Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya

Crock Jambalaya Recipe is one of our favorite one pot meals. The combination of the chicken sausage with the Cajun Seasoning makes this a family favorite.

This Jambalaya Recipe is a little spicy but not too spicy that the kids didn’t love it. My kids loved the flavor of the jambalaya. I snuck in some peppers and onions and they still ate it without any problems.

You can serve it over rice or serve rice in it. However you decide to serve it, it is a delicious dinner idea everyone will love. You may also love Italian Sausage Pasta.

What’s the Difference Between Gumbo and Jambalaya?

The main difference between gumbo and jambalaya is the texture and how the rice is served. Gumbo is more of a soup and has a thicker sauce to it. Gumbo is usually served over rice.

When you make jambalaya is cooked all together including the rice. Making this recipe in the slow cooker, we like to cook the rice separately. Then we mix the rice and the other ingredients together.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breast – You can also make with boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Andouille Sausage – Make with your favorite sausage or use turkey sausage
• Cajun Seasoning – Gives the jambalaya a classic flavor
• Vegetables – Chop Onion, Celery, Red Bell Pepper, Green Pepper into bite size pieces
• Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Crushed Tomatoes – You can also use diced tomatoes
• Chicken Broth – See Chicken broth substitutes if you are out
• Rice – Mix in cooked rice

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How Make Chicken Jambalaya in the Crockpot

Step 1 – Gather your Ingredients – Combine everything except for the rice into a crock pot including tablespoon of cajun seasoning. You can also toss in a bay leaves.

Step 2 – Cover and Cook on low for 6-8 hours or cooked on high for 3-4 hours on high. Cooking time will vary. Stir to combine the cooked rice, then serve and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Sausage – When making any type of jambalaya sausage is always part of the ingredients. We like to get good quality sausage to really enhance the flavors.
• Seasoning – Make sure you add plenty of seasoning especially if you are serving it with rice.
• Garnish your jambalaya – Add some green onions or chopped parsley for some added flavoring.
• Rice – You can use instant rice or long grain rice to mix into the jambalaya.

Variation Ideas

• Make in the Instant Pot – Instant Pot Chicken Jambalaya is just as easy to make. It is perfect when you are short on time or forget to prepare in the morning. Your jambalaya will be ready in about 20 minutes to 30 minutes.
• Add Shrimp – If you love shrimp as much as my family, we like to add shrimp. Adding shrimp instead of chicken is a great substitution.
• Use Creole Seasoning – You can substitute cajun seasoning for creole seasoning for a different flavoring. We even added in teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a extra kick of flavor.
• Sausage – You can substitute andouille sausage for smoked sausage.
• Spices – Feel free to add in a ½ teaspoon of salt, dry thyme, and rosemary for even more flavor.

What to Serve with Jambalaya

• White Rice – Prepare the white rice and mix it in the jambalaya ingredients.
• Warm Bread – We also love to serve the jambalaya with warm bread on the side. Grab a loaf from the bakery or make these easy Homemade Dinner Rolls. You will want something to dip in the jambalaya and get very last drop.
• No Rice Option – If you are watching your carbs, try Crock Pot Jambalaya no rice recipe. It is just as good and you really don’t have to serve with rice.
• Cauliflower Rice – Another idea is Crock Pot jambalaya cauliflower rice. This is really tasty and easy if you are eating low carb. But still want the texture of rice in a meal.
• More Side Dish Recipes – See What to Serve with Jambalaya for more easy ideas.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storing – Store your leftover Chicken Jambalaya in an airtight container. Place container in the refrigerator and serve within 3 to 4 days. We think this chicken jambalaya is actually better the next day. All the ingredients marinate together overnight to make it even better.
• Freezing – You can also freeze your leftovers. Place the jambalaya in a freezer safe container and freeze. It will stay good for up to 6 months.
• Reheating – To reheat leftover jambalaya, we recommend placing it in a sauce pan for about 15 minutes. This allows the jambalaya to heat thorough. You can reheat in the microwave, but this take longer and you get hot spots throughout the meal.