Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe
If you re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that basically cooks itself, you re going to love this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe. It s the kind of stew that wraps you up like a warm blanket on a chilly evening-packed with tender chicken, smoky sausage, and soft potatoes swimming in a rich, creamy broth. I ve made it countless times when life s been busy, and honestly, knowing it s waiting for me at the end of the day makes all the difference.
What makes this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe truly special is how the ingredients meld together slowly, letting each flavor shine without any fuss. Plus, it s versatile and forgiving, so whether you re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry crowd, it s always a slam dunk. I m excited to share my personal tips and tricks so you can nail this cozy stew the first time-and every time after!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Toss everything in the crockpot, set it, and forget it until dinnertime.
- Rich & Creamy Texture: The heavy cream and Parmesan create a velvety stew that s like a hug in a bowl.
- Balanced Flavors: Smoky sausage, tender chicken, and savory herbs all harmonize beautifully.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew stores and reheats wonderfully, making leftovers just as delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients elevates the Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe to a whole new level. Fresh veggies, quality sausage, and good chicken broth all work together to build deep, comforting flavors with minimal effort.
- Yellow Potatoes: These hold their shape well but become tender after slow cooking-perfect for stew.
- Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh savoriness to balance the creaminess.
- Carrots: Sweetness from carrots complements the smoky sausage and seasoning.
- Yellow Onion: Provides foundational flavor and aroma that makes the stew inviting.
- Garlic Cloves: Don t skimp here-the garlic adds just the right punch.
- Unsalted Butter: Melting this over the veggies helps develop a richer base flavor.
- Smoked Sausage: Look for flavorful smoked sausage for that savory depth.
- Cooking Oil: Needed for browning the meats to build more flavor.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Either works; thighs stay juicier, but breasts are leaner.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: The liquid foundation of your stew-low sodium lets you control seasoning better.
- Corn Starch: Key to thickening the stew to creamy perfection without adding heaviness.
- Heavy Cream: Gives the stew its indulgent, silky texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory, nutty depth to the creamy base-freshly grated is best.
- Lawry’s Seasoning Salt: An easy way to layer well-balanced seasoning.
- Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse Rub: A personal favorite seasoning that adds complexity-substitute with your favorite steak rub.
- Garlic Powder: Supports fresh garlic and enhances overall aroma.
- Black Pepper: Fresh cracked whenever possible for best flavor.
- Herbs de Provence: A blend of herbs that give the stew a subtle aromatic flair.
- Dried Parsley: For garnish to freshen up the look and taste at the end.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken before browning.
Variations
One of the great things about the Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to your tastes or what s in the fridge. I love experimenting with different sausages and veggies depending on the season.
- Swap the Sausage: I ve tried spicy chorizo instead of smoked sausage for a fiery twist-it s a total crowd-pleaser!
- Go Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative for a creamy result without the dairy.
- Make it Veggie-Friendly: Omit the meat and add hearty mushrooms and extra potatoes for a satisfying vegetarian version.
- Use Sweet Potatoes: For a slightly sweeter flavor and more color, sweet potatoes work beautifully instead of yellow potatoes.
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prep the veggies and season
Start by roughly chopping your yellow potatoes and dicing the celery, carrots, and onion-no need to be perfect here because everything will soften nicely. Mince your garlic cloves and add them right into your slow cooker along with the other veggies. Drizzle melted unsalted butter over everything and then sprinkle in your Lawry’s seasoning salt, Kinder’s Butter Steakhouse rub, garlic powder, black pepper, and herbs de Provence. Give it a good stir so all those wonderful spices coat the veggies evenly-that’s where the flavor party begins!
Step 2: Brown the sausage and chicken
Heat about a teaspoon of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the sliced smoked sausage just until it s golden around the edges-this step brings out that smoky, robust flavor. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside. Next, season your chicken with salt and pepper, then brown it in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side. This quick sear locks in juices and builds flavor that a plain slow cook can t replicate.
Step 3: Layer ingredients and cook low and slow
Stir the browned sausage into your slow cooker veggies, then nestle the browned chicken pieces on top. Pour 5 cups of low sodium chicken broth over everything-this will be the stew s silky sauce base. Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on high for 4-6 hours, or on low for 6-8 hours if you want to start it earlier in the day. I usually opt for low and slow for the best melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Shred chicken and thicken the stew
Once your crockpot cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken pieces and shred them with two forks or chop into bite-sized chunks. Now, using a potato masher, mash up a few of the potatoes and veggies right in the crockpot-that s the secret to achieving that luscious, thick stew texture without adding heavy creams or flour just yet.
Step 5: Finish with cream and cheese
Make a slurry by whisking 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the stew, then pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir vigorously until the cheese melts fully and the stew thickens into a creamy, irresistible consistency. Finally, add the shredded chicken back into the pot and let the stew sit on a warm setting for 10-15 minutes so all the flavors marry perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe
- Brown Meats First: Taking the time to sear the sausage and chicken enhances flavor dramatically-don t skip this step, even if you re in a rush.
