Looking for an effortless chicken sausage crock pot recipe that practically cooks itself? This delicious slow cooker meal will transform your weeknight dinner routine with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Imagine coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of perfectly cooked chicken sausage mingling with savory herbs and vegetables. Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you’re away, turning simple ingredients into a hearty, comforting meal. This recipe is perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who appreciates the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it cooking.
Whether you’re serving this versatile dish over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, this chicken sausage crock pot recipe will quickly become a regular in your meal rotation. It’s budget-friendly, satisfying, and requires just minutes of hands-on preparation.
Why This Chicken Sausage Crock Pot Recipe Is A Family Favorite
This chicken sausage crock pot recipe has become a staple in countless households for good reason. Families appreciate how it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort making it perfect for hectic weeknights.
The set-it-and-forget-it nature means you can start it before work and return home to a ready-to-serve meal. Kids and adults alike love the savory combination of tender chicken sausage and vegetables that develop deep flavors during the slow cooking process.
Versatility stands as another key advantage since you can easily customize the recipe based on what vegetables you have on hand or your family’s preferences. The leftovers taste even better the next day making it an excellent meal prep option for busy families.
Nutritionally balanced with protein from the chicken sausage and vitamins from the vegetables this dish satisfies without sacrificing health goals. The comforting aroma that fills your home creates an inviting atmosphere that brings everyone to the table eager to dig in.
Budget-conscious households appreciate how this recipe transforms affordable ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. The hands-off cooking method also reduces the stress of dinner preparation leaving you more quality time to spend with loved ones instead of standing over the stove.
Equipment You’ll Need
Before diving into this delicious chicken sausage crock pot recipe, gather these essential kitchen tools to ensure smooth preparation:
- Crock pot/slow cooker – The star of the show that will do most of the cooking work for you
- Skillet – Necessary for browning your chicken sausage before adding it to the slow cooker
- Knife and cutting board – For slicing sausages and prepping vegetables
- Measuring cups and spoons – To accurately portion your ingredients for perfect flavor balance
- Stirring spoon – For combining ingredients and checking doneness throughout cooking
A 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe, providing ample space for all ingredients to cook evenly. The initial searing of chicken sausage in a skillet creates those delicious caramelized flavors that enhance the final dish. Having these tools ready before you start cooking streamlines the preparation process and makes clean-up easier later.
Ingredients
Gather these high-quality ingredients to create a delicious chicken sausage crock pot meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying. These components work together to develop rich flavors during the slow cooking process.
For The Main Dish
- 1 to 1.5 lbs Italian or smoked chicken sausage (Andouille works beautifully), sliced or whole
- 1 to 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2-3 bell peppers (various colors), sliced or chopped
- 1 to 2 cups onions, chopped
- 2-3 celery stalks, diced
- 3-6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste or tomato sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons Creole or Cajun seasoning
- 1-2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Garlic powder to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
For Optional Garnishes
- 2 cups instant or long grain white rice (added near end of cooking)
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (helps balance acidity)
- 2 tablespoons almond butter (adds unexpected creaminess)
- Fresh parsley or thyme
- Extra crushed red pepper flakes for heat lovers
How To Prepare The Ingredients
Proper ingredient preparation is crucial for getting the most flavor from your chicken sausage crock pot recipe. This hearty dish combines protein-rich meats with colorful vegetables and aromatic seasonings for a complete meal that practically cooks itself.
Prepping The Chicken Sausage
Begin by slicing your smoked chicken sausage or Andouille sausage into 1-inch rounds or bite-sized pieces. For enhanced flavor, consider browning the sausage pieces lightly in a skillet with a teaspoon of oil before adding them to your crock pot. This optional step creates a richer taste profile and better texture in your finished dish. If you’re using boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1-2 pounds), rinse them and pat them dry with paper towels. You can add whole chicken pieces directly to the slow cooker and shred them later after cooking is complete. The chicken will become tender during the slow cooking process, making it easy to pull apart with two forks.
Preparing The Vegetables
Start by chopping 1-2 cups of onions either coarsely or finely depending on your texture preference. Dice 1-2 cups of bell peppers (green, red, or a colorful mix) into roughly 1-inch pieces to ensure they hold their shape during the long cooking time. Slice about 1 cup of celery into thin pieces and mince 1-2 cloves of garlic. These aromatic vegetables form the flavor base of your dish and will release their flavors gradually as they cook. If you’re including optional ingredients like canned black beans, rinse and drain them thoroughly before adding to the mix. Prepare all vegetables before beginning the cooking process so you can layer ingredients properly in your slow cooker. The combination of these fresh vegetables with the proteins creates a balanced, nutrient-rich meal that develops deep flavors during the slow cooking process.
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple instructions to create a delicious chicken sausage meal in your crock pot with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Adding Ingredients To The Crock Pot
Start by slicing your chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces. For best results, sear the sausage pieces in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes until they develop a golden brown exterior. This quick browning step adds important depth of flavor to your final dish. Transfer your browned sausage to the crock pot as the first layer. Pour in your pasta sauce and add chicken broth and water to create the perfect cooking liquid. Stir everything thoroughly to combine the ingredients and ensure even flavor distribution. The liquid ratio is important here as it will cook your pasta and create a sauce with the perfect consistency. You can adjust the amount of broth based on how thick you prefer your final sauce.
