Cheesy Chicken Sausage Crockpot

This crockpot cheesy chicken sausage combines tender potatoes, juicy chicken, and savory kielbasa in a creamy cheese sauce that cooks to perfection while you go about your day. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a comforting one-pot meal that will satisfy the entire family.

This recipe became my absolute lifesaver when my children started after-school activities. I would throw everything in the crockpot before afternoon pickups, and we'd come home to the most amazing aroma filling the house. Now it's our Monday night tradition, giving us something to look forward to at the start of each week.

Ingredients

• Red potatoes cut into cubes provide the perfect hearty base that holds their shape during slow cooking
• Chicken breast adds lean protein that becomes incredibly tender in the slow cooker
• Kielbasa sausage brings smoky flavor and a wonderful contrast to the mild chicken
• White onion adds a sweet aromatic base that becomes meltingly soft
• Cheddar cheese creates that irresistible gooey texture and sharp flavor
• Sour cream adds tanginess and richness to the sauce
• Heavy cream gives the sauce luxurious body without separating during long cooking
• Cream of chicken soup provides convenience and a flavorful base for the sauce
• Italian seasoning infuses the dish with herbs that complement both the chicken and sausage
• Garlic powder adds depth without the worry of fresh garlic burning in the slow cooker
• Salt and pepper balance and enhance all the flavors

How To Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Sausage

Prepare the crockpot

Lightly grease the entire interior of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. This step seems minor but makes cleanup significantly easier.

Layer the ingredients

Begin with the diced potatoes on the bottom as they take longest to cook. Follow with chicken cubes, sliced kielbasa, diced onions, and most of the shredded cheese. This strategic layering ensures even cooking and allows flavors to permeate throughout.

Create the cream sauce

Whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper until completely smooth. Take your time with this step to ensure there are no lumps which would result in an uneven sauce.

Combine everything

Pour the sauce mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring you cover everything. Use a large spoon to gently fold the ingredients together without mashing the potatoes. This folding action helps distribute the sauce while maintaining the integrity of each component.

Top and cook

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top to create a delicious golden crust. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 5 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking as each peek adds 15 to 20 minutes to the cooking time.

My family particularly loves the way the edges of the cheese get slightly crispy along the sides of the crockpot. My daughter actually fights for these crispy bits every time I serve this dish. The combination of tender potatoes, juicy chicken and slightly browned cheese creates such a satisfying texture contrast that makes this comfort food at its finest.

Storage and Reheating

This dish keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen and improve overnight, making it perfect for meal prep. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive the sauce if it seems too thick. For best results, reheat gently in the microwave at 70% power or in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F until just heated through.

Easy Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Turkey kielbasa works wonderfully for a lighter option, while smoked sausage adds extra depth. Sweet potatoes can replace red potatoes for a nutritional boost and slightly sweeter flavor profile. For the cheese, consider mixing in pepper jack for some heat or Swiss for nutty notes. If cream of chicken soup is unavailable, cream of celery or mushroom makes an excellent substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty crockpot meal in wide shallow bowls to capture all the delicious sauce. A side of steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans provides welcome freshness and color contrast. For extra indulgence, offer warm crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette makes the perfect accompaniment, balancing the richness of the main dish with brightness.

Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe shines as a make-ahead option. You can prepare all ingredients the night before and store them separately in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply layer everything in your crockpot and start cooking. Alternatively, you can completely assemble the recipe in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just remember to let the ceramic insert come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the heated base to prevent cracking.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute red potatoes with Yukon gold or russet potatoes. Just ensure they're cut into approximately 1.25 cm cubes so they cook evenly. Russet potatoes may break down more, creating a thicker sauce, while Yukon golds will hold their shape similarly to red potatoes.

→ What can I substitute for kielbasa sausage?

Smoked sausage, andouille, or even sliced turkey sausage work well as substitutes for kielbasa. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile, with andouille adding more spice and turkey sausage offering a lighter option.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream, light cream cheese instead of heavy cream, reduced-fat cheddar, and lean chicken sausage. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking.

→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply add everything to your slow cooker and turn it on. The dish will be ready by dinner time.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This hearty dish works well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A light side dish provides nice balance to the richness of the main course.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months in airtight containers. The texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing and reheating, but the flavor remains delicious. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk if needed.