Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken & Smoked Sausage is the kind of comforting meal that brings together tender chicken thighs, smoky sausage, sweet onion, plenty of garlic, and a savory herb-infused broth. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the flavors to develop gradually while the chicken becomes exceptionally tender.
This recipe is especially convenient for busy weeknights, relaxed Sunday dinners, meal preparation, or feeding a hungry family. Browning the chicken and sausage before slow cooking adds an extra layer of caramelized flavor, while the garlic, herbs, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and butter create a rich and aromatic broth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons this chicken and sausage dinner is such a dependable family meal:
- Tender chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs remain juicy and flavorful during slow cooking.
- Deep savory flavor: Smoked sausage, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and paprika work together to create a rich broth.
- Easy preparation: Once the initial browning is finished, the slow cooker takes over.
- Versatile serving options: Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, vegetables, or crusty bread.
- Excellent leftovers: The flavors continue to meld as the dish rests, making leftovers particularly satisfying.
Ingredients Explained
For the Chicken
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs:
Chicken thighs are ideal because their slightly higher fat content helps them stay moist and tender during slow cooking.
1 tbsp olive oil:
Used for searing the chicken and helping the seasoning develop a flavorful browned exterior.
1 tsp garlic powder:
Adds concentrated garlic flavor directly to the chicken.
1 tsp onion powder:
Provides savory depth and complements the fresh onion in the broth.
1 tsp smoked paprika:
Adds mild smokiness and a warm, savory flavor.
1 tsp Italian seasoning:
Provides a convenient blend of dried herbs that complements the chicken and sausage.
¾ tsp salt and ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper:
Season the chicken and help bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
For the Smoked Sausage
14 oz smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into thick rounds:
The sausage contributes smoky, savory flavor and releases flavorful juices into the broth. Thick slices are recommended because they maintain a satisfying texture during slow cooking.
1 tsp olive oil:
Used to help brown the sausage and encourage caramelization.
For the Garlic Herb Broth
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped:
Onion provides sweetness and an aromatic foundation for the broth.
6 garlic cloves, minced:
Fresh garlic is one of the defining flavors of this dish. For an even stronger garlic profile, you can increase it to 7–8 cloves.
1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth:
Creates the flavorful cooking liquid. Low-sodium broth is preferable because smoked sausage can already contain a significant amount of salt.
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted:
Adds richness and helps give the broth a fuller, smoother flavor.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce:
Adds savory umami depth and a subtle tang.
1 tsp Dijon mustard:
Provides mild sharpness that balances the richness of the sausage and butter.
1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried parsley, and ½ tsp dried thyme:
These herbs give the broth its aromatic character.
½ tsp smoked paprika:
Reinforces the smoky flavor of the sausage.
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional:
Adds gentle heat. Increase the amount if you prefer a spicier dish.
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper:
Adds additional seasoning and mild warmth.
For Finishing
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped:
Adds freshness and color just before serving.
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, optional:
A small amount of lemon juice can brighten the rich broth and balance the smoky sausage.
Salt and black pepper, to taste:
Used to make the final seasoning adjustment.
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken & Smoked Sausage
1. Prepare the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the chicken brown more effectively.
In a small bowl, combine:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Rub the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the chicken thighs.
2. Brown the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, or until lightly golden.
The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage. The purpose of this step is primarily to develop flavor and color.
Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
3. Brown the Smoked Sausage
Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add 1 teaspoon olive oil.
Arrange the sliced smoked sausage in a single layer. Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side, allowing the edges to become golden and caramelized.
Transfer the browned sausage to the slow cooker, arranging it around the chicken.
4. Add the Onion and Garlic
Add the finely chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
The onion and garlic will slowly soften and infuse the broth with their aroma as the dish cooks.
5. Prepare the Garlic Herb Broth
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Whisk until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
6. Combine Everything
Pour the garlic-herb broth evenly over the chicken and sausage.
Gently move the ingredients around so that the onions and garlic settle into the broth without disturbing the chicken too much.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
7. Slow Cook
Cook on LOW for approximately 4–5 hours or on HIGH for approximately 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches at least 165°F (74°C) internally.
Avoid repeatedly removing the lid. Every time the slow cooker is opened, heat escapes and the cooking process can take longer.
8. Finish the Dish
Once the chicken is fully cooked, gently stir the sausage and broth.
If you prefer to serve the chicken in larger pieces, leave the thighs whole. For a more rustic presentation, gently break some of the chicken into large chunks using two forks.
Taste the broth and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed.
For a brighter flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
Finally, sprinkle 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley over the dish.
Spoon some of the garlic-herb broth over the chicken and sausage immediately before serving.
How to Serve It
This dish is especially good when served with something that can absorb the flavorful broth.
