|

Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe

If you’re craving a comfort meal that feels like a warm hug, you’ll want to try this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that makes your entire kitchen smell incredible while slowly simmering away, giving you time to relax or tackle your day without fuss. The blend of tender chicken, smoky sausage, creamy potatoes, and savory broth results in a bowl full of pure, hearty satisfaction.

What I love most about this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe is how effortlessly it comes together and how versatile it is—perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or whenever you want something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but actually didn’t. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds (trust me!).

🤍

Why This Recipe Works

  • Slow Cooker Magic: The crockpot lets flavors marry beautifully while you go about your day, making it wonderfully hands-off.
  • Texture Balance: Soft potatoes and tender chicken mix with meaty sausage for a comforting yet exciting bite every time.
  • Creamy, But Not Heavy: The heavy cream and parmesan create a luscious stew without feeling too rich or dense.
  • Flavor Layering: Browning the sausage and chicken beforehand gives that savory depth you just can’t get by tossing everything raw in.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe has its starring moment. Together, they create a hearty, soul-warming meal, especially when you pick fresh veggies and quality sausage for max flavor.

  • Yellow Potatoes: Their creamy texture holds up nicely during slow cooking without falling apart too much.
  • Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and earthiness to balance the creamy stew base.
  • Carrots: Sweetness from the carrots brightens the dish and adds vibrant color.
  • Yellow Onion: Provides a mellow onion flavor that deepens as it cooks slowly.
  • Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic infuses a warm, aromatic punch to boost overall taste.
  • Unsalted Butter: Melts over veggies to enrich the flavor and aid in caramelization during browning.
  • Smoked Sausage: Adds a smoky, savory element that complements the chicken without overpowering it.
  • Cooking Oil: For browning the meat and caramelizing flavors.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken: Tender protein that absorbs the stew’s spices and stays juicy after slow cooking.
  • Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Provides the stew’s liquid base while keeping saltiness in check.
  • Corn Starch: Thickens the stew to a perfect creamy consistency.
  • Heavy Cream: Brings the rich, velvety texture everyone loves in a stew.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Fresh grated parmesan melts effortlessly and adds a lovely nutty flavor.
  • Seasonings: A unique blend of Lawry’s, Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse Rub, garlic powder, herbs de Provence, black pepper, and salt balance and elevate the dish.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love customizing this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe depending on what we have on hand or who I’m cooking for. You can easily swap ingredients or tweak seasonings to suit your family’s taste buds.

  • Variation: One time, I replaced smoked sausage with chorizo and the whole stew took on a spicy kick that my husband absolutely adored.
  • Dietary Modifications: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra flavor and juiciness, or go for turkey sausage to lighten it up.
  • Seasonal Changes: Feel free to toss in some seasonal veggies like parsnips or turnips for an autumn twist.
  • Thickness Level: If you prefer a thinner stew, cut back a bit on the corn starch or add extra broth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Season Well

Start by roughly chopping your yellow potatoes along with dicing celery, carrots, and onion. Don’t forget to mince the garlic—this little step releases a ton of flavor later on. Toss everything into your slow cooker, then drizzle melted butter over the top and sprinkle in your seasonings like Lawry’s seasoning salt, garlic powder, and herbs de Provence. Give it all a good stir so everything gets cozy with those spices upfront.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage + Chicken

Heat about a teaspoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown your smoked sausage slices until they develop a lovely sear. Transfer them to a plate once done. Next, season your chicken with salt and pepper and brown it in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and builds flavor that slow cooking alone can’t achieve.

Step 3: Combine and Slow Cook

Pop your browned sausage into the slow cooker with the veggies, then nestle the chicken right on top. Pour in the chicken broth, cover the lid, and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours. By the time your home smells amazing, the chicken and potatoes will be perfectly tender.

Step 4: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Thickener

When your stew is done cooking, remove the chicken and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes right in the crockpot to help thicken the stew naturally. Whisk together corn starch and water, then stir this slurry into the slow cooker along with heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the stew becomes irresistibly creamy. Toss the chicken back in and let everything sit on the warm setting for 10-15 minutes to thicken up.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Skip Browning: It might seem like an extra step, but browning your sausage and chicken delivers a depth of flavor that makes the stew pop.
  • Mash a Few Potatoes: Mashing just some of the potatoes gives the stew a beautiful thickness without turning it into a puree.
  • Use Fresh Parmesan: Grated fresh parmesan melts so much better and adds a silky richness you just can’t fake with pre-grated cheese.
  • Let it Rest: Allowing the stew to sit on warm after adding cream helps it thicken up perfectly and marry those flavors.

