Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Delight

This crockpot cheesy chicken sausage casserole combines tender chicken, smoky kielbasa, and red potatoes in a creamy, cheesy sauce that cooks to perfection while you go about your day. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together into a comforting, satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.

I first created this recipe when I needed to feed my hungry teenagers after their football practice but didn't have time to stand over the stove. Now it's become our Sunday tradition while we watch weekend sports games together. The house smells amazing as it cooks!

• Red Potatoes: Firm waxy potatoes hold their shape during slow cooking and absorb the savory flavors beautifully. Choose smaller potatoes with smooth skin
• Chicken Breast: Provides lean protein that becomes tender and juicy in the slow cooker. Look for fresh boneless skinless breasts for best results
• Kielbasa: Adds a smoky depth of flavor and satisfying texture contrast. Select a high quality sausage with visible spices for best flavor
• White Onion: Creates a sweet foundation for the sauce as it softens. Choose firm onions without any sprouting
• Cheddar Cheese: Forms the gooey cheesy crown on this casserole. Freshly shredded melts much better than pre packaged
• Cream of Chicken and Herbs: Provides instant flavor and creamy texture. The herbs complement the Italian seasoning perfectly
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess that balances the rich flavors. Full fat works best for creaminess
• Heavy Cream: Creates silky richness that seeps into every bite. Do not substitute with milk
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses the dish with herbal notes. Make sure yours is fresh and aromatic
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth without overwhelming the dish. Always check freshness as it loses potency over time
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances all other flavors. Sea salt and freshly ground pepper make a noticeable difference

How To Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Sausage Casserole

Prepare the base:

Layer your diced potatoes, cubed chicken, sliced kielbasa, diced onions, and 2 cups of cheese in a lightly greased crockpot. Ensure the chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking, and spread ingredients evenly to promote consistent heat distribution throughout the casserole.

Create the creamy sauce:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken and herbs soup, sour cream, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until completely smooth. This velvety mixture will become your flavorful binding sauce that penetrates every ingredient during the slow cooking process.

Combine everything:

Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the layered ingredients in the crockpot, making sure to coat everything evenly. Use a large spoon to gently stir from bottom to top, ensuring all pieces are coated in the creamy mixture without breaking up the potatoes.

Add the cheese topping:

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the casserole. This will create a golden, bubbly cheese crust as the dish cooks, sealing in moisture and adding visual appeal to the finished dish.

Slow cook to perfection:

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 5 hours. The casserole is done when the potatoes and chicken are completely tender when pierced with a fork. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking as this releases heat and extends cooking time.

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This casserole became a lifesaver during our kitchen renovation last year. I would start it before heading to work, and coming home to this cheesy comfort food made dealing with construction dust much more bearable. The kielbasa is truly the secret star here, its smoky flavor infusing the entire dish with richness that elevates simple ingredients into something special.

Make Ahead and Storage

This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble all ingredients in the crockpot insert the night before cooking, cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply place it in the slow cooker base and turn it on. The cold ingredients may require an additional 30 minutes of cooking time.

Leftovers store beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually intensify and meld together over time, making day-two servings sometimes even better than the first day. For longer storage, portion cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving. If you prefer dark meat, boneless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay even more tender than breast meat. Turkey kielbasa offers a lighter option while still providing that distinctive smoky flavor. Russet potatoes can substitute for red potatoes if that's what you have on hand, though they may break down slightly more during cooking.

For a lighter version, replace the heavy cream with half and half or evaporated milk. The sauce won't be quite as rich but still delicious. Dairy-free alternatives are also possible using non-dairy cream cheese and a plant-based milk thickened with a tablespoon of cornstarch. Any good melting cheese works well here, so feel free to experiment with pepper jack for a spicy kick or smoked gouda for deeper flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole stands on its own as a complete meal, but a simple green salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness. For larger gatherings, pair it with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli and warm crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. A dollop of extra sour cream on top of each serving adds a pleasant tanginess.

For special occasions, transfer the finished casserole to a pretty baking dish, top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and put under the broiler for 2 minutes to create an even more golden, bubbly top. This simple step elevates the presentation from homey to impressive enough for company.

Conclusion

["crockpot","chicken","kielbasa","cheesy casserole","slow cooker","potatoes","comfort food"]

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use precooked chicken?

Yes! Precooked chicken can be substituted. Add it about halfway through the cooking process to prevent overcooking.

→ What’s the best type of cheese to use?

Shredded cheddar cheese works best, but you can also try a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for extra gooeyness.

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Kielbasa works well in this dish, but andouille or smoked sausage can add more spice or smokiness.

→ Can I prepare this without a crockpot?

Yes, bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 45-60 minutes, covered, stirring halfway through.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.