.

Give it a gentle stir so the Cajun seasoning is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Let It Cook

Cover and cook:

On LOW for 6–8 hours, or
On HIGH for 3–4 hours

The chicken should be fully cooked and tender, and the flavors will have had time to cozy up together.

Step 3: Stir in the Rice

Once cooking is done, stir in the cooked rice. This helps the rice soak up all that saucy, spicy goodness without getting mushy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop into bowls, serve warm, and get ready for compliments. This Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is comfort food at its finest.

Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya served with sausage, peppers, and rice — Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya makes an easy, comforting one-pot meal for busy weeknights.

Helpful Tips for the Best Jambalaya

Don’t add rice too early. Trust me here. Adding it at the end keeps the texture just right.
Love heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce before serving.
Too thick? A little extra chicken broth will loosen things up beautifully.
Too thin? Let it sit uncovered for 10–15 minutes. Problem solved.

Cooking should feel forgiving, not fussy—and this recipe definitely is.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya became a regular in my house during one of those weeks where everything felt nonstop. You know the kind—appointments, deadlines, and zero mental space left for dinner decisions.

I threw this together in the morning, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best. By dinnertime, the smell alone had everyone hovering in the kitchen. It turned a chaotic day into a calm, comforting evening—and that’s exactly why I love slow cooker meals so much.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy. Just dice them the same way.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes! Freeze without the rice for best results. Add freshly cooked rice when reheating.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a gentle kick, but it’s not overwhelming. If you’re sensitive to spice, use a mild Cajun seasoning.

A Cozy Ending You’ll Crave Again

There’s something magical about a meal that fills your home with amazing smells and asks so little of you in return. Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is bold, cozy, and dependable—the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.

If you’re craving comfort without the chaos, this one’s for you. Let your slow cooker handle dinner tonight, and enjoy every flavorful bite.

Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya with rice, chicken, sausage, and peppers in a crockpot — This Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is packed with tender chicken, smoky sausage, and perfectly seasoned rice.

You Might Also Enjoy These Cozy Favorites

If this Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya hit the spot, here are a few more comforting, slow-cooker-friendly dishes that fit right into the same easy, flavorful dinner rhythm. They’re perfect for rotating into your weekly meal plan when you want variety without extra work, or when you’re craving a slightly different take on classic comfort flavors:

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken – Rich, creamy, and full of cozy tomato flavor, this one is a lifesaver on busy nights when you want something comforting but effortless.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – A hearty, soothing soup that feels like a warm blanket in a bowl, especially on chilly evenings.
Crockpot Cowboy Soup – Bold, filling, and family-friendly, this soup is packed with pantry staples and big comfort vibes.
Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew – A satisfying, wholesome option that pairs beautifully with spicier meals and works great for leftovers.
Classic Slow Cooker Jambalaya Inspiration – A comforting, traditional-style jambalaya that’s great for exploring another well-loved version of this Southern favorite.

This little lineup keeps the cozy momentum going while giving you plenty of easy dinner inspiration for the days ahead.