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
Scale
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.
