Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe
I absolutely adore this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe — it’s like a warm hug in a bowl on chilly days. The combination of tender chicken, smoky sausage, and soft potatoes swimming in a rich, creamy broth makes it perfect comfort food that’s also incredibly easy to throw together. I often find myself making it for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when I want something satisfying without fussing in the kitchen.
What makes this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe really stand out is how effortlessly it comes together in your slow cooker, allowing the flavors to deepen beautifully over hours. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that fills your whole home with a cozy aroma — trust me, you’ll catch your family sneaking into the kitchen early! Whether you’re an experienced cooker or a newbie, this stew is truly worth trying for an easy, hearty, and delicious meal.
Why This Recipe Works
- Slow Cooker Convenience: Once you prep, you can literally walk away and let the crockpot do all the magic while you relax or get other things done.
- Flavor Harmony: The smoky sausage and buttery chicken broth create layers of flavor that everyone will rave about.
- Creamy Comfort: Adding heavy cream and Parmesan near the end gives this stew a luscious, velvety texture that makes it feel decadent but doable.
- Hearty Ingredients: Potatoes, carrots, and celery not only add nutrition but also soak up all the rich flavors beautifully.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe plays a crucial role in balancing texture and flavor. The root veggies add earthiness and body, while the sausage brings a subtle smoky kick. Here’s a quick peek at why each is a star in this slow cooker stew:
- Yellow Potatoes: They hold their shape well and have a creamy texture when cooked, perfect for mashing some right in the stew.
- Celery Stalks: Adds freshness and a slight crunch that balances the creaminess.
- Carrots: Sweetness and a pop of color, they soften nicely without turning mushy.
- Yellow Onion: Brings a depth of flavor and gentle sweetness once they cook down.
- Garlic Cloves: The garlic’s mellow roastiness simmers into the broth, giving it heartwarming aroma.
- Unsalted Butter: Helps the veggies soak up those seasonings and adds richness.
- Smoked Sausage: Imparts a smoky and savory complexity that really elevates the stew.
- Cooking Oil: For browning the sausage and chicken, building flavor early on.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken: Adds lean protein and turns tender after slow cooking, soaking in all the flavors.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: The stew’s flavorful base that keeps things moist and comforting without too much salt.
- Corn Starch + Water: Makes a slurry to thicken the stew into that perfect creamy consistency.
- Heavy Cream: For the rich, silky finish that makes every spoonful feel indulgent.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory umami and melts smoothly into the broth for extra depth.
- Seasonings (Lawry’s Seasoning Salt, Buttery Steakhouse Rub, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Herbs de Provence): A well-rounded spice blend that amplifies all the other flavors and adds a hint of herbaceous, garlicky warmth.
- Dried Parsley (garnish): Freshens up the stew visually and subtly with a mild herbal note.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how flexible this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe is—you can tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs without losing that soul-satisfying feel. Don’t be afraid to swap ingredients or bump up spices to make it your own signature dish.
- Variation: Sometimes I use chicken thighs instead of breasts because they stay juicier in the slow cooker, but breasts work perfectly if you trim them well. Both give great results.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a lactose-free version, I’ve replaced heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and used nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, which still delivers creaminess and richness.
- Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika kicked the stew up a notch when I wanted something with a little extra warmth.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in some diced bell peppers or green beans for added texture and freshness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Veggies
Start by roughly chopping your yellow potatoes, dicing celery, carrots, and onion, and mincing your garlic cloves. Spread all those veggies evenly in the crockpot. Pour the melted butter on top to help the veggies absorb the seasonings better. Then sprinkle Lawry’s Seasoning Salt, Garlic Powder, the Buttery Steakhouse Rub, Black Pepper, and Herbs de Provence over everything. Give it a good stir to make sure those flavors reach every corner before we add the meat.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Chicken
I like to brown the smoked sausage slices in about a teaspoon of oil over medium heat—it adds a caramelized flavor that deepens the stew. Once browned, take them out and set aside. Next, season your chicken with salt and pepper, then brown it in the same skillet for around 2-3 minutes per side to get a lovely crust. This step might seem extra, but the flavor payoff is worth it. After browning, shake off excess oil and place the sausage into the crockpot mix, then lay the chicken right on top.
Step 3: Add Broth and Slow Cook
Pour in your low sodium chicken broth gently over the layered ingredients. Cover the crockpot with the lid, then set it to cook on high for about 4-6 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. During this time, the flavors meld beautifully, and the chicken turns irresistibly tender. I recommend checking at the 4-hour mark on high just to make sure the veggies are tender but not falling apart.
Step 4: Final Touches to Cream Up the Stew
Once cooking is done, remove the chicken and shred it or dice it up—your call. Using a potato masher, mash a few potatoes in the stew right in the crockpot; this creates a wonderful creamy base without needing extra thickening agents. Then, mix your cornstarch and water to make a slurry and stir it into the stew. Follow with heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan, stirring steadily until the cheese melts fully and the stew thickens.
