Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew: 5-Star Delicious Dinner
I still remember the very first time I made this stew on a freezing cold winter evening. The wind was howling outside and I just wanted something that felt like a giant hug in a bowl. As it cooked the aroma started filling up every single corner of the house and it smelled incredible. By the time we sat down to eat those tender pieces of chicken and soft pierogies had everyone hooked. It quickly became a staple in our household because it is just so easy. If you are looking for the ultimate comfort food for your busy family this is definitely the one.
Why You Will Love This Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew
You are going to absolutely love how simple this recipe is to put together. It is a total dump and go meal which is a lifesaver when you have a million things to do. You just toss the ingredients in and let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting for you. The texture is so thick and creamy that it feels like a fancy restaurant meal but it is simple enough for the pickiest kids to enjoy. It really is the perfect balance of filling protein and cheesy potato goodness that appeals to both children and adults alike.
Essential Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew
To get started you will need to gather a few basic items from your pantry and freezer. Here is what you need to have on hand:
- 1.5 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 box of frozen potato and cheese pierogies
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 block of cream cheese cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
I always suggest using chicken broth as the liquid base because it keeps the whole dish feeling rich and full of flavor without needing extra salt.
Flavorful Substitutions
If you want to switch things up a bit you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts to keep the meat even more moist. I also love throwing in a bag of frozen peas and carrots toward the end if I want some extra color and veggies in the mix. If you are in the mood for a deeper and meatier flavor profile you can use beef broth instead of chicken broth. It gives the sauce a darker look and a really hearty taste that is perfect for those extra chilly nights.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew
First you want to lay your chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot in a single layer. Sprinkle your chopped onions and the garlic powder right over the top of the meat. Pour in all of your chicken broth so the chicken is mostly covered. Put the lid on and let it cook until the chicken is completely tender. Once the time is up take the chicken out and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Before you put the chicken back in stir the cream cheese into the hot broth until it melts into a silky sauce. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot along with the frozen pierogies and let everything finish together.
Timing and Temperature Settings
You have a couple of options for the clock depending on your schedule. You can cook the chicken on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours or on the low setting for 6 to 7 hours. A lot of people get confused about when to add the pierogies but this part is important. You should only add the frozen pierogies during the last 45 minutes of cooking. If you put them in too early they will get too soft and fall apart. Adding them at the end ensures they stay firm and delicious when you serve them.
Expert Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew
I have a little secret that makes a huge difference in the final taste. If you have an extra five minutes try browning your chopped onions in a pan with a tiny bit of oil before you add them to the crock pot. This adds a lot of depth and a sweet richness to the stew. Also make sure you are using a standard block of cream cheese rather than the spreadable kind from a tub. The blocks melt much better into the broth and give you that perfectly smooth and creamy consistency you are looking for.
Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew
This stew is very filling on its own but I usually like to pair it with something fresh. A side of steamed green beans or a simple garden salad with a light dressing works perfectly to balance out the richness. You also cannot go wrong with a warm piece of buttered bread. It is the best tool for dipping into the creamy sauce so you do not leave a single drop behind in your bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew
Is the chicken safe to eat? You should always make sure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before you shred it. This ensures it is fully cooked and safe for your family. If you happen to have any leftovers you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. Just give it a good stir when you reheat it to bring that creamy sauce back to life.
Estimated Nutrition for Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew
If you are keeping an eye on the numbers here is a general breakdown of what is in each serving. These values are based on standard ingredient sizes and typical portions:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
Keep in mind that these are just estimates but they give you a good idea of how balanced this meal is for a cozy dinner.
Print
Crock Pot Chicken Pierogi Stew: 5-Star Delicious Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This stew combines chicken and pierogies in a slow cooker. It provides a meal for your family. You spend 15 minutes on prep.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast
- 16 ounces frozen pierogies
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup frozen vegetables
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Place chicken in slow cooker.
- Mix broth and soup in a bowl.
- Pour liquid over the chicken.
- Add onion and garlic.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Remove chicken and shred it.
- Put chicken back in the slow cooker.
- Add pierogies and vegetables.
- Cook for 30 minutes.
- Serve.
Notes
- Keep pierogies frozen until you add them.
- Store leftovers in your refrigerator.
- Use low sodium broth if you prefer.
Nutrition
- Calories: 410
Keywords: chicken, pierogi, slow cooker, stew, dinner, easy meal
