If you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal that warms you from the inside out, the Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. This creamy, flavorful stew brings together tender chicken, comforting vegetables, and those irresistibly tender pierogi, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s an easy-to-make, satisfying dish that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and fills your heart with comfort. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this stew feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe uses simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create complex layers of flavor. Each element adds a touch of richness, texture, or freshness that makes the dish stand out.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Provides tender, juicy protein that forms the stew’s heart.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the base of the stew.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant, savory kick that lifts every bite.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Creates the flavorful, comforting liquid foundation.
- 1 ½ cups frozen pierogi (cheese, potato, or preferred filling): Brings delightful softness and cheesy comfort that’s pure magic in a stew.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Richens the stew with velvety smoothness and balance.
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: Adds heartiness and natural starch to thicken the broth.
- 1 cup carrots, sliced: Provides a slight sweetness and bright color contrast.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers earthy, herbal undertones essential for warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Brings freshness and subtle flavor complexity.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning that brings out the best in every ingredient.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sear the chicken, locking in flavor if you choose to brown it.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness on top.
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. Lightly 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 beautiful golden crust. This browning step may seem small, but it adds an explosive depth of flavor that will make your stew truly unforgettable. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step, but I promise it’s worth it!
Step 2: Layer Your Crockpot with Ingredients
Next, carefully layer your crockpot starting with the browned chicken, then add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, thyme, and parsley. Pour the chicken broth over everything, making sure the ingredients are mostly covered to cook evenly. This layering ensures every flavor melds together beautifully as it simmers.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become incredibly tender, and the vegetables will soak up all those delicious herbal notes. The slow, gentle heat builds a stew that’s rich and comforting, perfect for filling your home with warmth.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, it’s time to take it out and shred it. Using two forks, pull apart the chicken into tender, bite-sized shreds. Toss it back into the crockpot so the meat can mingle with the veggies and broth, soaking up all that tender goodness.
Step 5: Add Pierogi and Cream
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, gently stir in your frozen pierogi and heavy cream. This step is pure magic—the pierogi cook right in the stew, soaking up flavor while staying tender, and the cream gives the broth a luscious, silky finish that makes every spoonful heavenly.
Step 6: Season and Thicken
Give the stew a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. Want a heartier texture? Mash a few potatoes right in the pot to thicken the stew naturally. This little trick makes it feel even more like a soul-warming hug in a bowl.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Finally, ladle this beautiful stew into warm bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up every bit of that creamy, savory sauce. Get ready for compliments and requests for seconds!
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the perfect finishing touch, adding vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous pop. If you want to elevate it further, a dollop of sour cream or a dusting of smoked paprika adds richness and a little flair.
Side Dishes
This stew stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with crusty artisan bread or a warm baguette invites you to soak up every delicious drop. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette creates a refreshing balance that complements the stew’s richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stew in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out round loaves—creates an edible, rustic presentation that impresses guests. Or layer the stew with sautéed greens or mushrooms for added texture and color variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making your next meal just as delicious, if not better.
Freezing
This Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe freezes wonderfully. Place the cooled stew into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the stew’s original creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?
Yes, but it’s best to add frozen chicken directly to the crockpot and increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.
What kind of pierogi works best in this stew?
Cheese and potato pierogi are classic options that melt into the stew beautifully, but feel free to try your favorite filling for a creative spin.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken first?
Searing the chicken adds extra flavor by caramelizing the surface, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step without sacrificing too much taste.
Can I make this stew in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! You can use the sauté function to sear chicken, then pressure cook all ingredients for about 15 minutes, adding pierogi and cream afterward with the sauté function to finish cooking.
How do I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?
Mashing a few potatoes in the pot is a natural way to thicken the broth. Alternatively, a slurry of cornstarch and water added near the end will also work nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a stew that combines the warmth of slow-cooked chicken with the delightful comfort of pierogi, and this Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe does just that. It’s the kind of meal you’ll find yourself craving again and again, perfect for chilly evenings and those times when you need a little extra comfort food love. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
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 Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew is a hearty and comforting dish combining tender chicken, tender vegetables, and cheesy pierogi simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a cozy dinner, it boasts a blend of savory herbs and rich textures, all effortlessly cooked in your slow cooker.
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
Additional Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups frozen pierogi (cheese, potato, or preferred filling)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 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 adds extra 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 your crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the ingredients are mostly submerged.
- Cook the stew: Cover the crockpot 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 chicken from the crockpot once fully cooked and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the stew.
- Add the pierogi and cream: About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen pierogi directly into the crockpot along with the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and cook until the pierogi are heated through and tender, approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Final adjustments: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional herbs as desired. For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes in the pot to thicken the broth.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Seared chicken adds depth of flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- Use pierogi with your favorite filling—cheese, potato, or any preferred variety.
- Adjust heavy cream quantity to make the stew creamier or lighter.
- Mashing some potatoes in the stew helps thicken the broth naturally.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