How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe

A close-up view of a spoon holding one thick slice of brown sausage and a large, smooth, yellowish potato piece, both covered in a creamy, pale yellow soup with visible green herbs and small bits of orange carrot. The spoon is lifting the mixture from a white bowl filled with the same creamy soup, where chunks of sausage and vegetables can be seen throughout. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always sprinkle dried parsley over the top before serving—it adds a pop of color and a subtle fresh note that brightens up the creaminess. Sometimes I like to add a little extra black pepper or even a pinch of smoked paprika for a warm smoky finish. A small dollop of sour cream can also be delightful if you’re in the mood for it.

Side Dishes

This stew is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but I occasionally serve it with a crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up that luscious sauce. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs nicely to cut through the richness. For extra veggies, steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts make a great complement.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this stew in hollowed-out sourdough loaves—everyone loved dipping their bread bowl into the creamy goodness. Another fun idea is to ladle it over a bed of creamy polenta or buttered egg noodles for a different texture experience. It’s so versatile that you can get really creative.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The stew thickens as it chills, so when reheating, I like to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it back up to that silky consistency.

Freezing

This Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often. This keeps the cream from breaking and warms everything evenly. If needed, I add a bit more broth or cream to freshen up the texture. You can also reheat in the microwave but do it in short bursts to avoid overheating.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this stew?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra flavor and tend to stay juicy during slow cooking, making them a fantastic choice for this recipe—but either works great depending on your preference.

  2. How do I avoid the cream breaking when reheating leftover stew?

    Reheat slowly on low to medium heat and stir frequently. Adding a little extra cream or broth before reheating helps keep the texture smooth and prevents the cream from curdling.

  3. Can I make this crockpot recipe vegetarian?

    To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace sausage and chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, extra potatoes, or even tofu. Keep in mind the flavor profile will change, but it can still be delicious.

  4. What can I do if my stew is too thick after cooking?

    Simply stir in some additional chicken broth or water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The stew will thicken further if left on the warm setting, so adjust accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen for those busy days when I want a meal full of comfort and flavor without fussing over a stove for hours. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy how simple it is to pull together while delivering big on taste and warmth. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl—and who doesn’t need a little more of that?

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 10 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 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 flavorful slow-cooked meal perfect for cozy dinners. Tender chicken breasts or thighs, smoky sausage, and chunky yellow potatoes combine with a creamy, cheesy broth seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices. The stew is thickened with a corn starch slurry and enriched with heavy cream and parmesan cheese, making it a satisfying comfort food that’s easy to prepare.


Ingredients

Units Scale

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

Other Ingredients

  • 3 tbs Unsalted Butter, melted
  • 1 tsp Cooking oil
  • 5 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
  • 2 tbs Corn Starch
  • 2 tbs Water
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan, freshly grated

Seasonings

  • 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
  • Dried Parsley for garnish
  • Salt and Pepper to season the chicken

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Add the roughly chopped potatoes, diced celery, diced carrots, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Pour the melted unsalted butter over the vegetables and season with Lawry’s seasoning salt, Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse Rub, garlic powder, black pepper, and herbs de Provence. Mix everything well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
  2. Brown the 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 develops a nice color. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Using the same skillet, brown the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side until it develops a light golden crust.
  4. Add Sausage and Chicken to Slow Cooker: Stir the browned sausage into the slow cooker with the vegetables. Place the browned chicken pieces on top of the mixture. Pour the low sodium chicken broth over everything to cover.
  5. Cook the Stew: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook the stew on the high setting for 6 hours, or alternatively, cook on low for 8 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  6. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or cut it into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Mash Some Potatoes: Use a potato masher to mash a few of the potatoes in the slow cooker. This will help thicken the stew and create a creamy texture.
  8. Make and Add the Corn Starch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of corn starch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, then add the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly until all the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
  9. Combine Chicken and Thicken: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Allow the stew to sit on the warm setting for 15 minutes to thicken further and meld the flavors.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle dried parsley over the stew for garnish before serving. Enjoy this comforting, creamy chicken and sausage stew warm.

Notes

  • Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful stew, or breasts for a leaner option.
  • For a thicker stew, mash more potatoes or add an additional tablespoon of corn starch slurry if needed.
  • You can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa or andouille sausage for different flavor profiles.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the stew will be less rich.
  • Make sure to brown the sausage and chicken properly to develop deeper flavors in the stew.
  • This stew can be made a day ahead; store in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

You Might Also Like These Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star