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Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken, comforting vegetables, and those irresistible frozen pierogi that soak up all the savory flavors while cooking slowly to perfection. This stew is the perfect weeknight dinner that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction, blending creamy broth and delicate herbs into a dish that everyone at the table will adore.

Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one brings its own special touch—whether it’s the tender chicken adding rich protein, the carrots and potatoes for heartiness, or the frozen pierogi lending that delightful chewy goodness that makes this stew so unique.

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for more juiciness or breasts for a leaner stew.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor as it slow-cooks.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides an aromatic punch that wakes up the whole dish.
  • 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful base that ties all the ingredients together.
  • 1 ½ cups frozen pierogi: Cheese, potato, or your favorite filling—these are the star comfort bites in the stew.
  • 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the broth a velvety richness that’s simply irresistible.
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: Adds hearty texture and subtle earthiness.
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced: Brings color, sweetness, and nutrition.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Lends a herby earthiness for balance.
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a fresh, green note without overpowering.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, boosting flavor and texture.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the finished dish visually and in flavor.

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. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, then sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned. This quick sear locks in moisture and adds a beautiful depth of flavor to the stew. If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step, but trust me, it’s worth the extra bit of time!

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Crock Pot

Place the seared chicken at the bottom of your crock pot. Layer in the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, dried thyme, and parsley. Pour the chicken broth over all ingredients, making sure everything is mostly submerged. This layering sets the stage for melding all those flavors slowly while cooking.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Stew

Cover your crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high if you’re short on time, for 3-4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and juicy, and the vegetables will soften just right. The slow cooking process allows every element to soak up the broth’s wonderful aroma.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking is complete, take the chicken out and shred it with two forks. Returning the shredded meat back into the stew ensures every bite is packed with tender protein. This step adds texture and lets the chicken mix seamlessly with the rich broth.

Step 5: Add Pierogi and Heavy Cream

About 30 minutes before you want to serve, stir in the frozen pierogi along with the heavy cream. Allow the stew to continue cooking gently so the pierogi soften and soak up the creamy, herby broth. This part transforms the dish into the wonderfully indulgent Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe we’re all craving.

Step 6: Final Seasoning Adjustments

Taste the stew and add extra salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. If you prefer a thicker consistency, gently mash some of the potatoes right in the pot. This little trick gives you a luscious, almost stew-like thickness without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the stew into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of vibrant color and freshness. Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread for dunking and soaking up all that delicious sauce!

How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe

Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is a must—it adds brightness and a clean herbaceous contrast to the creamy stew. You might also enjoy a small dollop of sour cream for added richness and tang.

Side Dishes

This stew is hearty enough on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve it with crusty bread or a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. The crisp, refreshing salad beautifully balances the stew’s creamy texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the stew in rustic bread bowls or cast-iron mini skillets. You could even sprinkle a bit of sharp shredded cheddar on top and broil it quickly to add a melty, golden topping that pairs perfectly with the pierogi.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. For the best texture, avoid freezing with the pierogi inside—add those freshly after thawing and reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent curdling the cream. Add the pierogi during reheating if they were removed before freezing, and stir occasionally until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pierogi instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh pierogi will cook faster, so add them halfway through the final 30-minute cooking time to prevent overcooking and breaking apart.

Is it better to use chicken breasts or thighs?

Both work well, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful after long slow cooking, while breasts give a leaner result. Choose according to your preference.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crock pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function to sear the chicken, then cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes before adding pierogi and cream for the last 10 minutes on warm or sauté mode until heated through.

What types of pierogi work best in this stew?

Cheese or potato-filled pierogi are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with mushroom, sauerkraut, or even meat fillings to customize the flavor.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream alternative and use dairy-free pierogi varieties to keep it creamy without dairy.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe is pure comfort food magic that’s easy to prepare but feels like a true labor of love. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing guests, or just craving something perfectly cozy, this stew delivers on every level. So gather your ingredients, start your crock pot, and get ready to enjoy a bowl full of warm, creamy happiness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew Recipe


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3.9 from 87 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This comforting Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and delicious frozen pierogi in a creamy broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an easy, flavorful meal perfect for cozy dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and 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
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Liquid and Pierogi

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups frozen pierogi (cheese, potato, or your preferred filling)
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

  1. 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 you can skip it if you’re short on time.
  2. Layer the crockpot: In the base of your crockpot, place the seared chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, thyme, and parsley. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the ingredients are mostly submerged.
  3. 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.
  4. Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the stew.
  5. 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 let it cook until the pierogi are heated through and tender, about 20-30 minutes.
  6. Final adjustments: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot to thicken the broth.
  7. Serve and garnish: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping!

Notes

  • Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds depth of flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
  • You can use any type of frozen pierogi – cheese or potato fillings work best.
  • If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some potatoes in the crockpot before serving.
  • Adjust the seasoning at the end to suit your taste preferences.
  • Serve the stew with crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Stew
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

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