Slow Cooker Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Sweet Corn and Bell Peppers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a rich Cajun-spiced tomato sauce with sweet corn and colorful bell peppers for a comforting, hearty meal. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 375 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, tablespoons olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs and sear for 3 minutes per side until golden brown but not cooked through. Transfer to slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 large sliced red bell pepper, 1 large sliced green bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup corn kernels, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
  4. Step 4: Pour the tomato and vegetable mixture over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Before serving, sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Sweet Corn and Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Sweet Corn and Bell Peppers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Sweet Corn and Bell Peppers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow Cooker Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Sweet Corn and Bell Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Sweet Corn and Bell Peppers?

Southern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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