Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew: Comforting, Hearty, and Easy

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a warm, hearty stew—especially one loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and soft, pillowy pierogies. The Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew is a one-pot meal that delivers all the flavors of a homemade, cozy dinner with minimal effort. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a creamy, flavorful stew that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a comforting weekend dinner.

Pierogies, often associated with Eastern European cuisine, add a unique twist to this stew. These little pockets of dough filled with potatoes, cheese, or other fillings soak up the savory broth while remaining soft and tender, making every bite satisfying. The combination of chicken, cream, vegetables, and herbs creates a rich, flavorful stew reminiscent of a homemade chicken pot pie—but with the convenience of the crock pot.

This stew is versatile and forgiving, allowing you to customize it based on your family’s preferences. Chicken breasts or thighs can be used, vegetables can be swapped or added, and the soup and cream create a creamy base that binds all ingredients together. The cornstarch slurry at the end ensures the broth is thickened to perfection without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Ingredients:

3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 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 (low or no sodium preferred)
2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup with herbs (low or no sodium preferred)
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

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This ensures the meat is flavorful and serves as the foundation of the stew.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot
Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and dried Italian seasoning. Pour in the chicken stock and cream of chicken soup, stirring gently to combine.

Step 3: Cook the Stew
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The chicken will cook until tender and the vegetables soft, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring gently to incorporate it evenly throughout the stew.

Step 5: Add Pierogies
Add the mini pierogies to the crock pot, stirring gently to submerge them in the liquid. Cover and cook for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the pierogies are tender.

Step 6: Thicken the Stew
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew along with the heavy cream. Continue cooking for 5–10 minutes, uncovered, until the broth thickens to a creamy, stew-like consistency.

Step 7: Serve
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley if desired. The combination of tender chicken, creamy broth, soft vegetables, and pillowy pierogies makes each spoonful a comforting delight.

Tips and Variations:

• Chicken Choice: Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for extra flavor and tenderness.
• Vegetable Variations: Add potatoes, peas, or green beans for added nutrition and variety.
• Pierogie Options: Cheese, potato, or spinach-filled mini pierogies all work well.
• Make Ahead: Assemble all ingredients in the crock pot the night before and refrigerate. Start cooking in the morning.
• Spice Boost: Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.

Conclusion:
The Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew is a warm, hearty, and comforting meal that combines tender chicken, vegetables, creamy broth, and soft pierogies into one satisfying dish. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for slow cooking, and versatile enough to adapt to your family’s tastes. This stew is ideal for busy weekdays, cozy weekends, or anytime you need a comforting, flavorful meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1: Can I use frozen pierogies?
Yes, add frozen pierogies directly to the crock pot, but you may need to increase cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.

Q2: Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and cook the stew ahead of time, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q4: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative instead of heavy cream, and ensure the soup is dairy-free.

Q5: Can I thicken the stew without cornstarch?
Yes, you can use arrowroot powder or flour as a thickening agent. Mix with a small amount of water before adding to the stew.

Q6: Can I add other proteins?
Yes, cooked sausage, turkey, or even seafood can be incorporated for variety. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Print

This Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful meal that delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite. It’s an easy, slow-cooked dish that’s perfect for busy families or anyone craving a wholesome, cozy dinner.