Easy & Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya: Your Perfect Low-Calorie Family Dinner
As summer winds down and the rhythm of school life begins, many of us find ourselves juggling more responsibilities and tighter schedules. For me, with two older boys heading back to 3rd and 5th grade, the countdown to the school year has officially begun. And with school comes the inevitable return of after-school activities, like football practice, which often clashes directly with dinner prep time.
Last week, as I found myself constantly on the go, ferrying kids back and forth, I discovered a true lifesaver for our dinnertime dilemma: this incredible slow cooker recipe for Chicken Jambalaya. It didn’t just save our evening meal; it brought a sense of calm to what can often be the most stressful part of the day. This recipe truly is a game-changer for busy families seeking delicious, home-cooked food without the fuss.
The Magic of Slow Cooker Meals for Busy Families
There’s an undeniable magic to using a slow cooker, especially during hectic periods. Imagine stepping into your kitchen at dinnertime, not to a flurry of frantic cooking, but to the inviting aroma of a perfectly cooked meal. That’s the beauty of the Crock Pot! It transforms daunting dinner preparations into a simple act of dishing out plates – or in this case, bowls – and enjoying a wholesome meal with your family. Not only does it save precious time and reduce stress, but it also keeps your kitchen cool, a welcome bonus during warmer months, or anytime you want to avoid heating up the entire house with the oven.
This Slow Cooker Chicken Jambalaya quickly became a beloved dish in my household. It strikes the perfect balance: it’s incredibly low in calories, packed with fantastic flavor, and genuinely satisfying, ensuring everyone feels full and happy. The secret to its “skinny” profile lies in its use of lean proteins – tender sliced chicken breasts and savory turkey sausage – combined with plenty of fresh, vibrant vegetables like sliced onions and colorful bell peppers. The recipe is further simplified by incorporating a convenient packaged rice mix, which cooks directly in the slow cooker alongside the other ingredients, eliminating the need for pre-cooking. The depth of flavor developed during the slow cooking process is truly remarkable, making this jambalaya a surprisingly delicious and effortlessly easy meal.
Why Choose This Healthy Chicken Jambalaya Recipe?
Beyond its convenience, this healthy chicken jambalaya offers several compelling reasons to make it a regular on your meal rotation. Firstly, its low-calorie nature means you can indulge in a hearty, flavorful dish without any guilt. This makes it an excellent choice for those managing their weight or simply aiming for a healthier diet. Secondly, the inclusion of lean chicken breasts and turkey sausage provides a significant protein boost, essential for muscle health and keeping you feeling full longer. Unlike traditional jambalaya, which often uses higher-fat sausages, our “skinny” version doesn’t compromise on taste, ensuring you get all the rich, smoky flavors without the added calories.
The vibrant medley of bell peppers and onions not only adds a burst of color and fresh texture but also contributes a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants, enhancing the nutritional value of this one-pot wonder. The simple act of slicing these vegetables and adding them to the slow cooker means minimal prep work, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights when time is a luxury. Furthermore, cooking everything together in the crock pot allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a complex and deeply satisfying taste profile that will impress even the pickiest eaters. It’s a complete meal in itself, offering protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates all in one delicious bowl.
Crock Pot Skinny Chicken Jambalaya
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Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts sliced into strips
- 8 ounces smoked turkey sausages halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2″ slices (look for them near hot dogs or deli meats)
- 2 bell peppers sliced into strips (use a mix of colors for visual appeal and varied nutrients)
- 1 large onion sliced into rings or quartered for robust flavor
- 1 14.5-oz can petite diced tomatoes undrained, for a rich, tangy base
- 2 cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
- 8 ounce package jambalaya rice mix (we recommend Tony Chachere’s or your favorite brand)
Instructions
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Begin by layering your thinly sliced bell peppers and onions at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful bed for your proteins. Next, evenly distribute the chicken strips and turkey sausage on top of the vegetables.
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Pour in the water, followed by the can of petite diced tomatoes, ensuring you add them undrained to capture all their delicious juices and flavor.
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Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the low heat setting for 5-6 hours, allowing the flavors to slowly meld and the chicken to become incredibly tender. Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on the high heat setting for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. (For reference, I opted for the high heat setting and it was perfectly cooked in just under 3 hours.)
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Once the initial cooking time is complete, stir in the jambalaya rice mix. If you were using the low heat setting, now is the time to switch it to high to ensure the rice cooks properly. Re-cover the slow cooker and continue to cook for approximately 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, resulting in a perfectly textured jambalaya.
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Finally, dish up your delicious Crock Pot Skinny Chicken Jambalaya into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and savor every flavorful bite!
Notes
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Easy Chicken Jambalaya
Making this healthy slow cooker chicken jambalaya is incredibly straightforward. Here’s a more detailed look at each step to ensure your meal comes out perfectly every time:
1) Prepare the base: Start by layering your vibrant sliced bell peppers and thinly cut onions evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a foundational layer of flavor that will infuse into the entire dish. On top of these aromatic vegetables, arrange your lean chicken breast strips and savory turkey sausage slices. This initial layering ensures everything cooks together beautifully, allowing the flavors to mingle from the start.
2) Add the liquids: Next, pour in the two cups of water. You can substitute chicken broth for an even richer depth of flavor if you prefer. Then, add the 14.5-oz can of petite diced tomatoes directly into the slow cooker, making sure to include all the undrained juices. These tomatoes will provide a crucial tangy and sweet element, forming the delicious base for your jambalaya.
3) Initial slow cooking: Place the lid securely on your slow cooker. For a slow and steady flavor development, cook on the low heat setting for 5-6 hours. This longer cooking time allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and all the ingredients to deeply absorb the spices. If you’re pressed for time, the high heat setting will get the job done in 2 1/2 to 3 hours. I personally used the high setting for just under 3 hours, and the results were fantastic!
4) Integrate the rice: Once the initial cooking period is complete, carefully remove the lid and stir in the 8-ounce package of jambalaya rice mix. This is where the magic really starts to happen, transforming the ingredients into a complete jambalaya. If you were cooking on the low heat setting, now is the time to switch your slow cooker to high to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly. Re-cover and let it cook for approximately 45 minutes, or until the rice is perfectly tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, creating a rich, savory, and satisfying texture.
5) Serve and enjoy: Finally, your wholesome and flavorful Crock Pot Skinny Chicken Jambalaya is ready! Scoop generous portions into bowls. For an extra touch of freshness, you can garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions. Serve it warm and watch your family savor this easy, healthy, and incredibly tasty meal!
This recipe not only delivers on flavor but also on convenience, making it a perfect solution for busy households. The minimal effort involved means you can set it and forget it, returning to a delicious and comforting meal that feels like it took hours of dedicated cooking.
If you liked this slow cooker recipe, you might also enjoy these other family-favorite slow cooker creations:
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Sandwiches
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Crock Pot Roast with Vegetables
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