Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that has saved my weeknight dinners. I’ve been there more times than I can count. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food hug in a bowl. A one-pot wonder that’s bursting with flavor. What is the best way to learn new technology? If you love the complexity of a traditional Jambalaya but dread the stovetop babysitting, this is the recipe for you.Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya.is about to become your best friend. It’s the kind of meal where the aroma alone makes everyone in the house incredibly happy, and the taste alone is amazing. What are leftovers? ) are even better the next day. What is the feeling of satisfaction that a Gumbo gives you but with an entirely different flavor? What is the flavour profile
What is slow cooker chicken jambalaya?
What is Jambalaya? What is essentially a rice dish, simmered with meat (in this case, chicken! ), vegetables, and a whole lotta spices. It has its roots in Louisiana, drawing inspiration from Spanish, French, and West African cuisines. Think of it as a vibrant, flavourful melting pot. A celebration of different culinary traditions all over the world. What is Slow Cooker cooking? You toss everything in, set it, and forget it. It’s a simple thing to do. What’s the perfect dish to throw together before work, and come home to a delicious and fragrant aroma?
Why you will love this recipe?
Why am I so obsessed with this stuff?Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya.: first and foremost, the flavor is absolutely incredible. We’re talking smoky, spicy, savory goodness in every single bite. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, falling apart at the touch of a fork, and the rice soaks up the moisture. All those wonderful juices. What are some of the best recipes that are simple to make? Is it a dump and go affair? What I love most about it is that it’s so budget friendly! What are some pantry staples for chicken thighs? Is it versatile? Can you customize it to your liking, adding different veggies, adjusting the spice level, or a combination of all of these? What are the different types of sausages? Is this a blank canvas for your culinary creativity? I find that sometimes I sub some sausage to change the flavour profile. What are some good one-pot chilli recipes?
How do I make slow cooker chicken jambalaya?
Quick Overview
Making this Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya.Is seriously a breeze. What is the best way to brown chicken? How do I cook everything in a slow cooker? What are some of the best ways to enjoy a delicious meal on the weekend? Can you make it easier?
Ingredients
For the Jambalaya:
* 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces. I like Chicken Breasts, but I prefer thighs for their flavor and moisture. You can also use a ham if you like.
* 1 tablespoon olive oil. For searing the chicken, you can use avocado oil as well.
* 1 large onion, chopped. Yellow or white onion works best.
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped. Red or orange peppers can also be used.
* 2 celery stalks, chopped. Adds a nice earthy flavor.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced. Freshly chopped garlic is always best!
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained. I like to use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce. Adds richness and body to the sauce.
* 1 cup chicken broth. Use low-sodium to control the salt level.
* 1 cup long grain rice, uncooked. Basmati or jasmine rice can also be used.
* 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced. Adds a spicy kick. You can use kielbasa sausage for a milder flavor.
* 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning. Adjust to your liking. I like to make my own!
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Adds a lovely herbaceous note.
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Adds a smoky depth.
* Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to season!
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish. Adds a pop of freshness and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken (Optional)
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. This step is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor to the Jambalaya. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of brown.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned chicken to a Slow Cooker. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, rice, andouille sausage, Cajun seasoning, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender. Cooking times may vary depending on your Slow Cooker, so keep an eye on it. Be careful not to overcook, or the rice will be mushy.
Step 4: Fluff and Serve
Once the Jambalaya is cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and stir well to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. I sometimes add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
What is the best way to serve it?
This Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya. is a meal in itself, but it’s also delicious with a few simple sides. For a casual weeknight dinner, I love to serve it with some crusty bread for soaking up all those delicious juices. A simple side salad is also a great addition. For a more elegant meal, you could serve it with a side of cornbread or some grilled asparagus.
For a Cozy Night In:Serve with warm cornbread and a glass of sweet tea.
For a dinner party:Serve it family-style with greens and a vinaigrette.
For a Potluck: This Jambalaya is always a hit at potlucks! Bring it in your slow cooker to keep it warm, and serve with some disposable bowls and utensils.
How do I make slow cooker chicken jambalaya?
What is the nitty gritty of this post?Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya.I’ve learned a few tricks along the way.
Browning the Chicken: Don’t skip this step! It adds so much flavor to the dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, but I highly recommend it.
Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your liking. If you like it spicy, add more! If you prefer a milder flavor, use less. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Rice Type: I prefer long-grain rice for this recipe, but you can also use basmati or jasmine rice. Avoid using short-grain rice, as it will become too mushy.
Liquid Ratio: Make sure you have enough liquid in the slow cooker. The rice needs liquid to cook properly. If the rice is still hard after the cooking time, add a little more chicken broth and cook for another 30 minutes.
Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the Jambalaya, or the rice will be mushy. Start checking it after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. It’s done when the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as mushrooms, okra, or zucchini. Just add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
Meat Variations: Andouille sausage is traditional, but you can substitute it with other types of sausage, such as kielbasa or chorizo. You can also add shrimp or crawfish for a seafood twist. Just add the shrimp or crawfish during the last 30 minutes of cooking time, or they will become overcooked.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is great for meal prepping, because leftovers are delicious. Here’s how to store it:
Room Temperature: Don’t leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a little chicken broth if it seems too dry. I like to add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl, a taste of home, and a reminder that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a weeknight lifesaver, and a dish that I know you and your family will absolutely love. If you’re looking for other easy slow cooker recipes, be sure to check out my slow cooker chili! So, go ahead, give it a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations of this recipe. I love to see what you come up with!
Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 cup Diced tomatoes, undrained
- 0.5 cup Chicken broth
- 0.25 cup Chopped green bell pepper
- 0.25 cup Chopped onion
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place all ingredients in a slow cooker.
- Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Serve hot.
