If you’re craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and those irresistible little pockets of dough known as pierogi, all simmered slowly to develop deep, cozy flavors. Whether you’re new to slow cooker meals or a seasoned pro, this dish brings together simple ingredients to create an unexpectedly rich and satisfying stew that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your new go-to comfort food!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this stew is as easy as it is essential. Each component plays its part in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe so memorable.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for leaner meat; either works beautifully in the stew.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth, creating a flavorful base for the stew.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a little kick.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The hearty liquid that brings all the ingredients together in a savory harmony.
- 1 ½ cups frozen pierogi: Use cheese, potato, or your favorite filling to bring that signature comforting dough texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess, making the stew velvety and rich.
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: For that perfect tender bite that also thickens the stew naturally.
- 1 cup carrots, sliced: Brings a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy, herbal note that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds freshness and subtle flavor to balance the richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that awaken all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, locking in flavor before slow cooking.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A bright finishing touch that makes each bowl look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper, then give them a quick sear—about 2 to 3 minutes per side—to develop a beautiful golden crust. This step really amps up the flavor in your stew, though if you’re in a rush, you can skip it and still end up with a tasty dish.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Next, add the seared chicken to the bottom of your crock pot. Layer on chopped onion, minced garlic, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and sprinkle over the thyme and parsley. Pour the chicken broth over everything, making sure most of the ingredients are covered. This layering allows all those flavors to mingle and develop slowly.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crock pot to low and let the magic happen over 6 to 7 hours, or crank it to high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. The goal here is tender chicken and softened vegetables, soaking up all those savory, herbal notes. The slow cook method really transforms simple ingredients into something incredible.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked and tender, carefully remove it from the crock pot. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the stew. This makes the texture just right and helps the chicken blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Step 5: Add Pierogi and Cream
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in your frozen pierogi and heavy cream. Let everything cook together until the pierogi are soft and heated through, typically around 20 to 30 minutes. The cream adds silky richness, while the pierogi bring their unique doughy comfort to the stew.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Thickening
Give the stew a taste and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. If you prefer a heartier, thicker stew, mash some of the cooked potatoes right in the crock pot to thicken the broth naturally. This step lends a cozy texture that makes every spoonful irresistible.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle your stew into warm bowls and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. Not only does this add a pop of color, but it also delivers a fresh, vibrant note to balance the creamy richness. Serve piping hot, perhaps with crusty bread for dipping, and prepare for delighted smiles all around.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t the only way to garnish your stew. A dollop of sour cream can add delightful tanginess and extra creaminess. For a little crunch, crispy fried onions or chives sprinkled on top bring an extra dimension of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
Though this stew is hearty on its own, pairing it with crusty rustic bread or soft dinner rolls can elevate the meal experience, providing the perfect vehicle for soaking up every last bit of that luscious broth. A simple green salad on the side also offers a refreshing contrast to the stew’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stew in individual bread bowls for an all-in-one comforting feast. You can also turn leftovers into a cozy pot pie, spooning the stew into ramekins topped with puff pastry or biscuit dough before baking until golden and bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This stew freezes wonderfully! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the heavy cream separately; instead, add fresh cream when reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it has thickened too much. Adding fresh heavy cream at this point keeps the creaminess bright and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pierogi instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade pierogi add a wonderful touch of freshness and can be customized with your favorite fillings. Just be mindful of cooking times, as fresh pierogi generally cook faster than frozen ones.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken before placing it in the crock pot?
While searing the chicken adds extra depth and caramelized flavor, it is not strictly necessary. If you’re short on time, skipping the sear will still yield a tasty stew thanks to the slow cooking process.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option, but the stew won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Coconut milk is an interesting dairy-free alternative, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
What type of potatoes work best in this stew?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal because they break down slightly during cooking, naturally thickening the stew while maintaining some tender chunks.
Can this stew be made in an instant pot or pressure cooker?
Yes! You can adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to sear the chicken, then pressure cooking on high for about 15 minutes followed by a quick release. Add the pierogi and cream at the end just as in the slow cooker method.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe is truly a gem for anyone who loves a meal that’s both hearty and heartwarming. It’s so simple to put together, yet so full of comforting flavors, making it perfect for busy days when you want deliciousness waiting for you at the end. I can’t recommend it enough—try it out and watch it become a beloved staple in your meal rotation!
Print
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 hearty Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew combines tender chicken, tender vegetables, and comforting pierogi in a creamy broth, slow-cooked to perfection for a satisfying and easy meal. Perfect for busy days, the stew requires minimal prep while delivering rich flavors and a cozy texture.
Ingredients
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Other Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups frozen pierogi (cheese, potato, or your preferred filling)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step enhances flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- Layer the crockpot: Place the seared chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, thyme, and parsley into the base of the crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth to mostly submerge the ingredients.
- 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 it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- 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 and season with additional salt, pepper, or herbs as desired. For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Searing the chicken adds depth of flavor but can be skipped to save time.
- You can use cheese or potato-filled pierogi depending on your preference.
- For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes in the crockpot before serving.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