Setting The Cook Time
Program your crock pot to cook on high for the first hour. This initial cooking period allows the flavors from the sausage and sauce to meld together beautifully. Stir the mixture once or twice during this hour to help blend the flavors. After the first hour, add your pasta directly to the crock pot and stir until all pasta pieces are evenly coated with sauce. Continue cooking on high for an additional 30 minutes. Check your pasta for doneness by testing a piece – it should be tender but still have a slight bite. If needed, cook for 5-10 minutes longer until the pasta reaches your preferred texture. The total cooking time from start to finish is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Once everything is perfectly cooked, top with shredded asiago cheese and fresh parsley before serving your one-pot chicken sausage pasta dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Transform your chicken sausage crock pot creation into a complete meal with these perfect pairing options that elevate the flavors and textures of your dish.
For pasta-based chicken sausage dishes: Serve your hearty creation piping hot with a generous sprinkle of freshly shredded asiago or Parmesan cheese on top. The cheese melts slightly into the warm pasta creating a creamy texture that complements the savory sausage. Add a bright pop of color and fresh flavor by garnishing with chopped parsley or basil just before serving.
When enjoying Creole-style chicken sausage: Ladle this spicy comfort food over a bed of fluffy brown rice which absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully. Green onions sliced on the diagonal make an ideal garnish that adds both visual appeal and a mild onion flavor that balances the richness of the dish.
For hearty rice and sausage combinations: Treat this robust dish as a complete one-pot meal that requires little accompaniment. A simple side salad with light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the savory main dish. Steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans offer nutritional balance and bright color to your plate.
Enhance any chicken sausage crock pot meal with: Crusty artisan bread or warm cornbread served alongside to soak up the delicious sauces and broths. The bread provides textural contrast and makes sure not a drop of flavor goes to waste.
Family-style serving suggestion: Place your crock pot creation in the center of the table in a large serving bowl alongside smaller bowls of optional toppings like additional cheese crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs. This interactive approach allows each person to customize their portion to their preference.
Leftover transformation tip: Turn yesterday’s chicken sausage crock pot meal into today’s lunch by stuffing it into bell peppers and baking until tender or wrapping in flour tortillas for quick burritos. The flavors often deepen overnight making leftovers even more delicious than the original meal.
Storage And Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating techniques ensure your chicken sausage crock pot creation remains safe and delicious for days after cooking. Follow these guidelines to maintain flavor and quality when enjoying leftovers.
Refrigerating Leftovers
Allow your chicken sausage dish to cool completely to room temperature before transferring to storage containers. This cooling period typically takes 30-45 minutes and prevents condensation that could make your leftovers soggy. Transfer cooled portions into airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors in your refrigerator. Your refrigerated chicken sausage dish will remain fresh for 3-4 days when properly stored.
Freezing For Later
For longer storage options your crock pot chicken sausage freezes exceptionally well. Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags before freezing. Remove as much air as possible from containers to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality. Label each container with the date and contents for easy identification in your freezer. Frozen chicken sausage dishes retain their best quality for 2-3 months though remain safe indefinitely when kept at constant freezing temperatures.
Reheating Methods
Microwave reheating works well for single portions from the refrigerator. Add a tablespoon of water or broth to maintain moisture before covering loosely and heating until steaming hot (usually 2-3 minutes depending on portion size). Stovetop reheating provides more even warming for larger portions. Place leftovers in a saucepan with a splash of broth or water over medium-low heat stirring occasionally until thoroughly heated.
For frozen portions thaw overnight in your refrigerator before reheating using either method above. Slow reheating at lower temperatures helps preserve the texture and flavor profile of your dish. Stir occasionally during reheating to distribute heat evenly throughout the food.
Revitalizing Leftovers
Add fresh herbs just before serving reheated portions to brighten flavors that may have dulled during storage. A light sprinkle of grated cheese can reinvigorate creamy chicken sausage dishes that might have thickened during refrigeration. Rice or pasta-based recipes may absorb liquid during storage so add a small amount of broth when reheating to restore the original consistency.
For dishes served over rice consider preparing fresh rice rather than reheating stored rice for optimal texture. Leftover chicken sausage mixtures can transform into new meals by stuffing them into bell peppers or wrapping in tortillas as the flavors actually deepen overnight.
Variations To Try
Our basic chicken sausage crock pot recipe serves as an excellent foundation for culinary exploration. Try these flavorful variations to transform your slow cooker meal and keep your dinner rotation exciting.
Spicy Version
Kick up the heat with a Cajun-inspired take on your chicken sausage crock pot meal. Start by selecting spicy Andouille chicken sausage as your protein base for authentic Creole flavor. Add 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun or Creole seasoning blend along with a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to bring important heat to the dish.
