Cheesy Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Welcome to a culinary delight that practically cooks itself: the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Delight. This recipe is a symphony of flavors, combining succulent chicken, savory kielbasa, and hearty red potatoes in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s as comforting as it is delicious. The slow cooking process melds all the ingredients together beautifully, resulting in a meal that’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a warm, satisfying dish ready to enjoy.

I first crafted this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Delight to feed my hungry teenagers after their sports activities, and it quickly became a beloved family tradition, especially during weekend game nights. The aroma that fills the house as it simmers is truly irresistible. Whether you’re dealing with hectic schedules or just craving a hearty meal that requires minimal effort, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household too.

From busy weeknights to lazy Sundays, this recipe is a versatile lifesaver. You can even prep it the night before and let the slow cooker work its magic while you tackle your day. And let’s not forget the joy of leftovers – the flavors only deepen and become more delicious over time. So, why not give this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Delight a try and savor the convenience and comfort it brings to your table?

Quick Benefits

• Convenient and time-saving slow cooking process allows for a hands-off meal preparation, perfect for busy weeknights or days when you’re away from home.
• Versatile and adaptable recipe that allows for ingredient substitutions to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
• Make-ahead and meal prep friendly, ideal for planning and preparing meals in advance for busy schedules or for enjoying leftovers that intensify in flavor over time.
• Freezer-friendly for longer storage, making it a great option for batch cooking or stocking up on ready-made meals.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Crockpot Chicken Recipe Recipe

• Convenient and Easy: Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Flavorful Combination: The tender chicken, smoky kielbasa, and creamy, cheesy sauce meld together to create a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Versatile and Forgiving: Easily adaptable with various ingredient substitutions to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Make-ahead and Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble the ingredients ahead of time for quick and easy cooking in the morning or for meal prep purposes.
• Great for Leftovers: Flavors intensify over time, so the dish tastes even better on day two, and leftovers store well in the fridge or freezer.
• Impressive for Guests: Elevate the presentation by finishing under the broiler for a golden, bubbly top, perfect for serving to company.
• Complete Meal: Enjoy a hearty and delicious one-pot meal that can be paired with simple sides for a well-rounded dining experience.
• Customizable: Experiment with different cheeses, meats, or spices to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.

Ingredients for Cheesy Crockpot Chicken Recipe

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 14 ounces kielbasa, cut into small slices
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 10.5 ounces can cream of chicken and herbs
• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 10 red potatoes, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Pro Tips for Cheesy Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For maximum flavor infusion, brown the chicken and kielbasa in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step will enhance the smoky richness of the kielbasa and develop deeper flavors in the dish.

Pro Tip 2: To add a pop of freshness, stir in a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives right before serving. The bright, herbaceous notes will complement the creamy, cheesy sauce and add a touch of brightness to each bite.

Pro Tip 3: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.

How to Make Cheesy Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Combine ingredients in crockpot

In a lightly greased slow cooker, mix together diced potatoes, chicken, kielbasa, onions, and 2 cups of cheddar cheese.

Step 2: Prepare sauce

Combine cream of chicken soup, herbs, sour cream, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Step 3: Add sauce to crockpot

Pour the sauce over the potatoes and mix well.

Step 4: Top with cheese

Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top.

Step 5: Cook

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 5 hours until the potatoes and onions are tender. Avoid overcooking the potatoes.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy

Serve the dish promptly and savor.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Delight, leftover portions can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors of this casserole actually intensify and meld together over time, making day-two servings sometimes even better than the first day. For longer storage, you can portion the cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw any frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to enjoy later.

To reheat the stored casserole, you can either use the microwave for quick individual portions or heat it in the oven until warmed through for larger quantities. If you want to serve the dish with a fresh twist, consider pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. For larger gatherings or a more substantial meal, complement the dish with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli and some warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter version of this casserole, you can substitute half and half or evaporated milk for the heavy cream. This adjustment will reduce the richness of the sauce while still maintaining a delicious flavor profile. Additionally, if you are looking for a dairy-free option, consider using non-dairy cream cheese and a plant-based milk thickened with cornstarch as substitutes. This modification allows those with dietary restrictions to still enjoy the creamy goodness of the dish.

If you’re looking to switch up the cheese component, feel free to experiment with different types of melting cheeses. While shredded cheddar works wonderfully in this recipe, you can try a combination of mozzarella and cheddar for an extra gooey texture. Don’t hesitate to explore other varieties like pepper jack for a spicy kick or smoked gouda for a deeper flavor. Cheese substitutions can elevate the taste of the casserole and cater to your personal preferences or ingredient availability.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Delight, try transferring individual portions into mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins and topping each with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese. Place them under the broiler for a couple of minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Serve these adorable mini casseroles as appetizers or as a fun twist for a dinner party.

Another serving idea is to scoop the cheesy chicken sausage casserole into a hollowed-out bread bowl, creating a hearty and comforting bread bowl casserole. The bread soaks up some of the creamy sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture. This presentation is perfect for casual gatherings or game day parties, where guests can tear off pieces of the bread bowl to scoop up the delicious filling.

FAQs for Cheesy Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Can I use precooked chicken in this recipe?

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

Can I use a different type of cheese?

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

Can I substitute kielbasa with a different type of sausage?

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

How can I bake this casserole instead of using a crockpot?

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

Conclusion

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Delight is truly a dish that brings comfort and joy to any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight meal, a cozy Sunday dinner, or a special gathering with loved ones, this hearty casserole never fails to impress. The blend of tender chicken, smoky kielbasa, and creamy, cheesy sauce is a winning combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different ingredients or variations to suit your preferences. From swapping out proteins to adjusting the dairy components, there are endless ways to customize Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Delight to your liking. And if you happen to have leftovers, rejoice in knowing that they’ll only get better with time, allowing you to enjoy this delicious meal for days to come.

So go ahead, gather your ingredients, set your crockpot, and let the magic of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Delight fill your home with warmth and delicious aromas. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal, this versatile and flavorful dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Cheesy Crockpot Chicken Recipe

“Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Delight: Creamy, smoky kielbasa, tender chicken, and red potatoes in a cheesy sauce that’s comforting and perfect for busy weeknights.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time360 Minutes

Total Time375 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings1 casserole dish

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 14 ounces kielbasa, cut into small slices
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 10.5 ounces can cream of chicken and herbs
• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 10 red potatoes, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients in crockpot: In a lightly greased slow cooker, mix together diced potatoes, chicken, kielbasa, onions, and 2 cups of cheddar cheese.
2. Prepare sauce: Combine cream of chicken soup, herbs, sour cream, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Add sauce to crockpot: Pour the sauce over the potatoes and mix well.
4. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top.
5. Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 5 hours until the potatoes and onions are tender. Avoid overcooking the potatoes.
6. Serve and enjoy: Serve the dish promptly and savor.