Hey you. This slow cooker Creole chicken and sausage is about to be your new favorite comfort food. The reason I use smoked sausage instead of fresh is because it gives that deep, smoky taste that takes the dish to another level.
And here’s the best part—you don’t have to babysit a pot for hours. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, let it do its thing, and enjoy a rich, spicy, and hearty meal when you’re ready.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Important Info
- Servings: 6 bowls
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $15 depending on your location
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 6 hours
- Total time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Calories per serving: 350
- Cook method: Slow Cooker
- Season: Great all year round
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: Creole
- Diets: DairyFreeDiet, GlutenFreeDiet
How to Make Slow Cooker Creole Chicken and Sausage
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this dish and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup cooked rice (for serving)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs | Chicken breast or drumsticks |
| Smoked sausage | Andouille sausage or turkey sausage |
| Diced tomatoes | Fresh tomatoes (chopped) + ¼ cup tomato sauce |
| Cajun seasoning | Creole seasoning |
| Chicken broth | Vegetable broth or water with bouillon |
| White rice | Brown rice or cauliflower rice |
Instructions
- Place the chopped chicken and smoked sausage in the slow cooker.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic on top.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and chicken broth.
- Sprinkle in the paprika, thyme, oregano, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together.
- Add the hot sauce if you like some heat. Toss in the bay leaf.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions.
Helpful Tips
- Want a thicker sauce? Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Prefer more heat? Add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For extra flavor, brown the sausage in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Don’t skip the bay leaf! It adds a deep, rich flavor that makes a difference.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Creole Chicken and Sausage
This dish is great with crusty bread, cornbread, or a side of steamed veggies. If you want something light, a simple green salad works too.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I usually serve this in deep bowls over a bed of rice. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions on top makes it look and taste even better.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and even game nights. It’s a good choice for a potluck because it stays warm in the slow cooker and feeds a crowd.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Keep leftovers in the slow cooker on the warm setting for up to 2 hours before storing.
Refrigeration
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.
Freezing
- Freeze in portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh sausage instead of smoked?
I wouldn’t recommend it because smoked sausage adds more depth to the dish. If you use fresh sausage, cook it first before adding it to the slow cooker.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can. Add more hot sauce, a chopped jalapeño, or an extra teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to turn up the heat.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
It depends. If your kids like mild food, reduce the Cajun seasoning and skip the hot sauce. You can always add spice later for yourself.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can chop the ingredients and store them in the fridge overnight. The next day, just dump everything into the slow cooker.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but I suggest thawing it first so the seasoning sticks better. If you’re in a hurry, extend the cooking time by an extra hour.
