Name: Crockpot Spicy Chicken and Sausage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs; 12 ounces chicken sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 celery stalk, sliced; 1/2 cup onion, diced; 1 garlic cloves, minced; 15 ounces diced tomatoes with juices; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more); 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme; 1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes; 1 jalapeno, sliced (optional for garnish)

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Table of Contents: Crockpot Spicy Chicken and Sausage

Crockpot Spicy Chicken and Sausage

Are you looking for a comforting, delicious meal that practically makes itself? Do you want something that fills the house with amazing aromas without you spending hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This Crockpot Spicy Chicken and Sausage recipe is a game-changer, offering a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.

It’s the kind of meal that appeals to everyone, especially those of us who appreciate good food without all the fuss!

This easy chicken and sausage recipe is a lifesaver when time is short, but you still crave a homemade meal. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it tenderizes the chicken beautifully and allows all the flavors – paprika, thyme, and a kick of red pepper – to meld together into something truly special.

We’re talking about a hearty, slightly spicy, and utterly satisfying experience that will quickly become a family staple. Forget complicated cooking methods; this is as simple as dump, stir, and let it work its magic. It’s a fantastic slow cooker chicken sausage option for anyone looking to simplify dinner.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, preparing for a big family dinner, or just need a reliable spicy slow cooker meal on a Tuesday night, this recipe delivers. The slow cooking process intensifies the flavors, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that’s perfect over rice, pasta, or served with crusty bread for soaking up every last drop. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl!

Alternate Names & Variations

This dish goes by many names! You might find similar recipes called Slow Cooker Chicken & Andouille, Spicy Sausage and Chicken Stew, or even simply Crockpot Chicken with Sausage. The core idea of combining chicken and sausage in a flavorful, slow-cooked sauce remains the same.

For a creamier version, try adding a block of cream cheese during the last hour of cooking. Another popular variation involves swapping out the diced tomatoes for a can of Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies) for an extra layer of heat. You can easily customize the spice level too, making it mild, medium, or fiery depending on your preference. This is especially great for those looking for easy chicken and sausage options that can be adapted to different palates.

Ingredients: Crockpot Spicy Chicken and Sausage

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful dish:

* 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
* 12 ounces chicken sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
* 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
* 1 celery stalk, sliced
* 1/2 cup onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 15 ounces diced tomatoes with juices
* 1 tablespoon paprika
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or more to taste)
* 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
* 1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is incredibly straightforward.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker, combine the chicken, chicken sausage, chicken broth, diced bell pepper, sliced celery, diced onion, and minced garlic.
2. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the paprika, salt, thyme, and red pepper flakes over the chicken and sausage mixture.

3. Stir Well: Give everything a good stir to ensure the chicken and sausage are evenly coated with the seasonings.
4. Add Tomatoes: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir again to combine.
5. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so make sure the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Chef’s Tip: Thighs stay moister during long cooking times than breasts, so if you’re planning on a longer cook, thighs are the way to go!

6. Shred Chicken (Optional): During the last 30 minutes of cooking, you can shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. This helps it absorb more of the sauce. Shortcut: If you’re short on time, don’t bother shredding – it still tastes fantastic!
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to achieve your desired flavor.
8. Garnish & Serve: Serve hot, garnished with sliced jalapeno (if using). Delicious over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or with a side of crusty bread.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This Crockpot Spicy Chicken and Sausage recipe is designed for simplicity! Prep time is about 15 minutes, and the cook time is 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. This gives you a total time commitment of roughly 6 hours and 30 minutes (mostly hands-off!). It yields approximately 4 servings, and the calorie count is around 450-550 per serving, depending on the type of sausage used.

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

The magic of this recipe lies in the slow cooking process. It allows the flavors of the paprika and thyme to infuse into the chicken and sausage, creating a depth of flavor that you just can’t replicate with quicker cooking methods. The chicken (or thighs) become incredibly tender and juicy, while the sausage adds a delightful smoky spice.

This is truly easy comfort food for family dinners – a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Want even more flavor? Brown the sausage briefly in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker. This adds an extra layer of caramelization that enhances the overall taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables! Adding a can of drained black beans or some chopped zucchini during the last hour of cooking are great additions to transform this into a complete one-pot meal. This spicy slow cooker meal is also fantastic for meal prepping.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Leftovers of this Crockpot spicy chicken and sausage are a gift! Store any remaining chicken and sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully! Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, thaw the mixture overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through – about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in individual portions. Pro Tip: For best results when freezing, leave a little space at the top of the container to allow for expansion.

Conclusion: Crockpot Spicy Chicken and Sausage

So there you have it – a delicious, flavorful, and incredibly easy Crockpot Spicy Chicken and Sausage recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s perfect for those days when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to customize the spice level and add your favorite vegetables to make it your own!

I’d love to hear about your experience with this recipe! Did you try a different type of sausage? Did you add any unique twists? Please leave a comment below and let me know. And don’t forget to share your photos on social media – I love seeing your culinary creations!