Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew is the ultimate hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for a cozy night in. Incredibly creamy and bursting with flavor, this stew features tender seasoned chicken and soft, delicious pierogies, making it an ideal dinner for any time of year, especially as the weather turns cooler.
Ultimate Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew: A Hearty & Flavorful Slow Cooker Recipe
Embrace the comfort of home-cooked goodness with this exceptionally easy Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew. This recipe began as a delightful kitchen experiment, born from a desire to utilize a few boxes of mini pierogies nearing their freezer prime. Instead of a simple fry-up, the crisp, cooler weather inspired a heartwarming stew, and the result was nothing short of spectacular!
What makes this slow cooker chicken pierogi stew truly special is its incredible simplicity. With only about 20 minutes of active prep time, you can set it and forget it, allowing your slow cooker to work its magic for 4-6 hours. As it simmers, your kitchen will fill with an inviting aroma, promising a delicious meal to come. This family-friendly recipe is guaranteed to be a hit, even with the most discerning palates among your loved ones – both young and old!
Imagine coming home to a savory, creamy stew, rich with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and plump pierogies. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug, making weeknights easier and more delicious. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew is a resounding success, earning its place in your regular meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Pierogi Stew
This Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew isn’t just another recipe; it’s a testament to the magic of slow cooking, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your culinary repertoire:
- **Effortless Preparation:** The beauty of a slow cooker recipe is its minimal hands-on time. After a quick 20-minute prep, your Crock Pot handles the rest, freeing you up for other activities.
- **Rich & Creamy Texture:** Thanks to a combination of chicken stock, cream of chicken soup, and heavy cream, this stew boasts an irresistible velvety texture that coats every ingredient beautifully.
- **Hearty & Filling:** Packed with protein from chicken, carbohydrates from pierogies, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this stew is incredibly satisfying and will keep you full and content.
- **Family-Friendly Flavor:** The flavors are classic and comforting, appealing to a wide range of tastes. Even picky eaters will enjoy the tender chicken and soft pierogies swimming in a delicious sauce.
- **Perfect for Meal Prep:** It makes a generous batch, meaning you’ll have delicious leftovers to enjoy for days or to freeze for future quick meals.
- **Versatile & Adaptable:** Easily customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or seasonings to suit your preferences and what you have on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Pierogi Stew
It’s quite common for stews to thicken as they cool. If you find your Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew has become too thick, especially after reheating leftovers, simply add a little more chicken stock or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir it in thoroughly over low heat until well combined and warmed through. It’s a very easy fix!
One of the best parts about this recipe is its sheer convenience! There’s absolutely no need to pre-cook the pierogies. They go into the slow cooker frozen and will cook to tender perfection right in the stew during the final 30 minutes of cooking. This saves you valuable time and effort, making the recipe even simpler.
Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. While “cream of chicken soup with herbs” adds a wonderful savory and aromatic base, feel free to use any “cream of something” soup you prefer or have on hand. Options like Cream of Mushroom soup, cream of onion, cream of potato, or even cream of bacon will work beautifully. Choose a flavor that you think will complement the chicken and pierogies well.
Leftover Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of stock or milk if needed to adjust consistency.
Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Pierogi Stew
Crafting this delicious Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew requires a few key ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips:
- Large Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These provide lean protein and absorb the stew’s flavors beautifully. You can easily substitute chicken thighs for an even juicier, richer flavor, especially if you prefer dark meat. Adjust cooking time slightly if using larger or bone-in pieces.
- Seasoning Blend (Black Pepper, Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder): This classic combination is what I use to perfectly season the chicken, creating a foundational layer of flavor. Feel free to customize this! Cajun or Creole seasoning can add a spicy kick, while lemon pepper seasoning offers a bright, zesty note. Experiment to find your favorite blend.
- Carrots, Celery, and Onion (Mirepoix): This aromatic trio forms the base of many delicious stews and soups, adding depth and natural sweetness. Many grocery stores, like Trader Joe’s, offer pre-diced mirepoix mixes, which are fantastic time-savers if you’re in a rush. While convenient, keep in mind you’ll pay a bit extra for this convenience. Dicing them yourself is also simple and rewarding.
- Chicken Stock: The liquid base of our stew. Opt for low or no sodium chicken stock if you are mindful of your sodium intake or have dietary restrictions. You can always add salt to taste later in the cooking process.
- Cream of Chicken Soup with Herbs: This ingredient contributes significantly to the stew’s creamy texture and savory flavor. As mentioned in our FAQs, you can use low or no sodium options if needed. For a more homemade touch and full control over ingredients, consider making your own Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup.
- Heavy Cream: This is crucial for achieving that wonderfully rich and luxurious consistency. While other creams might seem like an option, heavy cream provides the ideal fat content to create a truly decadent and satisfying stew. Do not substitute with lighter creams if you want the full richness.
- Garlic Cloves (Minced): Fresh garlic adds an incomparable aromatic depth to the stew. If fresh isn’t available, jarred minced garlic is a convenient alternative.