Excellent options include:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- White rice
- Buttered noodles
- Roasted potatoes
- Crusty bread
- Green beans
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted asparagus
- A simple green salad
Crusty bread is particularly useful because it allows you to soak up the garlicky, buttery broth.
Tips for the Best Results
Brown the sausage
Although the sausage is already cooked in most cases, browning it first creates caramelized edges and adds considerably more flavor.
Don’t skip the chicken seasoning
The seasoning mixture forms the first layer of flavor. Make sure to coat both sides of the chicken generously.
Choose chicken thighs
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are particularly forgiving in a slow cooker. They tend to remain juicy and tender compared with leaner cuts.
Use low-sodium broth
Smoked sausage can be salty, so using low-sodium chicken broth gives you better control over the final seasoning.
Keep the sausage slices thick
Thin sausage slices can become softer during extended cooking. Thick rounds hold their shape and provide a more satisfying texture.
Add lemon at the end
The lemon juice is optional, but it can make a noticeable difference. Its acidity helps balance the richness of the butter and sausage.
Easy Variations
Add Potatoes
Add small baby potatoes or approximately 1-inch potato chunks at the beginning of cooking. They will absorb the savory broth as they become tender.
Add Mushrooms
Sliced mushrooms can add an earthy flavor and work especially well with garlic, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce.
Add Bell Peppers
Sliced bell peppers introduce sweetness, color, and additional vegetables.
Make It Spicy
Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a small amount of cayenne pepper for more heat.
Use Chicken Sausage
Fully cooked chicken sausage can be substituted for smoked sausage if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Use Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, although they are leaner and can dry out if overcooked. Monitor them carefully and cook only until they reach a safe internal temperature.
How to Thicken the Broth
If you prefer a thicker, gravy-like sauce, combine:
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
Stir until smooth, then add the mixture to the hot broth near the end of cooking.
Cook on HIGH until the broth thickens slightly.
For the smoothest result, make sure the cornstarch is completely dissolved in cold water before adding it to the hot liquid.
Can You Add More Garlic?
Absolutely. Garlic is one of the main flavors in this recipe. The original recipe uses 6 cloves, but you can increase this to 7–8 cloves if you enjoy a stronger garlic flavor.
Freshly minced garlic generally provides a more pronounced flavor than garlic powder, while the garlic powder in the chicken seasoning helps distribute garlic flavor evenly across the meat.
Storage and Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool appropriately before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate promptly and consume within approximately 3–4 days.
When reheating, gently warm the chicken and sausage with some of the broth. The additional broth helps prevent the chicken from becoming dry.
For meal preparation, divide the chicken, sausage, and broth into individual portions and refrigerate them for convenient lunches or dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of sausage should I use?
Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or fully cooked chicken sausage can all work well. Choose the variety you enjoy most.
Do I have to brown the chicken?
No. You can place the seasoned chicken directly into the slow cooker. However, browning develops additional caramelized flavors and gives the finished dish a more appealing appearance.
Do I have to brown the sausage?
It is not strictly necessary, but highly recommended. Browning gives the sausage golden edges and contributes additional savory flavor to the finished broth.
Is smoked sausage already cooked?
Most packaged smoked sausage is fully cooked, but always check the package label. In this recipe, browning primarily improves flavor and texture.
Can I add potatoes?
Yes. Add small baby potatoes or approximately 1-inch potato chunks at the beginning so they have sufficient time to become tender.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Mushrooms, bell peppers, green beans, broccoli, and spinach can all work. Vegetables that cook quickly are generally better added later so they do not become excessively soft.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts contain less fat and can become dry if overcooked. Keep an eye on the cooking time and use an internal thermometer to check for doneness.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Use the cornstarch slurry described above: combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir it into the hot broth, and cook on HIGH until thickened.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes. Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a spicy smoked sausage.
Why is low-sodium chicken broth recommended?
The sausage, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning already contribute salt. Starting with low-sodium broth gives you greater control over the final flavor.
Can I leave the chicken thighs whole?
Absolutely. Leaving them whole creates a more traditional dinner presentation. Alternatively, you can gently break them into large chunks for a rustic, spoonable dish.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the seasoning, chop the onion and garlic, slice the sausage, and mix the broth ingredients ahead of time. Store prepared components safely in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.
Nutrition Information
The approximate nutrition per serving is:
- Calories: 465
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Potassium: 610mg
These values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific chicken, sausage, broth, butter, portion size, and other ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Chicken & Smoked Sausage is a satisfying combination of tender chicken, smoky sausage, aromatic garlic, sweet onion, herbs, and a rich savory broth. The recipe is flexible enough to accommodate potatoes, mushrooms, peppers, or other vegetables, while the optional lemon juice provides a bright contrast to the richness of the dish.