Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that almost makes itself, this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with the most inviting aromas and rewards you with creamy, savory goodness brimming with tender chicken, smoky sausage, and soft potatoes. Honestly, this stew feels like a warm hug on a chilly day—I always reach for this recipe when I want something both fuss-free and satisfying.
One of the things I love most about this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re coming home after a busy day, hosting friends for an easy dinner, or just craving something comforting to curl up with, it fits the bill. Plus, it’s all made in the slow cooker, meaning minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor development. You’ve got to try it to believe how delicious and cozy slow-cooked creamy stews can be!
Why This Recipe Works
- Layered Flavors: Browning the sausage and chicken before slow cooking builds rich, smoky depth.
- Creamy Texture: Mashing a few potatoes in the stew thickens it naturally for a luscious consistency.
- Easy Prep & Hands-off Cooking: You start and come back—no constant stirring or babysitting required.
- Flexible Ingredients: Adjustable to your tastes and what you have on hand without sacrificing comfort food vibes.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that bring body, comfort, and that creamy edge we all love in stew. Each ingredient plays a role, from smoky sausage to tender vegetables, making this dish both hearty and balanced.
- Yellow Potatoes: These give great texture and hold up well during slow cooking while also adding natural creaminess when mashed.
- Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh herbal note to balance the richness.
- Carrots: Their sweetness complements the savory meats beautifully.
- Yellow Onion: The base for deep flavor, mellowing as it cooks down.
- Garlic Cloves: Brings warmth and aromatic complexity.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps layer the flavors before slow cooking.
- Smoked Sausage: The star protein with smoky, salty depth.
- Cooking Oil: For browning the sausage and chicken to build flavor.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender, lean protein that soaks flavors well; thighs offer more juiciness, while breasts cook leaner.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Liquid base that keeps the stew flavorful without overpowering salt.
- Corn Starch + Water: Used as a slurry to thicken the stew at the end.
- Heavy Cream: Brings that indulgent, velvety texture to this stew.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory, nutty depth and cheesy richness.
- Seasonings (Lawry’s Seasoning Salt, Buttery Steakhouse Rub, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Herbs de Provence): These elevate the stew with balanced savory, herbal, and slightly smoky notes.
- Dried Parsley: A fresh, mild herbal garnish to brighten the finish.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and adjusting the stew to taste.
Tweak to Your Taste
This recipe is my go-to comfort stew, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it your own. I often swap the smoked sausage for spicy chorizo when I want a kick, and sometimes I use chicken thighs for extra flavor and tenderness. Play with the herbs or throw in whatever vegetables you have on hand—you really can’t go wrong.
- Spicy Variation: Adding cayenne pepper or swapping sausage for spicy sausage amps up the heat in a delicious way—I love this twist for colder nights.
- Dairy-Free Version: Try coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan for a creamy dairy-free alternative that’s still rich.
- More Veggies: Sometimes I toss in green beans or mushrooms if I want a veggie boost without changing the heartiness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Layer the Veggies
Start by adding your roughly chopped yellow potatoes, celery, diced carrots, onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. Pour the melted butter over the veggies and season everything with Lawry’s seasoning salt, buttery steakhouse rub, garlic powder, black pepper, and Herbs de Provence. Stir it all together so those spices get evenly distributed—you want all those flavors mingling while they cook low and slow. This layering step builds the flavor base that makes the stew taste so comforting.
Step 2: Brown the Protein for Maximum Flavor
Heat about a teaspoon of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the sliced smoked sausage until it’s got a nice golden crust—about 3-4 minutes. Remove it and set it aside. Next, season your chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Using the same skillet adds extra depth as you brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly golden. This browning step adds a smoky caramelized note that slow cookers just can’t replicate on their own.
Step 3: Assemble and Slow Cook
Return the browned sausage slices to the crockpot and nestle the chicken pieces on top of the veggie mixture. Pour in the chicken broth gently, covering everything. Pop on the lid and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours depending on your schedule. The long, slow cooking transforms the chicken and veggies into tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness while the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Finish the Creamy Stew
Once cooking is done, take the chicken out and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Use a potato masher to crush a few of the potatoes right in the crockpot—you’re aiming for a slightly thicker, creamier stew base. Next, mix the corn starch and water to create a slurry, then stir it in along with heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir vigorously until the cheese melts and the stew thickens. Finally, add the chicken back into the crockpot and let it sit on the warm setting for 10-15 minutes to blend those creamy flavors together perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe
- Don’t Skip Browning: It might feel like extra work, but browning sausage and chicken adds layers of flavor that slow cooking alone can’t achieve.
