Slow cooker Cajun chicken is packed with flavor and lean meat, perfect for an easy, healthy dinner.
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I LOVE making shredded chicken. In fact, I have a whole collection of slow cooker shredded chicken recipes! Please check it out for more delicious chicken inspiration.
This slow cooker Cajun chicken is so versatile and be used for a variety of meals. I like to make a big batch, and use it in several dishes through the week. Try it in sandwiches, tacos, casseroles, salads and more!
🥘 Ingredients
You only need two ingredients for this recipe: chicken breast fillets, and Cajun seasoning. As discussed below, other cuts of chicken, like chicken thighs, can also be used.
Additionally, you will need a slow cooker. Crockpot is a popular brand, but any slow cooker will do!
🔪 Instructions
Place raw chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Drizzle cajun seasoning on top.
Cover the slow cooker with a lid, and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Use two forks or claws to pull the chicken meat apart, then serve!
You don't have to add any liquid to the slow cooker, as the chicken will cook in its own juices. Avoid removing the lid while the chicken cooks. There is no need to check on it, and it won't burn or dry out in the time suggested.
🐓 Cajun chicken
Cajun chicken is simply chicken with Cajun seasoning. You can find Cajun seasoning in the spice section in most supermarkets.
For this recipe, I like to use chicken breast fillets. They cook through really fast, and stay tender in the slow cooker.
You can also use other cuts of chicken, such as chicken thighs. Keep in mind that these might require a longer cooking time.
Always remove any skins and bones from the chicken before shredding it.
💭 Top tips
Here are my top tips to succeed with this recipe:
- Avoid removing the lid from the slow cooker as the chicken cooks, as this will allow heat to escape and increase the cooking time. You don't have to touch the chicken at all!
- If in doubt, you can use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken has cooked through. Chicken is considered safe to eat when it has reached an internal temperature of 165 °F or 74 °C.
- You can buy Cajun seasoning in most supermarkets, or you can make your own spice blend!
- Food tends to be more bland when cooked in the slow cooker, so you have to use more seasoning than you would using other cooking methods.
🥗 Serving suggestions
This versatile chicken dish can be served in so many ways. Here are some of my favorites:
Sandwiches: Use pulled Cajun chicken as a filler in sandwiches, wraps, burritos and more.
Salads: Add some shredded Cajun chicken to a salad of your choice to add some extra protein.
Entree: Serve some shredded chicken as an entree with your favorite healthy side dishes! I love it with red beans and coconut rice and air fryer pineapple.
📖 Variations
Here are some of my favorite variations of the dish:
Allergy friendly: Make sure that the Cajun seasoning is suitable for your dietary requirements. Some spice blends contain dairy, gluten or other allergens.
With vegetables: Feel free to add some vegetables to the slow cooker, such as pineapple chunks or peppers. Let me know if you try this and discover an amazing combination!
Other cuts of chicken: You can make this dish with any cut of chicken, although I prefer to use chicken breast fillets. Remove any skins and bones before you shred the chicken pieces.
🍲 Leftovers
Here is how you can store leftover pulled Cajun chicken:
Storing: Allow the chicken to cool down, then store it in an airtight container in a refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can serve the leftover chicken cold, or reheat it beforehand.
Freezing: Freeze slow cooker Cajun chicken in a freezer safe container for up to 6 months. Thaw it in a refrigerator overnight before use.
Reheating: The easiest way to reheat leftover chicken is by microwaving it for a few minutes. Only reheat the amount of meat that you actually need.
Meal prep / make ahead: As the leftovers store well, this recipe is perfect for make ahead meals. Prepare a large portion of shredded chicken, and use it in multiple meals through the week.
🍴 You might also like these recipes..
If you love healthy slow cooker chicken recipes, try any of these recipes:
- Slow Cooker Mojo Chicken
- Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken
- Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
📋 Frequently asked questions
It depends on which seasoning blend you use, but Cajun seasoning usually contains garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt and pepper.
Cajun seasoning has a variety of spices, but is usually not spicy. Check the packaging of your seasoning packet to see if it contains any spicy ingredients like chili.
You can make a quick version of Cajun seasoning by combining onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, paprika, black pepper and cumin.
Recipe
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 400 g chicken breast fillets
- 2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Place raw chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Drizzle Cajun seasoning on top.
- Cover the slow cooker with a lid, and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Use two forks or claws to pull the chicken meat apart, then serve!
- You don’t have to add any liquid to the slow cooker, as the chicken will cook in its own juices. Avoid removing the lid while the chicken cooks. There is no need to check on it, and it won’t burn or dry out in the time suggested.
Notes
Leftovers
Here is how you can store leftover pulled Cajun chicken: Storing: Allow the chicken to cool down, then store it in an airtight container in a refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can serve the leftover chicken cold, or reheat it beforehand. Freezing: Freeze slow cooker Cajun chicken in a freezer safe container for up to 6 months. Thaw it in a refrigerator overnight before use. Reheating: The easiest way to reheat leftover chicken is by microwaving it for a few minutes. Only reheat the amount of meat that you actually need. Meal prep / make ahead: As the leftovers store well, this recipe is perfect for make ahead meals. Prepare a large portion of shredded chicken, and use it in multiple meals through the week.Top tips
Here are my top tips to succeed with this recipe:- Avoid removing the lid from the slow cooker as the chicken cooks, as this will allow heat to escape and increase the cooking time. You don’t have to touch the chicken at all!
- If in doubt, you can use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken has cooked through. Chicken is considered safe to eat when it has reached an internal temperature of 165 °F or 74 °C.
- You can buy Cajun seasoning in most supermarkets, or you can make your own spice blend!
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