If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Sausage Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, smoky kielbasa, and creamy, cheesy goodness, all slow-cooked to perfection with tender potatoes and savory herbs. This dish manages to be hearty and comforting while remaining incredibly easy to prepare, making it an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Sausage Casserole Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to add layers of texture, flavor, and richness. From the hearty potatoes to the creamy cheeses and aromatic spices, you’ll see just how simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary.
- Red Potatoes (10, diced into 1/2" cubes): They provide the perfect soft but firm base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Chicken Breast (1 pound, cut into 1" cubes): Adds lean protein that becomes tender during slow cooking.
- Kielbasa (14 oz, sliced): Brings a smoky, savory punch that elevates the entire dish.
- White Onion (1 small, diced): Imparts gentle sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- Cheddar Cheese (2 1/2 cups shredded): Offers rich, melty cheesiness that ties the layers together.
- Cream of Chicken and Herbs Soup (10.5 oz can): Adds creaminess with a subtle herby background.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Enhances the tang and creaminess without overwhelming.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and silky.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings a fragrant medley of herbs for depth.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds just the right touch of garlicky warmth.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Sausage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by greasing your crockpot lightly to prevent sticking. Toss in the diced potatoes, chicken cubes, slices of kielbasa, diced onions, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. This is the hearty base where the magic begins, layering robust textures and hearty flavors that will meld together beautifully as they cook.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, stir together the cream of chicken and herbs soup, sour cream, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture is the secret to that signature creamy, cheesy texture, infusing each bite with savory richness and a subtle herbal twist.
Step 3: Pour and Mix
Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the mixture in the crockpot. Using a spoon or spatula, gently stir everything together until the potatoes, meats, onion, and cheese are well-coated. This ensures every bite promises that same melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Step 4: Add the Final Cheese Layer
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This final touch adds a beautiful golden cheese crust that melts just enough to seal in all those wonderful flavors during cooking.
Step 5: Let It Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 5 hours. You’ll want to cook until the potatoes and onions are tender through and through. Be careful not to let the potatoes get mushy — keep an eye on them during the last hour.
Step 6: Ready to Serve!
Once everything is perfectly cooked and bubbling with gooey cheese, give it a gentle stir and it’s ready to enjoy. This dish shines fresh from the crockpot, warming you and yours from the inside out.
How to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Sausage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this casserole beautifully. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of vibrant green and a little fresh flavor contrast. If you love a bit of heat, a dash of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes works wonders.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed green beans for fresh crunch. Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls also pair perfectly for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family gathering or potluck, serve this casserole in a beautiful ceramic crockpot or a rustic cast-iron dish right on the table. You can also portion it into smaller ramekins for individual servings, making it feel extra special and personalized.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This casserole tastes great reheated, as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through. Stirring halfway helps maintain that luscious cheesy texture without drying out the casserole.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage instead of kielbasa?
Absolutely! While kielbasa gives a smoky, slightly garlicky kick, you can swap in Italian sausage, chorizo, or even a milder breakfast sausage, depending on your flavor preference.
Is it necessary to use cream of chicken soup?
The cream of chicken and herbs soup helps create the casserole’s creamy base, but if you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute with homemade sauce or cream of mushroom soup for a different twist.
Can I make this casserole in the oven instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can bake it in a 350°F oven covered for about 45-60 minutes until the potatoes are tender, uncovering toward the end to brown the cheese if desired.
How can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Try using dairy-free cheese and substitute sour cream and heavy cream with coconut cream or vegan sour cream alternatives to keep it creamy without dairy.
What can I add to make it spicier?
Adding diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce can easily give this casserole a delightful kick without overpowering the cheesy, comforting flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Sausage Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like it was made just for lazy weekends, family dinners, or when you crave that perfect balance of comfort and flavor without the fuss. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a cherished staple that you’ll want to bring out time and time again. So grab your crockpot, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to indulge in pure cheesy, hearty happiness!
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Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Sausage Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Sausage Casserole is a hearty and comforting slow-cooked meal featuring tender chicken, savory kielbasa, and tender diced potatoes all smothered in a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for an effortless weeknight dinner, it combines the rich flavors of cheddar cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder with a creamy blend of sour cream and heavy cream, cooked low and slow in a crockpot to develop delicious depth and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Proteins and Dairy
- 1 pound Chicken Breast, cut into 1” cubes
- 14 oz Kielbasa, sliced
- 2 1/2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded (divided: 2 cups plus 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
Vegetables
- 10 Red Potatoes, diced into 1/2″ cubes
- 1 small White Onion, diced
Seasonings and Others
- 10.5 oz can Cream of Chicken and Herbs soup
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the red potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes, cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes, slice the kielbasa into small rounds, and finely dice the white onion.
- Combine Base Ingredients in Crockpot: Lightly grease your crockpot, then add the diced potatoes, chicken cubes, sliced kielbasa, diced onion, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently to distribute the cheese among the ingredients.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the can of cream of chicken and herbs soup, sour cream, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Sauce to Crockpot and Mix: Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the potato and meat mixture in the crockpot, then stir carefully to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Add Topping Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture in the crockpot without stirring it in.
- Cook the Casserole: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 5 hours. The casserole is ready when the potatoes and onions are tender and fully cooked but still holding their shape. Avoid overcooking to prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked through, give it a gentle stir if desired, then serve warm for a satisfying cheesy and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot model; check potatoes for doneness before serving.
- You can substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage or omit for a lighter dish.
- For a thicker sauce, add an extra 1/4 cup of sour cream or cream of chicken soup.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and cooked the next day—just refrigerate overnight before slow cooking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or oven.
