Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Sausage

Some nights just call for a bubbling casserole that fills everyone up and only asks for one pot of your attention. This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Sausage Casserole is that kind of dinner. I love how it turns simple ingredients into a rich all-in-one meal that is just the right amount of indulgent but also deeply comforting.

Every time I make this, I am reminded of sleepy Sunday afternoons when the crockpot does all the work while my family and I play a card game or do something fun together. The kitchen smells like something good is coming for hours.

Ingredients

• Red potatoes: Diced into half inch cubes. The potatoes soak up all the cheesy sauce and are filling. Choose smaller waxy red potatoes for best texture
• Chicken breast: Cut into one inch cubes. Lean and mild soaks up all the flavor. Try to buy organic or well-trimmed chicken
• Kielbasa: Sliced into bite sized rounds. Adds a smoky savory flavor. Look for a good quality sausage in the deli case
• White onion: Diced. Gives sweetness and a vegetal base. Go for a firm white onion without any soft spots
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded. The melty glue that holds it together. Use sharp cheddar for the most flavor. Freshly shredded melts best
• Cream of chicken and herbs soup: A shortcut that gives a creamy herby backbone. Choose a low sodium variety if you prefer less salt
• Sour cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess. Use whole fat for rich taste
• Heavy cream: Brings this casserole its silky texture. Choose fresh heavy cream not ultrapasteurized for best results
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives a subtle earthiness. Make sure your Italian seasoning is fresh for the brightest flavor
• Garlic powder: Boosts flavor and gives depth. A must for that savory comfort food thing
• Salt and pepper to taste: Lets all the other flavors shine. Use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper for the best results

Instructions

Prep the Main Ingredients:

Dice red potatoes into half inch cubes, chop chicken breast into one inch cubes, slice kielbasa, and dice the onion. Try to keep everything around the same size so it cooks evenly

Combine in Crockpot:

Add potatoes, chicken, kielbasa, onion, and two cups of shredded cheddar cheese to a lightly greased crockpot. Mixing them together ensures every bite gets a bit of everything

Mix the Creamy Sauce:

In a separate mixing bowl, stir together cream of chicken and herbs soup, sour cream, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and well blended

Pour and Stir:

Pour the prepared creamy sauce over the potato and meat mixture. Use a big spoon to toss and stir until everything is well coated by the sauce

Top with Cheese:

Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese across the top of the mixture. This gets bubbly and golden as it cooks

Slow Cook:

Set the crockpot to low and cook six to eight hours or set it to high for about five hours. Potatoes should be tender but not mushy and the casserole will be bubbly. Don’t overcook or the potatoes can start to fall apart

Let Set and Serve:

Once finished cooking, allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes to set before serving. This makes it easier to scoop and lets the flavors meld

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My favorite ingredient here is the smoked kielbasa because it brings a savory depth that reminds me of my childhood Sunday suppers. I remember the first time I tossed everything in the crockpot not totally convinced it would work but every bite turned out creamy and cheesy and really satisfying.

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep great in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to store in an airtight container to keep the casserole from drying out. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions and reheat gently in the microwave or covered in the oven for a meal that tastes just as good later.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have kielbasa, use smoked turkey sausage or even cooked bacon for a different smoky undertone. Yukon gold potatoes will work well if you do not have red potatoes, just be sure to dice them to a similar size. If you want to lighten things up, you can swap half and half for the heavy cream and use reduced fat cheese, but the casserole will be a bit less rich.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole really is a full meal on its own, but it pairs well with a crisp green salad or simple steamed green beans. Sometimes I will serve it with a slice of crusty bread to help scoop up every bit of cheesy goodness, especially if we have extra hungry guests.

Cultural and Historical Context

Cheesy casseroles like this have a strong Midwest comfort food vibe where warm stick to your ribs dishes are kitchen staples in the colder months. Chicken and sausage together is also a nod to classic Southern and Eastern European combinations that balance smoky and creamy in one cozy dish.

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This is a dish I can count on to bring smiles to the table even on the busiest weeknight. A little prep, a lot of comfort, and plenty for everyone is always a win.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with your favorite smoked sausage or even turkey sausage for a lighter option.

→ How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?

Avoid overcooking by checking doneness at around 5-6 hours on low; cut potatoes into even-sized cubes for consistent texture.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble ingredients in the crockpot insert ahead and refrigerate overnight. Add extra cooking time if starting cold.

→ Is it possible to make this dish without dairy?

Use dairy-free cheese, non-dairy cream, and a dairy-free soup substitute to create a similar creamy texture and flavor.

→ What sides pair well with this casserole?

Fresh green beans, a side salad, or crusty bread complement the hearty, creamy flavors of this dish nicely.