Crock-Pot Chicken Sausage Hash Brown Casserole
Try this Crock-Pot Chicken Sausage Hash Brown Casserole recipe.
Try this Crock-Pot Chicken Sausage Hash Brown Casserole recipe.
- salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 and 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1 and 1/4 cup whole milk almond milk, or half-and-half
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 32- oz. bag of frozen hash browns
- 14 oz. chicken sausage diced (i used zweigle's chorizo)
- Carbohydrate 8.07430208069275 g
- Cholesterol 51.2838541688468 mg
- Fat 17.1117760427304 g
- Fiber 0.808750022252401 g
- Protein 11.4932281250086 g
- Saturated Fat 10.5935266672209 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (97g)
- Sodium 314.599500005846 mg
- Sugar 7.26555205844035 g
- Trans Fat 0.918426875064112 g
- Calories 230 calories
Step-by-step
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk.
- Cook for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in chicken stock and whisk to remove any clumps.
- Simmer until it starts to thicken, then stir in milk and all of the seasonings.
- It should be thickening nicely by now. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed then set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking.
- Brown the sliced chicken sausage slices a bit on both sides for just a couple of minutes (since sausage is already pre-cooked).
- Set aside. This step will bring out the best flavor of the sausage.
- Pour hash browns, chicken sausage, onion and cheese together in a lightly greased crock pot/slow cooker.
- Pour the condensed cream of chicken soup you just made over all of it and stir until incorporated.
- Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or until potatoes are soft and sausages are hot (may be done sooner).
- Serve warm. If using for a brunch or pot luck, leave crock pot on warm setting as long as you need.
- Enjoy!
My Go-To Crock-Pot Chicken Sausage Hash Brown Casserole: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Juggling work, carpools, school events, and everything in between often leaves me with precious little time for elaborate meal preparation. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes – they’re my secret weapon for delicious, home-cooked meals without the hours of fuss. This Crock-Pot Chicken Sausage Hash Brown Casserole is a perfect example. It's hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy to throw together, even on the busiest of days.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. I start by making a quick cream of chicken soup base – a simple roux with chicken stock, milk, and seasonings. This adds a depth of flavor that you just can't get from a can. While the base simmers, I quickly brown some chicken sausage in a skillet. I prefer a spicy chorizo sausage, but feel free to experiment with your favorite variety. The browning process intensifies the sausage’s flavor, adding a lovely richness to the dish.
Next, everything goes into the slow cooker – frozen hash browns (because who has time to peel and dice potatoes?), the browned sausage, some diced onion, and plenty of shredded cheddar cheese. I pour the homemade cream of chicken soup over the top, give it a good stir, and let the magic of the slow cooker work its wonders. Three hours later, I'm greeted with a warm, comforting, and utterly delicious casserole. The potatoes are perfectly tender, the sausage is flavorful and juicy, and the cheese is delightfully melty.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. It's a fantastic weeknight dinner, a perfect brunch dish for a casual gathering, or even a crowd-pleasing contribution to a potluck. Its versatility extends beyond the type of sausage you can use, but I encourage you to test out other sausage flavors such as Italian, Andouille, or even breakfast sausage. Feel free to customize it to your liking. You can add different vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, or use a different type of cheese. The possibilities are endless. I’ve even been known to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving for an extra touch of freshness.
The best part? Clean up is a breeze! Since most of the cooking happens in the slow cooker, there’s minimal cleanup involved. It’s a recipe that’s as kind to your schedule as it is to your taste buds. This Crock-Pot Chicken Sausage Hash Brown Casserole has become a staple in our home, and I’m confident it will quickly become a favorite in yours too. So next time you're short on time but craving a comforting and delicious meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this casserole hot, straight from the slow cooker.
- Pair it with a side salad for a lighter meal.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives for extra flavor.
- Serve it with some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious creamy sauce.
Enjoy this simple yet satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights and relaxed weekends. This Crock-Pot Chicken Sausage Hash Brown Casserole is a testament to how simple and delicious home-cooked meals can be. This is a recipe to add to your rotation because it brings people together, and it is one that anyone can make!
