Ingredients

1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks

14 oz andouille sausage, sliced into rounds

1 large onion, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

3 stalks celery, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

2 cups chicken broth

2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp smoked paprika

0.5 tsp cayenne pepper

1.5 cups long grain white rice, uncooked

Green onions for garnish

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Place the chicken thighs and andouille sausage into the slow cooker, spreading them in an even layer so they cook through and you can see both chicken chunks and sausage rounds at the base.

Step 2: Add the diced onion, green and red bell peppers, chopped celery, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper on top of the meat. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly until the chicken is coated and the liquid turns a reddish spice color with no dry seasoning pockets.

Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender and easily breaks apart with a fork, vegetables soften, and the mixture thickens slightly. Alternatively, cook on high for 3 hours until tender and bubbling at the edges.

Step 4: Stir in the uncooked long grain white rice, scraping the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking. Ensure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.

Step 5: Cover again and cook on high for 30 to 40 minutes, until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is fully cooked. The rice should look tender and not chalky.

Step 6: Fluff the jambalaya with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, use homemade or low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness.

Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level or leave it out for a milder dish.

Substitute andouille sausage with smoked kielbasa or chorizo for different flavor profiles.

For a gluten-free version, double-check that your Cajun seasoning contains no gluten or make your own blend.

FAQs

Can I use white chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts but they may become drier with slow cooking. Keep a close eye on cooking times and consider adding slightly more broth to keep the dish moist.

Do I need to pre-cook the rice before adding it to the slow cooker?

No, the rice is added uncooked and finishes cooking during the last 30-40 minutes. This allows it to soak up the rich flavors from the broth and spices for perfect texture and taste.