Oh, chicken sausage crockpot recipes—my absolute lifesaver on those crazy weeknights when I’m juggling work, kids, and somehow still trying to get dinner on the table! I remember the first time I threw this together—it was one of those “what do I even have in the fridge?” moments, and wow, did it turn into a family favorite. The magic happens when those juicy chicken sausages slow-cook with potatoes and peppers until everything’s tender and packed with flavor. Best part? You literally toss everything in the crockpot and forget about it. Come back hours later to a meal that tastes like you slaved over it (but we’ll keep that our little secret).
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Sausage Crockpot Recipes
Listen, if you’re like me and your idea of “meal prep” is opening the fridge and staring blankly at ingredients, you’ll adore this recipe. Here’s why it’s my go-to:
- Hands-off magic: Toss everything in before work, and dinner cooks itself. No babysitting pots or last-minute panic!
- Flavor bomb: Slow cooking lets the garlic, thyme, and paprika mingle with the sausage juices—it’s like a cozy flavor hug.
- Endlessly adaptable: Swap veggies based on what’s wilting in your fridge (zucchini? mushrooms? go wild).
- Leftover goldmine: Tastes even better next day—if it lasts that long in your house!
Trust me, once you try this set-it-and-forget-it trick, your crockpot will become your new kitchen BFF.
Ingredients for Chicken Sausage Crockpot Recipes
Okay, let’s talk ingredients—the real MVPs that make this dish so darn good. I’ve learned through trial and error (and a few “oops” moments) that quality matters here. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken sausage: I prefer pre-cooked for convenience (look for the apple or spinach varieties—they’re killer here), but fresh works too—just brown it well first.
- 2 cups (300g) baby potatoes: Halve them so they cook evenly—no one wants crunchy potatoes!
- 1 bell pepper: Any color works, but red adds sweetness. Dice it roughly—we’re not making sushi here.
- 1 onion: Chopped. Pro tip: save the tears by chewing gum while (weird but works!).
- 3 garlic cloves: Minced. Measure with your heart—I usually add an extra clove because garlic is life.
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth: Low-sodium lets you control the salt. Or use water in a pinch—I won’t tell.
- 1 tsp each dried thyme and paprika: These are the flavor powerhouses—don’t skip ’em!
- Salt and pepper: To taste, but be generous—slow cooking mellows flavors.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For browning that sausage to golden perfection.
See? Nothing fancy—just good, honest ingredients that transform into something magical in that crockpot.
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry—you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this! Just grab:
- A 4-6 quart crockpot (that’s your MVP—big enough for everything to cozy up together without spilling over)
- A medium skillet for browning the sausage (trust me, those crispy edges make all the difference)
- Basic utensils: A wooden spoon for stirring, a sharp knife for chopping, and a measuring spoon for those spices
That’s it! Now let’s get cooking.
How to Make Chicken Sausage Crockpot Recipes
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this beauty! I promise it’s easier than folding a fitted sheet (why are those things so impossible?). Follow these steps, and you’ll have a meal that’ll make your whole house smell like a cozy bistro.
Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage
First things first—heat that 2 tbsp olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. When it shimmers (you’ll see little ripples), add your sliced sausage. Now, here’s my secret: don’t stir them right away! Let them sit for a minute to get those gorgeous golden-brown edges—that’s where all the deep, caramelized flavor hides. Give ’em about 5 minutes total, stirring occasionally, until they look like little flavor nuggets. Then transfer them to your crockpot, scraping all those tasty browned bits in too!
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot
Next up—the veggie party! Toss in your halved baby potatoes, diced bell pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Here’s why order matters: the potatoes go on the bottom since they take longest to cook, then the other veggies layered evenly on top. No stirring yet—we want everything to cook evenly without turning to mush. It should look like a colorful confetti explosion in there!
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Time to bring it all together! Pour in your 1 cup chicken broth, then sprinkle the thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over everything. Now grab your wooden spoon and give it one good stir—just enough to distribute the spices without disturbing your perfect layers too much. The broth should just peek through the veggies—not drown them.
