Crockpot Chicken Pierogi Stew is the cozy hug you need on a chilly day. Imagine tender chicken mingling with creamy potatoes, a sprinkle of cheese, and the aroma of herbs wafting through your kitchen. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for family gatherings or those lazy weekends when all you want to do is snuggle up with a bowl of comfort. creamy potato chowder Mexican chicken chili.
Now, let me tell you how this recipe came to be a family favorite. One rainy Sunday afternoon, I decided to throw together whatever I had in my fridge. The result was so good that my husband declared it “the best thing since sliced bread,” and trust me, he doesn’t say that lightly! Since then, Crockpot Chicken Pierogi Stew has been our go-to for everything from snowy days to impromptu family dinners. chicken and rice soup hearty cheeseburger soup
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This hearty stew combines simplicity and flavor, making meal prep a breeze. Packed with creamy potatoes and tender chicken, it’s visually appealing too. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in! [/info_box]
My friends still rave about that first bowl I served at our game night; they kept asking for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; you can adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
Frozen Pierogi: Choose your favorite flavors—potato and cheese are classics that blend beautifully in the stew.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness; it enhances flavor without overwhelming.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent for the best flavor infusion.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a kick; use about 3-4 cloves for that aromatic touch.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess to the stew; cut it into chunks so it melts easily during cooking.
Herbs (Thyme & Parsley): Fresh thyme enhances the savory notes; add chopped parsley right before serving for freshness.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste at the end; it elevates all those wonderful flavors we’ve built up!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by chopping your onion and mincing the garlic. This step sets up a flavorful base for your stew.
Add Chicken and Broth: Place your chicken breasts in the crockpot. Pour in enough chicken broth to cover them completely—about 4 cups should do.
Toss in Pierogi: Add frozen pierogi directly into the pot. No need to thaw them first; they’ll cook perfectly while absorbing all those delicious flavors.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions until they become translucent, then add garlic until fragrant—about 1 minute.
Melt Cream Cheese: Add chunks of cream cheese into the crockpot. It will melt as everything cooks together, creating a rich texture.
Season It Up: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Stir gently to combine all ingredients and ensure even distribution of flavors.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through and pierogi are tender. When finished, shred chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks—this makes it so easy!
Now you’ve made Crockpot Chicken Pierogi Stew! Serve it hot with some crusty bread or a simple side salad for an amazing meal that’s bound to impress everyone around your dinner table. Enjoy every creamy bite! For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This delightful Crockpot Chicken Pierogi Stew combines comfort food with ease. The rich, savory aroma fills your kitchen, making it feel like a warm hug on a cold day. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a dish that warms both the stomach and soul. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by browning the chicken in a skillet. Then layer it with pierogies and vegetables in your crockpot before adding broth.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this stew by using different vegetables or throwing in some spices like smoked paprika for an extra kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on low heat to keep flavors fresh.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For perfect texture, don’t overcook the pierogies; they should be tender but hold their shape beautifully. A splash of cream at the end elevates the richness. Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving to ensure maximum flavor. [/info_box]
It was one chilly Sunday afternoon when I first whipped up this stew. My family gathered around, and their delighted faces made me realize I had struck culinary gold!
FAQ
Can I use frozen pierogies for this recipe?
Yes, frozen pierogies work perfectly and save you time on prep.
How long does it take to cook the stew?
Cooking in the crockpot takes about 6-8 hours on low heat.
What can I serve alongside this stew?
Crusty bread or a light salad pair wonderfully with Crockpot Chicken Pierogi Stew.
Crockpot Chicken Pierogi Stew
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Crockpot Chicken Pierogi Stew is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. This hearty dish features tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and flavorful pierogi simmered together with aromatic herbs. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this stew warms both your body and soul. With minimal prep time and a hands-off cooking process, you’ll be savoring every delicious bite in no time.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 16 oz frozen potato and cheese pierogi
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, cut into chunks
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop onion and mince garlic; set aside.
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot. Pour in chicken broth to cover.
- Add frozen pierogi directly to the pot.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions until translucent; add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add sautéed onion and garlic to the crockpot, followed by chunks of cream cheese.
- Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper; stir gently to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred chicken in the pot with two forks before serving; garnish with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