- Potato Mashing Magic: Mashing some potatoes into the stew helps naturally thicken it without needing flour or heavy thickeners.
- Season in Layers: Season the veggies, meat, and final stew separately as you go to ensure balanced flavor throughout.
- Finish Off on Warm: Letting the stew rest on warm thickens it up perfectly and melds flavors before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle dried parsley over the top just before serving—it brightens things up visually and adds a fresh herb note that cuts through the creaminess. For extra flair, freshly chopped chives or a bit of crispy bacon crumble make fantastic toppings too.
Side Dishes
This stew is pretty hearty on its own, but I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the creamy goodness. Sometimes I’ll also offer steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a veggie boost on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
If I’m serving this stew at a casual dinner party, I like putting it into rustic bread bowls—that always impresses guests and makes it feel like a cozy celebration. Another idea is layering it over creamy mashed cauliflower for a low-carb twist or serving it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper in individual bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover stew in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen, so I almost look forward to leftovers! Just make sure to cool it down before sealing and refrigerating.
Freezing
This Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe freezes well too. You’ll want to freeze it in portion-sized containers or freezer bags with most of the air squeezed out. Avoid freezing with the cream mixed in; instead, add cream after thawing when reheating for best texture.
Reheating
When reheating, I warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. After warming through, stir in cream and Parmesan if you held them back for freezing to keep that fresh, creamy finish.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually my favorite for this stew because they stay juicy and add a richer flavor, especially when slow cooked for several hours. Just brown them the same way, and you’re good to go.
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What if I don’t have smoked sausage?
No worries—you can swap in any sausage you like, such as kielbasa or even spicy chorizo if you want more heat. Just brown it well to develop flavor before adding it to the slow cooker.
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Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Yes! Ensure your sausage and seasoning mixes are gluten-free (brands usually label that), and use a gluten-free cornstarch to thicken the stew. This recipe naturally leans gluten-free otherwise.
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Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
You can! Use the sauté function to brown the meats and then switch to pressure cook for about 20-25 minutes. Finish with the slurry, cream, and cheese as directed off the heat.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe holds a special spot in my recipe rotation because it’s just so reliable and delicious. I love that it doesn’t demand hours of active cooking but rewards you with an irresistible, creamy stew full of layers of flavor. I know you’ll enjoy it as much as I do—promise me you’ll try it out on a day when you want comfort food without the fuss. You really can’t go wrong!
PrintCrockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew is a comforting and hearty meal made with tender chicken, smoky sausage, and chunky potatoes simmered to perfection in a creamy broth. Loaded with flavorful vegetables and seasoned with savory herbs and spices, this slow-cooked stew is perfect for a cozy 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
Proteins
- 1 lb Smoked Sausage, sliced
- 1.5 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs
Liquids & Dairy
- 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 & Oils
- 1 tsp Cooking Oil
- 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 for seasoning the chicken
- Dried Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Add the roughly chopped potatoes, diced celery, carrots, onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Pour the melted butter over the vegetables and season with Lawry’s seasoning salt, Kinder’s steakhouse rub, garlic powder, black pepper, and herbs de Provence. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
- Brown the sausage: Heat 1 teaspoon of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the smoked sausage slices for a few minutes until nicely caramelized and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Brown the chicken: Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Using the same skillet from the sausage, brown the chicken on each side for about 2-3 minutes to develop a golden crust. Remove from heat once browned.
- Combine in the slow cooker: Stir the browned sausage into the crockpot with the vegetables. Place the browned chicken pieces on top and pour the low sodium chicken broth over everything.
- Cook the stew: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 8 hours until the chicken and vegetables are tender and cooked through.
- Shred the chicken: Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Mash some potatoes: Use a potato masher to mash a few of the potatoes directly in the crockpot, helping to thicken the stew naturally.
- Prepare the slurry and enrich the stew: Mix the corn starch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the crockpot, followed by the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese is melted and the stew is creamy.
- Finish and thicken: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Set the slow cooker to warm and let the stew sit for 15 minutes to thicken and let flavors meld.
- Serve: Garnish with dried parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy chicken, sausage, and potato stew warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa or andouille for different flavor profiles.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, or breasts for leaner stew.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mash more potatoes or increase cornstarch slurry by 1 tablespoon each.
- For a gluten free version, confirm your sausage and seasonings are gluten free.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and can be reheated gently on stovetop or in slow cooker.
- To add extra vegetables, consider adding peas or green beans in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg