homemade cream of chicken condensed soup

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon paste*
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• salt & pepper to taste

plus:

• 32 ounces hash browns 1 bag defrosted
• 14 ounces smoked sausage diced
• 1 small onion diced
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese grated

INSTRUCTIONS

• For the homemade condensed cream of chicken soup, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk. Cook 1 minute. Stir in water and whisk to remove any lumps. Simmer until thick, then stir in milk and chicken bouillon paste plus the seasonings. The sauce should thicken slightly at this point. Taste and adjust seasonings. Set aside.
• Place the hashbrowns, smoked sausage, onion, and cheese together in a lightly greased crockpot. Pour over condensed soup and stir. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or until potatoes are soft and sausages are hot. Serve.