# Slow Cooker Chicken & Sausage Stew

> A hearty stew combining chicken, sausage, black beans, and vegetables. Perfect for meal prep and freezer cooking.

**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 6-10 hours (slow cooker)
**Servings:** 4
**Storage:** Refrigerates 4 days; freezes 6 months

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## Ingredients

- 1 chicken breast
- 2 1/2 sausage links, sliced
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 pepper, chopped
- 2 cups broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Pepper, to taste

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## Shopping List

### 🥩 Meat & Poultry
- [ ] 1 chicken breast
- [ ] 2 1/2 sausage links

### 🥬 Produce
- [ ] 1/2 onion
- [ ] 1 bell pepper

### 🥫 Canned Goods
- [ ] 1 (15 oz) can black beans
- [ ] 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- [ ] 2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)

### 🧂 Spices
- [ ] Garlic powder (need 1 tsp)
- [ ] Black pepper

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## Assembly Instructions

Add all ingredients to the slow cooker pack in the order they were listed. Remove as much air as you can or vacuum seal the pack. Freeze up to 6 months in a refrigerator freezer, or 12 months in a deep freezer.

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## Cooking Instructions

Thaw the slow cooker pack in the refrigerator overnight, or in a bowl of warm water for about 30 minutes. If the pack is partially thawed, cook on low for 8-10 hours. If the pack is completely thawed, you can cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours.

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## Side Dish Suggestion

I would serve this with a chunk of warm French bread or brown rice.

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## Serving Ideas

- Over rice or quinoa
- With crusty bread for dipping
- Topped with shredded cheese and sour cream
- Alongside a fresh green salad
- With cornbread

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## Notes

- This is a freezer meal designed for slow cooker
- Adjust sausage type based on preference (Italian, andouille, kielbasa)
- Can add additional vegetables like celery or carrots
- Shred chicken after cooking for better texture
- From 5 Dollar Dinners meal planning service