If you’re craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then you absolutely must try this Chicken & Pierogi Stew (Slow Cooker Recipe) Recipe. It’s a hearty, soul-soothing stew that combines tender chicken, savory cream sauce, and those delightfully pillowy cheese pierogi that soak up all the flavors beautifully. Slow-cooked to perfection, every spoonful delivers a rich blend of herbs, creamy texture, and just the right amount of veggies to keep things fresh and delicious. This stew brings together familiar flavors in an exciting and irresistible way, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken & Pierogi Stew (Slow Cooker Recipe) Recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create a dish full of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the tender chicken to the creamy broth and the herb blend that adds just the right aromatic punch.
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides the hearty protein base for the stew and becomes incredibly tender with slow cooking.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a hint of brightness and mild heat to the dish.
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder: Delivers a subtle but warming garlic flavor without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory undertones in the broth and chicken.
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley: Brings a touch of fresh herbal aroma to the stew.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Offers earthiness and complexity that complements chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Adds subtle Mediterranean earthiness and depth.
- 1 cup diced carrots: Injects natural sweetness and a slight crunch for texture contrast.
- 1 cup thinly sliced celery: Adds freshness and slight bitterness to balance richness.
- 1 small yellow onion, peeled & diced: Builds the stew’s aromatic foundation with mellow sweetness.
- 6 cups chicken broth (or stock): Creates the flavorful, comforting liquid base for the stew.
- 2 10.5 oz cans condensed cream of chicken soup: Brings creamy richness and depth to the stew’s broth.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Infuses the stew with smooth, velvety texture and richness.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water: Mixed into a slurry to thicken the stew to the perfect consistency.
- 2 12.84 oz boxes frozen cheese pierogi: The star ingredient that adds heartiness and that irresistible soft, cheesy bite.
How to Make Chicken & Pierogi Stew (Slow Cooker Recipe) Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Seasonings
Start by placing your trimmed chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, sprinkle all your seasonings evenly over the top—black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and the trio of dried herbs. This step ensures that every bite of chicken is infused with aromatic flavor even before adding the veggies.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Next, scatter the diced carrots, sliced celery, and diced yellow onion over the chicken. This layering allows the veggies to gently steam and release their sweetness and crunchiness, blending perfectly into the stew.
Step 3: Mix and Pour the Creamy Broth
In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of chicken broth, the condensed cream of chicken soup, and the heavy cream until smooth. Pour this luscious mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker, which starts the magic of melding all flavors during cooking.
Step 4: Slow Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW for 4 to 6 hours. Cooking low is essential here because it tenderizes the chicken beautifully while preventing the cream mixture from burning or sticking. This patient step builds the stew’s deep, rich base.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
About an hour before the stew is done, carefully remove the chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks, then toss the shredded meat back into the slow cooker. This helps distribute the chicken evenly throughout the stew for maximum flavor in each spoonful.
Step 6: Thicken the Stew with Cornstarch Slurry
Whisk together the cornstarch and water separately until smooth, then stir this slurry into the slow cooker. Continue cooking to give the stew just the right amount of thickness, making it perfectly cozy and satisfying.
Step 7: Cook the Pierogi
Thirty minutes before the stew is finished, add the frozen cheese pierogi directly into the pot. Cover the slow cooker again, crank the heat to HIGH, and cook for 15 minutes. Stir, then cook an additional 15 minutes on HIGH to let the pierogi soften and soak in all those delicious savory flavors.
Step 8: Adjust Consistency and Serve
If your stew seems too thick, stir in the remaining 2 cups of broth to thin it out to your liking. Now, your Chicken & Pierogi Stew (Slow Cooker Recipe) Recipe is ready to be ladled warmly into bowls and enjoyed!
How to Serve Chicken & Pierogi Stew (Slow Cooker Recipe) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream can add a fresh, tangy contrast that brightens the creamy stew. If you want a little kick, a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce can also elevate the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This hearty stew can stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or crusty bread makes for a truly satisfying meal. Garlic bread or simple dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stew in bread bowls, hollowed-out rustic loaves that make your meal feel extra special and festive. You can also top individual servings with shredded cheese and broil briefly for a bubbly, golden crust on top that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Chicken & Pierogi Stew (Slow Cooker Recipe) Recipe leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 to 4 days while maintaining its flavor and texture.
Freezing
This stew freezes well, making it a great recipe to batch cook. Transfer cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the pierogi separately so they maintain their texture when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Microwaving works too, but take care to heat evenly for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more moisture and richness to the stew. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may cook a bit faster or slower depending on their size.
Do I have to use frozen pierogi, or can I make my own?
Using frozen cheese pierogi is super convenient and delicious, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade pierogi will add a wonderful homemade touch. Just add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking as you would with frozen ones.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes! Since it’s a slow cooker recipe, you can prep the ingredients in the morning, turn the slow cooker on, and come home to a ready-to-eat, comforting meal with minimal evening effort.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the heavy cream and condensed cream of chicken soup for dairy-free alternatives. Coconut milk or a creamy nut milk and a dairy-free cream soup will work, but the flavor will shift slightly. Adding extra herbs can help maintain richness.
How thick should the stew be?
The stew should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not so thick that it feels like a casserole. Adjust the thickness by adding extra broth if needed or incorporating more cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken & Pierogi Stew (Slow Cooker Recipe) Recipe is a delightful bowl of comfort food that’s simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful. Whether you’re sharing it on a chilly evening or making it for a crowd, it’s one of those dishes that brings warmth, joy, and a happy belly. Give it a try soon—you’ll be coming back for seconds in no time!
Print
Chicken & Pierogi Stew (Slow Cooker Recipe) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Soup/Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken & Pierogi Stew is a hearty slow cooker recipe combining tender shredded chicken, flavorful vegetables, and cheesy pierogi in a creamy broth. Perfect for an easy, satisfying meal with minimal prep and slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (trimmed of fat)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced celery
- 1 small yellow onion (peeled & diced)
Liquids and Dairy
- 6 cups chicken broth (can substitute stock)
- 2 10.5 oz cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Thickener
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
Additional
- 2 12.84 oz boxes frozen cheese pierogi
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Place trimmed chicken breasts into the slow cooker bowl and sprinkle all the seasonings (black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, thyme, oregano) evenly over the chicken. Spread diced carrots, sliced celery, and diced onion evenly over the top.
- Mix Liquids and Pour: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of chicken broth, condensed cream of chicken soup, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and pour evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. Cooking on low heat prevents the cream mixture from burning or sticking at the bottom, ensuring even cooking.
- Shred Chicken: One hour before the end of cooking time, remove the chicken breasts onto a cutting board, shred them thoroughly with forks, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring to combine.
- Add Thickener: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Gradually whisk this slurry into the slow cooker contents and stir well. Continue cooking to allow the stew to thicken.
- Cook Pierogi: Thirty minutes before the stew finishes cooking, add the frozen cheese pierogi to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes. After stirring well, continue cooking for another 15 minutes to ensure pierogi are fully cooked and tender.
- Adjust Consistency: If the stew is too thick, add the remaining 2 cups of chicken broth to thin it to your desired consistency and stir gently.
- Serve: Ladle the warm stew into bowls and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- Cooking on LOW heat is crucial to prevent burning and sticking, as high heat can cause the creamy base to burn.
- Shredding the chicken before the final hour allows it to absorb more flavor and create a better texture.
- Adding pierogi towards the end prevents them from overcooking and becoming mushy.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, reduce the additional broth or omit it entirely.
- Feel free to substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version for a fresher taste.
