Imagine coming home to a mouthwatering aroma that fills your entire kitchen - a hearty, flavor-packed dish that practically cooks itself! This Slow Cooker Sausage Chicken Peppers recipe is the ultimate solution for busy home cooks who crave restaurant-quality meals without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender chicken, spicy Italian sausage, and vibrant bell peppers melding together in a rich, savory sauce, this one-pot wonder will transform your dinner routine and have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the Italian sausage into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Slice the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced Italian sausage. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once browned, transfer the sausage to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker with the sausage.
- Add the sliced bell peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Make sure to distribute them evenly over the meats.
- Open the can of diced tomatoes and pour it over the chicken and sausage mixture in the slow cooker. Add the Italian seasoning, and stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. Ensure it is cooking evenly by giving it a gentle stir halfway through, if possible.
- Once the cooking time is complete, check that the chicken is fully cooked and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The sausage should also be cooked through.
- Before serving, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Slow Cooker Sausage Chicken Peppers hot, either on its own or over a bed of rice, pasta, or with crusty bread for a hearty meal. Enjoy!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, brown the sausage and chicken before adding to the slow cooker. This extra step creates a deeper, more complex taste profile.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir into the dish during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- For added depth, consider using a mix of bell pepper colors - red, yellow, and green - to make the dish more visually appealing.
- This recipe freezes beautifully! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months for quick future meals.
- Experiment with different herbs or add a splash of white wine for variation in flavor.
- Don't have Italian seasoning? Make your own blend with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
