If you’re craving comfort food that’s cozy, hearty, and packed with delightful flavors, you’ve just found your next obsession with this Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe. Imagine tender chicken, velvety cream, and pillowy pierogi all mingling in a rich broth bursting with herbs and veggies. It’s a one-pot wonder that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and a guaranteed family favorite that anyone can make with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a stew that’s comforting, flavorful, and texturally satisfying—from the tender chicken and hearty potatoes to creamy pierogi and fragrant herbs.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for more moistness or breasts for leaner meat, both will cook beautifully in the stew.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth once softened during cooking.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth that elevates the entire stew.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful base that ties all ingredients together with a rich, savory essence.
- 1 ½ cups frozen pierogi: Cheese, potato, or your favorite filling pierogi add a unique twist and delightful chewiness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Infuses the stew with luxurious creaminess, balancing the savory flavors.
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: Provide comforting heartiness and help thicken the stew naturally.
- 1 cup carrots, sliced: Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers earthy, fragrant notes that elevate the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Brightens the dish with subtle freshness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing all flavors into perfect harmony.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing the chicken to lock in flavor and texture.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds an inviting pop of green and fresh aroma to finish the stew.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the chicken by searing
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden crust. This key step deepens the flavor, giving the stew a wonderfully rich base, but feel free to skip it if you’re pressed for time—your stew will still taste amazing.
Step 2: Layer the ingredients in the crockpot
In the bottom of your crockpot, arrange the seared chicken, chopped onion, garlic, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, thyme, and dried parsley. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure everything is mostly submerged. This layering is perfect for steady, slow cooking that infuses every bite with robust, comforting flavors.
Step 3: Cook the stew low and slow
Cover and cook your stew on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender, and the vegetables will soak up all the savory goodness. This slow cooking process is the magic behind the stew’s melt-in-your-mouth texture and balanced flavors.
Step 4: Shred the chicken
Once the chicken is tender and fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Returning the shredded chicken to the stew adds even more depth and ensures every spoonful is packed with savory protein.
Step 5: Add pierogi and heavy cream
About 30 minutes before serving, gently stir in the frozen pierogi and heavy cream. The pierogi will cook right in the stew, becoming tender and soaking up the creamy broth, while the cream gives the dish that extra indulgent touch everyone will love.
Step 6: Final seasoning and thickening
Give the stew a taste and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as you prefer. If you want a thicker broth, try mashing some of the potatoes in the pot—it’s an easy trick to make the stew even more comforting without extra effort.
Step 7: Serve and garnish
Ladle your Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. The bright green garnish is the perfect finishing touch, adding freshness and a pop of color that makes each bowl even more inviting.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a simple but beautiful garnish that elevates the stew with an added layer of freshness and vibrant color. For a little extra kick, a spoonful of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar can complement the creamy broth beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty stew stands out on its own, but serving it alongside crusty bread or soft dinner rolls is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of that luscious broth. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can also add a welcome contrast to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the stew in mini cast-iron skillets or rustic bowls, placing a small mound of pierogi on top to showcase them. You can also sprinkle a bit of crispy bacon or toasted breadcrumbs for crunch and extra flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve all those rich flavors and creamy textures.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the stew in portions in freezer-safe containers. While the pierogi may soften a bit after freezing, reheating the stew gently will help retain its comforting qualities. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat your stew slowly on the stove over low heat to prevent curdling of the cream and to maintain the delicate texture of pierogi. Stir occasionally until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or cream if the stew feels too thick.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pierogi instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh pierogi will cook even faster, so add them closer to the serving time and keep an eye on their texture to avoid overcooking. They’ll add that same wonderful softness and flavor enhancement.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken first?
Searing the chicken enhances flavor by creating a slight caramelized crust, but it’s not essential. If you’re short on time, you can place the chicken directly into the crockpot and the stew will still turn out delicious.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter stew, though it won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream or cashew cream can work well and add an interesting twist.
What type of chicken is best for this stew?
Both chicken breasts and thighs work great. Thighs are more forgiving and remain juicier during slow cooking, while breasts give a leaner result. Choose based on your preference or what’s available.
How do I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?
Besides mashing some potatoes in the stew, you can stir in a slurry made from cornstarch and water or cook it uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate, naturally thickening the broth.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy in every bite. It’s perfect for busy days when you want effortless cooking but crave a meal that feels homemade and nourishing. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes one of your favorite cozy weeknight dinners.
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Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and cheesy pierogi in a creamy broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an easy and flavorful meal perfect for busy days or cozy nights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Final Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups frozen pierogi (cheese, potato, or your preferred filling)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned to add extra flavor. This step is optional if you’re short on time.
- Layer the crockpot: Place the seared chicken in the base of your crockpot. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the ingredients are mostly submerged.
- Cook the stew: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the stew.
- Add the pierogi and cream: About 30 minutes before serving, add frozen pierogi and heavy cream to the crockpot. Stir gently and cook until the pierogi are heated through and tender, approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Final adjustments: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. For a thicker stew, mash some potatoes directly in the pot to thicken the broth.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before placing it in the crockpot enhances flavor but can be skipped to save time.
- Use any variety of frozen pierogi according to your preference: cheese, potato, or mixed fillings.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes inside the crockpot after cooking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative.
