Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken and Sausage with Rice
A hearty one-pot meal combining tender chicken thighs with turkey sausage in a flavorful Cajun spice blend. Bell peppers, onions, and celery create the classic trinity base while diced tomatoes and chicken broth form a savory cooking liquid. The dish finishes with fluffy instant rice that absorbs all the bold flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food without the fuss - just layer everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp McCormick paprika
- 2 tsp McCormick thyme leaves
- 1 tsp McCormick garlic powder
- 1 tsp McCormick red pepper, crushed
- ¾ pound lean turkey sausage, cut in 1-inch piecesandouille sausage1:1authentic
more traditional Cajun flavor
- 2 cups onions, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
- 4 McCormick bay leaves
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, about 2 pounds
- 2 cups instant white ricebrown rice1:1health
will need longer cooking time
Instructions
- 1
Mix paprika, thyme, garlic powder and red pepper in small bowl
- 2
Place sausage, onions, bell peppers, celery, tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaves and seasoning mixture in slow cooker
- 3
Stir to blend well
- 4
Top with chicken and sprinkle with remaining seasoning mixture
- 5
Cover and cook on LOW or HIGH until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender
- 6
Gently stir in rice and cover
- 7
Cook on HIGH until rice is tender
- 8
Remove bay leaves before serving
Tips
Remove bay leaves before serving to avoid accidentally eating them
For extra heat, increase crushed red pepper to taste
Let the dish rest 5 minutes after cooking for rice to fully absorb liquid
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container
Can prep vegetables and spice mix day before, store separately
Serve hot directly from slow cooker with crusty bread
Common Mistakes
Don't lift lid during cooking to avoid heat loss
Add rice only at the end to prevent mushy texture
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
Yes, but increase cooking time by 1-2 hours on LOW setting to ensure chicken cooks through safely and completely.
What if I don't have all the spices?
Use 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend instead of individual spices, or make your own with available spices.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store in refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.