Enhance the spice profile by incorporating:
- 1-2 chopped jalapeños (seeds removed for milder heat or included for extra fire)
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced (double the usual amount)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Bell peppers in red, yellow and green varieties for color and flavor
For a complete Slow Cooker Creole Chicken and Sausage experience, combine chicken breasts with sliced Andouille sausage, then add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce to create a rich base. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the chicken shreds easily with a fork. Stir in the black beans during the final 30 minutes of cooking. Serve this spicy creation over steamed white rice and garnish with sliced green onions for a delicious Louisiana-inspired meal.
Mediterranean Style
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast with this herb-infused variation. Select Italian-style chicken sausage or varieties featuring roasted peppers and asiago cheese for an authentic Mediterranean foundation. Create a fragrant herb blend using:
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Build layers of Mediterranean flavor by adding:
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced into strips
- 1 can diced tomatoes with their juices
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or red wine vinegar for brightness
Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours until the sausage is tender and flavors have melded beautifully. Serve this Mediterranean-inspired dish over pasta, fluffy couscous, or rice. Before serving, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese or freshly grated Parmesan and add a handful of fresh basil leaves. This bright, herb-forward variation brings the sunny flavors of Mediterranean cuisine right to your dinner table.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of your chicken sausage crock pot meal helps you make informed dietary decisions. This hearty dish provides a well-balanced nutritional profile while delivering exceptional flavor.
Each serving of this chicken sausage crock pot recipe contains:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230-390 kcal |
| Protein | 20-34 g |
| Total Fat | 8-13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 13-37 g |
| Fiber | 2 g (varies with vegetables) |
| Sodium | ~400 mg |
The protein content makes this dish particularly satisfying, primarily coming from the chicken sausage which typically uses boneless chicken thighs as its base. This protein helps support muscle maintenance and provides lasting fullness.
Fat content remains moderate at 8-13 grams per serving, with the olive oil and chicken sausage contributing heart-healthy fats. The carbohydrate content varies based on which vegetables you include and what you serve alongside the dish.
Fiber content increases when you add more vegetables like bell peppers and onions, supporting digestive health. The sodium level stays reasonable at approximately 400 mg per serving, though this can fluctuate depending on the chicken sausage brand you select and how much salt you add.
For those tracking macronutrients, this recipe provides an excellent balance that works well within most dietary frameworks. The dish delivers substantial nutrition while remaining flavorful and satisfying.
When served with optional sides like baked spaghetti squash, you add additional nutrients without significantly increasing the calorie count. This flexibility allows you to adjust the meal to suit various dietary needs while maintaining its delicious flavor profile.
Final Thoughts On This Easy Chicken Sausage Crock Pot Meal
This chicken sausage crock pot recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a time-saving solution for your busy lifestyle. With just minutes of prep work you’ll create a dish that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Whether you’re serving it over pasta rice or with crusty bread it adapts to what you have on hand. Your family will appreciate the hearty flavors while you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together.
Give this recipe a try on your next hectic weekday. You’ll discover why so many home cooks have added this satisfying dish to their regular rotation—delivering maximum flavor with minimum effort every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the chicken sausage crock pot recipe take to cook?
This chicken sausage crock pot recipe typically cooks on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully while tenderizing the chicken sausage and vegetables. This hands-off cooking time makes it perfect for busy weekdays when you can set it in the morning and return to a complete meal in the evening.
Do I need to brown the chicken sausage before putting it in the crock pot?
While not strictly necessary, browning the chicken sausage in a skillet before adding it to the crock pot is recommended. This extra step enhances the flavor by creating a caramelized exterior on the sausage. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still achieve a delicious result with your slow cooker meal.
What sides go well with this chicken sausage dish?
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, crusty bread, or cornbread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a lighter meal, serve with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. The recipe works equally well over mashed potatoes or polenta. You can also serve it family-style with optional toppings like fresh herbs or shredded cheese for customization.
Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken sausage provides a leaner option, you can substitute with any sausage variety you prefer. Italian pork sausage, smoked turkey sausage, or Andouille sausage for a Cajun twist all work well. Each type will impart different flavors to your dish, allowing you to customize based on your taste preferences or what you have available.
How long do leftovers last in the refrigerator?
Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers where they’ll maintain quality for 2-3 months. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Remember to cool the dish completely before refrigerating for food safety.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! This recipe is extremely versatile when it comes to vegetables. Bell peppers, onions, and celery form the base, but you can add carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Add hearty vegetables like carrots at the beginning of cooking, while quick-cooking vegetables like spinach should be stirred in during the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Is this chicken sausage crock pot recipe healthy?
This recipe offers a balanced nutritional profile with approximately 230-390 calories and 20-34 grams of protein per serving. The fat content is moderate at 8-13 grams, making it a reasonably healthy option. You can increase the nutritional value by adding more vegetables for additional fiber and nutrients, or use low-sodium broth to reduce the sodium content.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for meal prep?
This chicken sausage crock pot recipe is excellent for meal prep. You can chop all vegetables and slice the sausage 1-2 days in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. For even quicker morning assembly, you can create “crock pot packs” with all ingredients except liquids in freezer bags, which can be frozen for up to 3 months before cooking.
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