Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana with this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the rich, spicy aromas of Cajun cuisine, where tender chicken, smoky sausage, and perfectly cooked rice mingle in a symphony of flavors. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction, making it the perfect solution for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality comfort food.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, diced
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes, slicing smoked sausage into rounds, chopping bell pepper and onion, and mincing garlic.
- Lightly season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and half of the Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coating.
- Grease the interior of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer ingredients in slow cooker: first add chopped onions and bell peppers, then chicken thighs, followed by sliced smoked sausage.
- Pour diced tomatoes and chicken broth over the meat and vegetables, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle remaining Cajun seasoning and minced garlic over the mixture.
- Cover slow cooker and set to low heat setting, cooking for 5-6 hours until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in uncooked rice and replace lid, allowing rice to absorb liquid and become tender.
- Check rice for doneness and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Let jambalaya rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and rice to fully absorb remaining liquid.
- Serve hot, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Rice: Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and absorption of flavors.
- Seasoning is Key: Don't be shy with the Cajun seasoning, but taste as you go to control the heat level.
- Meat Selection Matters: Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor, or swap with boneless if preferred.
- Prevent Overcooking: Check your rice at the 5-hour mark to ensure it doesn't become mushy.
- Enhance Flavor: For an extra depth of taste, consider briefly sautéing the onions and bell peppers before adding to the slow cooker.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add shrimp or adjust the protein ratio to suit your preferences.
- Leftovers Tip: This jambalaya often tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a large batch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