Step 5: Let It Rest and Reinstate Chicken
Put the shredded chicken back into the crockpot, stir everything together, then switch the slow cooker to warm. Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes to thicken and develop that velvety texture. This wait really pays off—trust me, your patience will be rewarded with comfort in every spoonful.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe
- Sear for Maximum Flavor: Browning the sausage and chicken first adds a deeper, more complex flavor that just can’t be beat in slow cooker recipes.
- Don’t Skip Mashing Some Potatoes: It naturally thickens the stew and makes it luxuriously creamy without extra fuss.
- Use Low Sodium Broth: This lets you control the saltiness better and keeps the flavors balanced.
- Add Cream and Cheese Last: To keep the dairy from curdling, always stir them in at the end and warm gently.
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a generous pinch of dried parsley over each bowl—it adds a pop of color and a touch of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I add a little freshly cracked black pepper or even some flaky sea salt for texture. A swirl of extra heavy cream on top can make it feel extra special when serving guests.
Side Dishes
This stew is quite filling on its own, but I often pair it with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls—perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works well to lift the richness and balance the meal. Roasted or steamed green beans also make a fresh, crunchy side that complements the stew nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’ve made this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe for special occasions, I’ve tried serving it in rustic bread bowls. It’s such a fun, cozy touch that everyone loves! Also, topping individual servings with crispy fried sage or shredded cheese feels indulgent and festive. Adding a sprinkle of paprika gives that upscale restaurant vibe to this homestyle stew.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I like to transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, but I add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep the stew from becoming too thick.
Freezing
This Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe freezes surprisingly well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the creamy texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. Adding a bit of broth or cream while warming helps refresh the texture. Microwaving works too but stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay juicy during slow cooking. They also add a richer flavor compared to chicken breasts, which some prefer. Just brown them similarly before adding to the crockpot.
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Is it necessary to brown the sausage and chicken first?
While you technically can skip browning, searing the sausage and chicken adds a depth of flavor that makes a big difference. It’s worth the extra few minutes for that delicious caramelized taste and texture.
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Can I make this stew dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk or other dairy-free cream alternatives, and use nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese substitute instead of Parmesan. The stew will still be creamy and comforting.
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How do I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?
If your stew is thinner than you like, mix a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water) and stir it in. Let it cook on warm for 10-15 minutes, and it will thicken up beautifully.
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What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Cool leftovers quickly, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe has become one of my absolute go-to meals when I want something cozy, delicious, and fuss-free. It’s the kind of dish that welcomes you home with warmth and fills your belly just right, every single time. I can’t wait for you to give it a try—once you do, I’m pretty sure it’ll become a favorite in your family too. Enjoy every creamy, hearty bite!
PrintCrockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew is a hearty and comforting slow-cooked meal featuring tender chicken, savory smoked sausage, and creamy potatoes in a flavorful broth thickened with heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2.5 lbs Yellow Potatoes, roughly chopped
- 3 Celery Stalks, diced
- 4 Carrots, diced
- 1 Yellow Onion, diced
- 6-7 Garlic Cloves, minced
Proteins
- 1 lb Smoked Sausage, sliced
- 1.5 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs
Dairy and Liquids
- 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
- 5 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan, freshly grated
Thickening Agent
- 2 tbsp Corn Starch + 2 tbsp Water
Seasonings
- 2 tsp Lawry’s Seasoning Salt
- 1 tbsp Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse Rub
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Herbs de Provence
- Salt and Pepper to season the chicken
- Dried Parsley for garnish
Others
- 1 tsp Cooking Oil
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables and seasoning: Add the potatoes, celery, carrots, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Pour melted butter over the top and season with Lawry’s seasoning salt, Kinder’s rub, garlic powder, black pepper, and Herbs de Provence. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Brown the sausage: Heat 1 teaspoon of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and brown for a few minutes until nicely seared. Remove and set aside.
- Brown the chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. In the same skillet used for the sausage, brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden but not cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Combine in slow cooker: Stir the browned sausage into the crockpot with the vegetables. Place the browned chicken on top. Pour in the low sodium chicken broth.
- Cook the stew: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 6 hours to ensure tenderness and full flavor development.
- Prepare chicken and mash potatoes: Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Use a potato masher to mash a few of the potatoes in the crockpot to help thicken the stew.
- Make slurry and thicken stew: Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the crockpot along with the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese melts completely.
- Finish and serve: Add the shredded chicken back into the crockpot. Allow the stew to sit on the warm setting for 15 minutes to thicken. Garnish with dried parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- You can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa or andouille for different flavor profiles.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mash more potatoes or add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch slurry.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before the final thickening step.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg