Tasty Cheesy Chicken Dish

This slow cooker cheesy chicken bake mixes soft potatoes, moist chicken, and flavorful kielbasa in a thick, velvety sauce for the ultimate comfort dish. It's a dump-and-go meal that packs amazing taste with barely any work, great for hectic weekdays or family get-togethers.

I stumbled on this dish during a super busy Christmas season and it quickly became my winter favorite. While dealing with family stopping by and year-end work stuff, I found myself cooking this at least twice monthly because it tastes amazing and doesn't need much hands-on time.

What You'll Need

• Red potatoes: Chopped into small cubes they make a sturdy foundation and don't fall apart during slow cooking
• Chicken breast pieces: Give you good protein that gets soft and tasty
• Kielbasa rounds: Bring smoky flavor and yummy fat that makes everything better
• White onion: Adds key background flavor that softens nicely as it cooks
• Cheddar cheese: Makes that can't-resist melty texture and bold flavor
• Cream of chicken and herbs soup: Works as the starting point for the smooth sauce
• Sour cream: Adds zingy richness and helps the sauce get thicker
• Heavy cream: Makes everything feel fancy and smooth at the end
• Italian seasoning: Gives you a mix of herbs without needing tons of spices
• Garlic powder: Fills the whole dish with savory goodness that works with everything else
• Salt and pepper: Pull all the tastes together perfectly

Delicious Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Casserole Steps

Set up your pot:

First, coat your crockpot with some cooking spray or butter so nothing sticks. Mix the cut potatoes, chicken chunks, kielbasa slices, chopped onion, and 2 cups of the cheese in the pot. Try to spread everything out evenly so it all cooks the same.

Mix your sauce:

In another bowl, stir the soup, sour cream, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it's all smooth. The sauce should be thick but still easy to pour. Don't rush this part since it makes the creamy base that everything depends on.

Put it all together:

Pour your creamy mixture over everything in the crockpot and use a big spoon to mix it all up gently. Make sure all the chicken, potatoes, and sausage pieces get coated with sauce. This helps everything taste good all the way through during the long cooking time.

Top with cheese:

Scatter the last half cup of cheese across the top. This makes a yummy cheesy layer while cooking that adds great texture to your finished meal.

Let it cook:

Put the lid on and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 5 hours. You'll know it's done when you can easily stick a fork in the potatoes and the chicken is fully cooked. Don't let it go too long or your potatoes might get too soft.

Dig in:

When it's finished, stir everything lightly to mix in the melted cheese from the top. Serve it right away in bowls while it's still hot and bubbly.

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I love the kielbasa most in this dish. The way it makes everything taste smoky takes me back to my grandma's cooking. She always told me good sausage makes people want more, and this casserole proves her right every time. The mix of chicken and kielbasa gives you just the right balance of proteins.

Prep Ahead Ideas

You can get this dish ready way before you need it. Chop everything the night before and keep the potato mix and sauce separate in your fridge. When morning comes, just dump it all in your crockpot and turn it on. To save even more time in the morning, you can cut the potatoes early and store them underwater in the fridge so they don't turn brown.

Clever Swaps

This dish works great as written but you can easily change things based on what's in your kitchen. Try sweet potatoes instead of red ones for a different taste and extra nutrients. Turkey kielbasa works great if you want something lighter. For the creamy part, cream of mushroom soup can work if you don't have chicken soup handy. If you can't do dairy, coconut cream and non-dairy cheese can work too, though it'll taste a bit different.

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What To Serve With It

This filling casserole works fine by itself but goes great with simple sides too. A fresh green salad with tangy dressing balances out the rich, creamy texture. Some steamed broccoli or green beans add color and good stuff your body needs. If you like bread, warm crusty French loaf or soft rolls are perfect for soaking up the tasty sauce. When you have company over, you might want to put out extra toppings like sliced green onions, more cheese, or crunchy bacon bits so everyone can make their plate just how they like it.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap cheddar for another cheese?

Sure thing! Try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for a fresh twist on flavor.

→ Can I use fresh herbs instead of Italian seasoning?

Go for it! Fresh oregano, basil, or thyme works as a great replacement. Just use smaller amounts to keep the balance right.

→ How should I prep the potatoes?

Cut the red potatoes into equal 1/2-inch cubes so they cook perfectly and stay soft.

→ Is swapping chicken breasts with thighs an option?

Definitely! Boneless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative and will give a juicier bite.

→ How do I stop the potatoes from overcooking?

Check on them regularly near the end. Avoid keeping the dish on 'keep warm' too long after cooking.