Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Italian Sausage with Peppers Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, consider browning the sausage coins in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker, though it is not strictly necessary for this method. If choosing to brown the sausage, drain any excess fat before adding it to the slow cooker to keep the sauce from becoming too oily.

Adjust the amount of Italian seasoning based on personal preference. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a pleasant heat if the sausage used is mild.

Always ensure the chicken is kept in the refrigerator until the very last moment before adding it to the slow cooker to maintain food safety standards.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage to give the dish a spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese.
• Vegetable Boost: Incorporate sliced zucchini or mushrooms along with the peppers to add more texture and volume to the dish without changing the cooking time.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Do not freeze, as the creamy sauce may separate and lose its smooth texture upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish is cooled to room temperature, but for no more than 2 hours, before placing it in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.

The creamy sauce may thicken slightly when chilled, which is normal and will return to a smooth consistency upon reheating.

This dish is excellent for make-ahead meals. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking the next day.

Simply add the cream cheese block right before turning on the slow cooker to ensure the best texture for the final sauce.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish hot, perhaps over a bed of al dente pasta, fluffy rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.

It also pairs wonderfully with a simple green side salad, which provides a fresh, crunchy contrast to the richness of the creamy chicken and sausage mixture.

Because this is a hearty dish, smaller portions are often satisfying. For a more formal presentation, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like parsley to add a pop of color and freshness that brightens the overall flavor profile of the meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Italian Sausage with Peppers

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced into coins
• 3 cups bell pepper strips
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 8 oz cream cheese, cut into chunks

Instructions

1. Place the bite-size chicken breast pieces into the bottom of the slow cooker basin. Arrange the sliced Italian sausage and bell pepper strips evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the top of the mixture.
2. Place the block of cream cheese on top of the seasoned ingredients. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Once the chicken is fully cooked, stir the mixture thoroughly to combine the melted cream cheese into a smooth, creamy sauce. Ensure the sausage is heated through to 160°F (71°C). Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

8 g

Fat

34 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.