Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew

If you’re a fan of comfort food with a twist, Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew is your new best friend! Imagine the rich, hearty flavors of traditional pierogi stuffed with creamy potatoes and cheese, but all in one bowl, cooked effortlessly in your Crock Pot. This dish is perfect for cozy nights when you crave something warm, satisfying, and full of flavor, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll be hooked!

The magic of this stew lies in how the Crock Pot works its wonders, melding all the ingredients together while you go about your day. You’ll have a rich, creamy, and savory stew waiting for you at dinner time, with minimal prep and hands-off cooking. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew

• Comforting and Hearty: It has all the goodness of pierogi in a convenient stew form. The creamy, cheesy potato filling pairs perfectly with tender chicken and savory broth.
• Minimal Effort: Pop everything into the Crock Pot, set it, and forget it! Perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without all the fuss.
• Great for Leftovers: This stew is even better the next day, and it freezes beautifully for future meals.
• Kid-Friendly: This dish is a crowd-pleaser, and kids love the creamy, cheesy flavor—no complaints at the dinner table!

Ingredients in Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew

You’ll be amazed at how simple this recipe is. With just a few ingredients, you can create something truly special:

For the Stew:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this dish. You’ll shred them later for that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Frozen Pierogies: These are the star of the show! Go for classic potato and cheese-filled pierogies for that authentic flavor. You don’t need to cook them before adding them to the slow cooker—just toss them in frozen!
• Chicken Broth: The base of your stew—this will add depth and flavor as it simmers in the Crock Pot.
• Onion: Chopped onion gives the stew a savory, aromatic base.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a fragrant depth that enhances the overall flavor of the stew.
• Carrots: Chopped carrots bring a touch of sweetness and color to balance out the richness of the stew.
• Celery: Celery adds a nice crunch and freshness, complementing the other veggies.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and dried thyme round out the flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: For that luxurious, creamy texture you’ll want in every bite.
• Frozen Corn: Optional, but adds a little sweetness and color to the stew.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by chopping the onion, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic. You don’t need to do too much—just enough to get everything into manageable pieces.

Step 2: Layer the Crock Pot

In your Crock Pot, add the chicken breasts. Pour in the chicken broth until the chicken is mostly covered. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sprinkle in your salt, pepper, and dried thyme to season the stew.

Step 3: Add the Pierogies

Take your frozen pierogies and drop them in on top of the chicken and vegetables. Don’t worry about thawing them first—they’ll cook beautifully right alongside the other ingredients.

Step 4: Set and Forget

Cover the Crock Pot and set it on low for about 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will cook through and be easily shreddable, and the pierogies will soak up all the delicious flavors as they cook.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken breasts right in the Crock Pot. It will fall apart easily and blend into the stew.

Step 6: Add the Cream and Corn

Stir in the heavy cream and frozen corn (if using). The cream will make the stew velvety smooth and comforting. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes to heat through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is heated through and well combined, ladle the stew into bowls. Serve it hot, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors in every spoonful.

How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but here are a few ideas for sides that pair wonderfully with it:

With Crusty Bread:

Serve this stew with some crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up every bit of the delicious broth.

With a Simple Salad:

Pair it with a green salad or a simple caesar salad for a fresh contrast to the creamy stew.

With Extra Toppings:

Top your stew with a little shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh parsley for added flavor and garnish.

Additional Tips

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the Crock Pot. However, if you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to cook the stew on high for at least 4 hours to ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly.

Can I use homemade pierogies?

Absolutely! If you have homemade pierogies on hand, feel free to use them. Just make sure they’re pre-cooked or cook them according to the recipe before adding them to the Crock Pot.

Can I use other types of pierogies?

You can certainly use other varieties of frozen pierogies, like those filled with mushrooms or spinach. Just keep in mind that this will alter the flavor of the stew a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This stew reheats beautifully, and the flavors often taste even better the next day.

Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to eat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 bowl (based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 400
• Total Fat: 20g (31% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 9g (45% DV)
• Cholesterol: 65mg (22% DV)
• Sodium: 900mg (38% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g (12% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (16% DV)
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 22g
• Vitamin A: 90% DV
• Vitamin C: 15% DV
• Calcium: 10% DV
• Iron: 8% DV

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-7 hours (depending on Crock Pot setting)
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes – 7 hours 10 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables in this stew?

A1: Yes, frozen vegetables work great in this recipe! You can use a bag of frozen mixed veggies or just add extra frozen corn if you prefer.

Q2: Can I make this recipe without chicken?

A2: Absolutely! You can skip the chicken and make it a vegetarian stew. Add extra pierogies and veggies to compensate for the protein.

Q3: Can I make this stew on the stovetop instead of in the Crock Pot?

A3: Yes! You can make this recipe on the stovetop. Just cook the chicken in a pot, shred it, and add the rest of the ingredients. Simmer until everything is tender and heated through.

Q4: Can I use a different type of cream instead of heavy cream?

A4: You can use half-and-half, milk, or a non-dairy cream if you’d like a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the stew may be a bit less rich.

Q5: Can I add more pierogies?

A5: Yes! If you love pierogies, feel free to add more. The stew will still cook up beautifully, and the pierogies will soak up even more flavor.

Q6: How do I prevent the stew from being too salty?

A6: If you’re concerned about the saltiness, use a low-sodium chicken broth and taste the stew before adding any additional salt.

Q7: Can I use bone-in chicken breasts instead of boneless?

A7: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, but they may require a bit more time to cook. Make sure to remove the bones after cooking.

Q8: Can I add other seasonings to the stew?

A8: Feel free to experiment with seasonings! You can add paprika, rosemary, or even a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Q9: How do I reheat leftovers?

A9: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back the creamy consistency.

Q10: Can I make this stew ahead of time?

A10: Yes! You can prep everything ahead of time and refrigerate it in the Crock Pot insert. Just set it up in the morning and cook it later in the day.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew is the ultimate cozy meal. With minimal prep and a slow-cooking process that makes the flavors even better, it’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights or weekends when you want something comforting. With creamy pierogies, tender chicken, and a flavorful broth, this stew is sure to become a family favorite. So go ahead—throw everything in your Crock Pot and enjoy a delicious, no-fuss meal!

Print