- Don t Overcook the Chicken: Remove the chicken once it s tender; it will cook more when returned to the stew. This keeps it juicy and prevents it from becoming stringy.
- Mash Some Potatoes Directly: Mashing a few potatoes creates natural thickness without needing extra thickening agents.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and adds more flavor compared to pre-grated cheese – trust me, it s worth the extra effort.
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe
Garnishes
I almost always finish this stew with a sprinkle of dried parsley-it adds a hint of color and a touch of fresh herbal brightness. Sometimes, I throw on a little extra cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a cheesy kick just before serving. If you re feeling fancy, chopped fresh thyme or chives also pair beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stew stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, crusty bread or garlic dinner rolls are my go-to for sopping up every last drop. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich stew. Or try roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans for a green veggie side that doesn t overpower the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to serve this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe in rustic, deep bowls with a sprig of fresh herbs on top. Setting it on a wooden board with bread wedges and a small dish of grated Parmesan feels extra cozy and inviting-perfect for impressing guests without sweating over the stove!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover stew in airtight containers in the refrigerator where it stays delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing for best freshness.
Freezing
Freezing the Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe is totally doable. I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, leaving about an inch of headspace. It keeps well for up to 3 months. When freezing, leave out the cream and cheese-add those fresh when reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I warm the stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If you froze it without cream or cheese, stir those in in the last few minutes of heating so the stew stays creamy and doesn t separate. This slow reheating keeps the chicken tender and preserves the luscious texture.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe?
Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken thighs and breasts work well-thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful after slow cooking, so if you prefer tender, rich bites, thighs are a great choice.
-
Do I have to brown the sausage and chicken before adding them to the crockpot?
Browning is highly recommended because it adds extra depth and caramelized flavor that you just can t get from slow cooking alone. That said, if you re in a rush, you can skip it-but expect a milder stew.
-
Can I make this stew in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to brown the sausage and chicken, then cooking everything on high pressure for about 20-25 minutes with a natural release. Just add the thickening and cream at the end off the heat.
-
What vegetables can I add to this stew?
Besides the classic potatoes, celery, carrots, and onions, I ve added mushrooms, peas, or green beans to mix things up. Just keep in mind that delicate veggies like peas should be added closer to the end of cooking to avoid them getting mushy.
-
How do I keep the stew from becoming too thick or too thin?
The cornstarch slurry lets you control thickness perfectly-start with the recommended amount, then add more if you want it thicker. If it s too thick, stir in a bit of chicken broth or water to loosen.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate-and I love how it fits so seamlessly into busy weeks without sacrificing flavor or comfort. I hope you give it a try and find it as reassuring and delicious as I do after a long day. Trust me, having a pot of this stew slow-cooking while you relax or run errands just might become your new favorite way to dinner.
Print
Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes plus 15 minutes resting
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Stew is a hearty and comforting slow-cooked dish packed with tender chicken, smoky sausage, and tender potatoes in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this stew combines fresh vegetables, flavorful seasonings, and creamy Parmesan cheese for a satisfying and easy-to-make dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2.5 lbs Yellow Potatoes, roughly chopped
- 3 Celery Stalks, diced
- 4 Carrots, diced
- 1 Yellow Onion, diced
- 6-7 Garlic Cloves, minced
Protein
- 1 lb Smoked Sausage, sliced
- 1.5 lbs Boneless Skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Dairy & Fats
- 3 tbs Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan, freshly grated
Liquids
- 5 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
Thickening agent
- 2 tbs Corn Starch + 2 tbs water (for slurry)
Seasonings & Oil
- 1 tsp Cooking oil
- 2 tsp Lawry’s Seasoning Salt
- 1 tbs Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse Rub
- 1 tbs Garlic Powder
- 1 tbs Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Herbs de Provence
- Salt and Pepper to season the chicken
- Dried Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Add the chopped potatoes, diced celery, diced carrots, diced onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Pour the melted butter over the vegetables and sprinkle with Lawry’s Seasoning Salt, Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse Rub, garlic powder, black pepper, and herbs de Provence. Mix everything well to evenly coat the vegetables with the seasonings.
- Brown Sausage: Heat 1 teaspoon of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and brown it for a few minutes until it’s nicely caramelized. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Brown Chicken: Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. In the same skillet used for the sausage, brown the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes on each side to lock in flavor and develop color.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Stir the browned sausage into the slow cooker with the vegetables. Place the browned chicken pieces on top of the mixture. Pour 5 cups of low sodium chicken broth over everything.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooking is done, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Mash Potatoes: Use a potato masher to mash a few of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker. This helps thicken the stew naturally and gives it a creamy texture.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker, then add the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly until the cheese melts and the stew is creamy.
- Finish: Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Allow the stew to sit on the warm setting for 10-15 minutes to thicken further and for the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish the stew with dried parsley before serving. Enjoy your comforting Crockpot creamy chicken, sausage, and potato stew!
Notes
- You can substitute potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Use thighs for juicier chicken or breasts for leaner meat depending on preference.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mash more potatoes or increase the cornstarch slurry slightly.
- Adjust seasoning salts and spices to your taste, especially if using salted broth.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