Step 4: Cook and Serve
Pop the lid on and choose your adventure: 6 hours on low for all-day tenderness (my go-to), or 3 hours on high if you’re in a hurry. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are fork-tender and your kitchen smells like heaven. Give it a taste—add more salt if needed (slow cooking mellows flavors). Serve it up in bowls with all those glorious juices spooned over top. Pro tip: let it sit uncovered for 5 minutes first—those flavors intensify like magic!
Tips for the Best Chicken Sausage Crockpot Recipes
Okay, let me share my hard-earned secrets for making this dish absolutely foolproof! First—after browning that sausage, deglaze your pan with a splash of broth. Scrape up all those tasty browned bits and pour them into the crockpot—that’s pure flavor gold right there. Second, wait until the last hour to check seasoning. Slow cooking dulls spices, so I always taste and adjust salt/pepper then. And here’s my favorite trick: if it looks too watery, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to let some liquid evaporate. Your future self will thank me!
Variations and Substitutions
One of my favorite things about this chicken sausage crockpot recipe is how forgiving it is—perfect for those “clean out the fridge” nights! Swap those baby potatoes for diced sweet potatoes if you want a vitamin boost (they get wonderfully creamy). No bell pepper? Toss in a handful of spinach during the last 30 minutes—it wilts beautifully. For my gluten-free friends, just double-check your sausage labels. And if you’re watching sodium, use low-sodium broth and skip the extra salt—the sausage packs plenty of flavor on its own. Seriously, this recipe is like your favorite jeans—it looks good no matter how you dress it up!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the fun part—how to serve this beauty! I love it with crusty bread to sop up all those delicious juices—my kids call it “flavor gravy.” For a lighter meal, pair it with a simple green salad, or spoon it over fluffy rice or quinoa to stretch it further. Easy peasy!
Storing and Reheating
Here’s the good news—this chicken sausage crockpot meal gets even tastier as leftovers! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze portions for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. My favorite trick? Warm it gently in a saucepan with a splash of broth to keep everything juicy. Microwave works too, but stir halfway to prevent dry spots. Pro tip: those potatoes soak up flavor like little sponges—leftovers might just be better than the first serving!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the skinny on what’s in your bowl (per serving): about 320 calories, with 20g protein to keep you full. Remember—these numbers are estimates and change based on your exact ingredients. The sausage and potatoes pack most of the carbs (22g), while the olive oil and sausage bring the good fats (18g total). Not too shabby for a meal this hearty!
FAQs About Chicken Sausage Crockpot Recipes
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen veggies work great—just toss them in straight from the freezer (no need to thaw). I do recommend down the broth by 1/4 cup since frozen veggies release more liquid. My favorite combo? Frozen pepper strips and pearl onions—total time-saver!
How do I adjust cooking time if I double the recipe?
Good question! If you’re filling your crockpot more than 3/4 full, add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cook time. But here’s my trick—instead of doubling everything, just add extra potatoes and sausage while keeping the liquid the same. The flavors concentrate better that way.
Can I leave out the potatoes for lower carbs?
You bet! Swap in cauliflower florets—they hold up surprisingly well. Or go rogue with cabbage wedges (they turn silky and sweet). Just reduce cooking time by about an hour since these veggies cook faster than potatoes.
Is it okay to cook this on warm overnight?
Oh honey, no—that “warm” setting is for keeping food hot, not cooking it. For food safety, stick to the recommended 3-6 hour cook times. But here’s a pro move—prep everything the night before (store browned sausage and chopped veggies separately in the fridge) so you can just dump and go in the morning!
5-Star Chicken Sauspot Recipes for Effortless Dinners
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Easy and flavorful chicken sausage crockpot recipe for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken sausage, sliced
- 2 cups (300g) baby potatoes, halved
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Brown the chicken sausage for 5 minutes, then transfer to the crockpot.
- Add potatoes, bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the crockpot.
- Pour in chicken broth and add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked chicken sausage for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken sausage, crockpot, slow cooker, easy dinner