It’s a chicken stew, it’s a chicken casserole, and it’s also the coziest slow cooker meal that takes about 5 hours in the slow cooker or 1 hour on the stovetop (hob). It’s a slow cooker recipe that you can truly call classic comfort food, and I can’t emphasize enough how much deep, delicious flavor you can achieve with just a few ingredients. It’s the perfect one-pan meal, with the meat and veggies all cooking together.
Best Chicken for Slow Cooker
Chicken thighs are perfect for low and slow cooking. They don’t dry out the way chicken breasts do, and because they are bone-in, they add so much extra flavor. You can use bone-in chicken breasts, but be cautious of them drying out. Boneless chicken breast can also be used, but I wouldn’t cook them as long.
Best Sausage to Use
Any of your favorite sausage will work, mild or spicy. I chose to use chicken sausage. Italian sausage is also a tasty option because they are made with so many flavorings.
Browning Meat Before Adding to Slow Cooker
There are a few minutes of prep before adding everything to the crock pot, starting with browning the chicken and sausage (which is easy if you’re using a slow cooker with a browning function). This step is important for adding flavor to the meat by slightly browning it. Why use the slow cooker at all? Because after browning, the long, slow cooking process not only develops the flavors but also makes the chicken very tender.
Cook Mushroom Before Slow Cooking
I prefer not to add raw mushrooms to the slow cooker because mushrooms have a high liquid content. As the dish cooks, they will release their liquid, causing the sauce to taste more like mushrooms and less like the delicious wine and chicken stock gravy.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken
You can serve it as is, bathed in the mushrooms and carrots for a great low-carb option, or you can add creamy mashed potato to soak up the delicious gravy. I have recipes for easy Microwave Mashed Potatoes (regular and sweet potatoes), a Mashed Potato Casserole, and Creamy Cauliflower Mash.
Storing Leftover Slow Cooker Sausage and Chicken
Leftovers will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can reheat them in the microwave or in a pan.If you don’t have a slow cooker, this perfect family dinner can be made in a Dutch oven or high-sided, large skillet. If you’ve made this Slow Cooker Chicken with Sausage and Mushrooms, please leave a review or comment or question below.