- Dried Italian Seasoning: A versatile blend of herbs that complements the other flavors beautifully. As with the chicken seasoning, feel free to use your favorite herb blend if Italian seasoning isn’t your preferred choice. Thyme, oregano, or a “poultry seasoning” blend would also work well.
- Cornstarch and Water (Slurry): This simple mixture is key to thickening the stew to that perfect, spoonable consistency. It’s added towards the end to ensure the stew isn’t watery.
- Mini Pierogies: The star of the show! Mini pierogies are highly recommended for this stew as their smaller size makes them easier to eat and integrate into each spoonful. You can use store-bought or homemade pierogies. While regular-sized pierogies can be used, they may require a slightly longer cooking time to become tender.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew
Making this hearty stew is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a comforting meal that practically cooks itself!
Prepare the Chicken Base: Begin by placing the 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly across the bottom of your 6-8 quart slow cooker. This ensures they cook thoroughly and soak up the flavors.
Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts with ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. This initial seasoning is crucial for building flavor from the ground up.
Add the Vegetables: Distribute 1 cup sliced carrots, 1 cup sliced celery, and 1 small diced onion over the seasoned chicken. These vegetables will soften and infuse the stew with their natural sweetness and aroma.
Whisk the Liquid Base: In a large separate bowl, whisk together the 4 cups chicken stock, 2 (10.5 ounce) cans of cream of chicken soup with herbs, ½ cup heavy cream, 3 minced garlic cloves, and ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning until well combined. This creamy mixture forms the luscious broth of your stew.
Pour and Cook (Initial Phase): Pour the whisked liquid mixture into the slow cooker, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. Cooking on low heat is crucial to prevent burning and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Avoid lifting the lid during this phase to maintain consistent heat.
Remove and Dice Chicken: During the final hour of cooking, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces or shred it using two forks, then set aside.
Prepare and Add Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly stream this slurry into the stew in the slow cooker while continuously stirring. This will help thicken the stew to a perfect consistency.
Thicken the Stew: Increase the slow cooker setting to high, cover, and cook for an additional 30 minutes, stirring gently about 15 minutes into this phase to ensure even thickening.
Add Pierogies: After the stew has thickened, add the 2 (12.84 ounce) boxes of mini pierogies. Stir them gently into the stew to ensure they are fully coated and submerged. Cover and continue to cook on high for another 15 minutes, allowing the pierogies to cook through and become tender.
Reintroduce Chicken and Final Cook: Stir the diced or shredded chicken back into the stew. Cook for an additional 15 minutes on high, or until the chicken is thoroughly warmed through and the pierogies are perfectly tender and cooked to your liking.
Serve and Enjoy: Your Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew is now ready! Ladle generous portions into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired for a touch of color – it’s purely for aesthetics and not essential for the incredible taste.
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations
This Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few thoughtful additions or customize it to your liking:
Serving Suggestions:
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy stew.
- Simple Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the stew.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, dill, or chives adds a pop of color and a subtle fresh flavor.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew for those who enjoy a little heat.
- Different Proteins: Instead of chicken, consider using shredded turkey, small pieces of kielbasa (added with the pierogies), or even cooked sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables during the last hour, such as peas, corn, or spinach, for added nutrition and color.
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra layer of cheesy indulgence.
- Herb Exploration: Beyond Italian seasoning, try adding dried thyme or rosemary for a different aromatic twist.
Craving More Comforting Slow Cooker Recipes?
If you loved this Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic slow cooker and hearty meal options:
- Crock Pot Beef Stew
- Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini Sausage Stew
- Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew
- Brunswick Stew
- Creamy Chicken Stew
- Crock Pot Chili
- Pierogi Casserole
- Crock Pot Pierogi and Kielbasa Casserole
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Stew
Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew
This simple and filling stew features tender seasoned chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft pierogies in a creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying broth. Perfect for a cozy meal any night of the week.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 4 reviews)
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (can use chicken thighs)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken stock (can use low or no sodium)
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup with herbs (can use low or no sodium)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 2 (12.84 ounce) boxes mini pierogies
Instructions
- Place 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of a 6-8 quart slow cooker.
- Season the chicken with ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Add 1 cup sliced carrots, 1 cup sliced celery, and 1 small onion, diced on top.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups chicken stock, 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup with herbs, ½ cup heavy cream, 3 garlic cloves, minced, and ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Pour into the slow cooker.
- Cover and place on low heat for 4-6 hours. I suggest low heat so it doesn’t burn.
- During the last hour of cooking, take out the chicken. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 Tablespoons cornstarch and 2 Tablespoons water and slowly stream it into the slow cooker while stirring constantly.
- Cover and place on high and cook for 30 minutes, stirring 15 minutes in.
- Add 2 (12.84 ounce) boxes mini pierogies and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes.
- Stir in the diced chicken, cook for an additional 15 minutes until the chicken is warmed and the pierogies are cooked.
- Serve immediately. Note: I topped with a little dried parsley here but it is just for looks and not necessary for taste.
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Sodium: 696mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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