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Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty stew that cooks itself while you go about your day—that’s exactly what you get with this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe. Rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken, smoky sausage, and tender potatoes, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. I always reach for this recipe when I want something fuss-free but satisfying.

What makes this stew truly special is the slow cooker magic combined with a creamy finish that you don’t often find in crockpot recipes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you want to impress family or friends without standing over the stove. Trust me, once you try this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Slow Cooker Convenience: You literally dump everything in early, set it, and forget it, freeing up your time.
  • Layered Flavors: Browning the sausage and chicken beforehand adds depth you don’t get from just slow cooking.
  • Creamy Texture: The addition of heavy cream and parmesan at the end transforms this stew into a luscious, velvety delight.
  • Balanced Hearty Ingredients: The potatoes, veggies, and sausage create a filling meal that’s perfect for those chilly days.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe plays a part in creating the rich, comforting layers of flavor and texture you’ll love. Choosing fresh veggies and quality sausage really lifts the dish, and the creamy finish makes it feel indulgent but still wholesome.

  • Yellow Potatoes: Their waxy texture holds up well during long cooking, giving you tender chunks without turning mushy.
  • Celery: Adds that subtle crunch and freshness that balances the rich creaminess.
  • Carrots: Sweetness from carrots rounds out the savory flavors perfectly.
  • Yellow Onion: Brings aromatic depth that builds the stew’s foundation.
  • Garlic: Can’t imagine this recipe without plenty of minced garlic for that punch of warmth and savoriness.
  • Unsalted Butter: Melting it over the veggies before cooking adds richness and helps meld the flavors.
  • Smoked Sausage: Adds smoky, meaty goodness, elevating the stew from simple to unforgettable.
  • Cooking Oil: For browning the sausage and chicken, which develops deeper flavors and better texture.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken: Thighs or breasts work well here; they soak up flavors and stay tender.
  • Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Provides the cooking liquid and base flavor, controlling salt lets you season carefully.
  • Corn Starch + Water: This slurry thickens the stew to that perfect creamy consistency without clumps.
  • Heavy Cream: Makes the stew luxuriously creamy and smooth.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for a nutty, salty finish that melts beautifully into the stew.
  • Seasonings: From Lawry’s seasoning salt and steakhouse rub to herbs and black pepper, these build that signature savory profile.
  • Dried Parsley: A bright garnish to finish the dish off with a pop of color and subtle herb flavor.
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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe is—you can easily swap veggies, adjust seasonings, or even customize the creaminess level. Play around until it’s just how you like it; that’s the beauty of slow cooker recipes!

  • Variation: I often swap smoked sausage for chorizo to add a spicy kick, which my guests rave about.
  • Low Carb: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter, low-carb stew that still tastes indulgent.
  • Herb Swaps: Try fresh thyme or rosemary in place of Herbs de Provence depending on what you have on hand.
  • Protein Mix: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more fat and richness if you prefer juicier meat.

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

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Veggies

Start by roughly chopping the yellow potatoes, dicing the celery, carrots, onion, and mincing the garlic cloves. Toss them all into the slow cooker. Pour the melted butter over the top—this step really helps the flavors meld as it cooks. Then sprinkle in the Lawry’s seasoning salt, steakhouse rub, garlic powder, black pepper, and Herbs de Provence. Give everything a good stir so the veggies are evenly coated; this prep sets the flavor base for the whole stew.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Heat about a teaspoon of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and brown it until it’s nicely caramelized, about 4-5 minutes. Remove 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. This browning step adds a caramelized depth you just can’t get by adding raw meat directly to the crockpot.

Step 3: Assemble and Cook

Stir the browned sausage into the crockpot veggies, then nestle the browned chicken pieces on top. Pour the chicken broth over everything to create the cooking liquid. Put the lid on and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours depending on your schedule. The slow cooking tenderizes everything, letting the flavors blend into that classic stew goodness.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Cheese

When the slow cooker timer goes off, take out the chicken. You can shred it or chop it up—either works beautifully. Use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes right in the crockpot; this naturally thickens the stew for a cozy, creamy texture. Mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the stew along with the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan. Stir well until the cheese melts into that velvety finish. Add the chicken back in and switch the slow cooker to warm for 10-15 minutes to let it thicken perfectly before serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the meat seals in flavor and gives a beautiful color and richness to the stew.
  • Layer Your Seasonings: Adding seasoning both before and after cooking amps up the flavor depth.
  • Gently Mash Potatoes: Mashing just a few potatoes helps thicken the stew naturally without extra additives.
  • Add Cream Last: Add heavy cream and parmesan at the end to prevent curdling and keep the texture silky smooth.

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 love sprinkling dried parsley over this stew right before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle herb flavor that brightens up each bowl. Sometimes I also add a little extra parmesan on top for that cheesy finish that always feels indulgent.

Side Dishes

This stew is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to add something extra, I like serving it with warm crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up every bit of that creamy goodness. A simple green salad or steamed green beans also bring a nice balance to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this stew in individual rustic ramekins topped with fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra cream. It feels so special and lets everyone have their own bowl of comfort in style. You can also add a sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top for unexpected texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, so it’s arguably even better the next day. Just give it a gentle stir when you reheat to bring the stew back to its creamy goodness.

Freezing

This Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe freezes really well! I portion it into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream if it’s thickened too much in the fridge. Microwave works too, but slower reheating really helps the texture stay creamy.

FAQs

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

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually my personal favorite for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender during the long cooking time, adding extra richness to the stew. Just brown them the same way as the breasts for the best flavor.

  2. What can I substitute for smoked sausage?

    If you can’t find smoked sausage, Italian sausage or andouille sausage are great alternatives. Each brings its own unique flavor profile—Italian for more herbaceous notes, andouille for a smoky, slightly spicy twist.

  3. How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

    The key is to add the heavy cream and parmesan only after the stew finishes cooking and the heat is lowered. Stir it in gently and avoid boiling the cream mixture. This method keeps the texture smooth and creamy.

  4. Can I make this stew in an Instant Pot?

    Yes! Just use the sauté function to brown the sausage and chicken, then pressure cook all the ingredients except cream and parmesan. Add the cream and cheese after cooking, using the keep warm setting to thicken the stew.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe feels like the ultimate comfort food for me—and I’m sure you’ll feel the same after one spoonful. It’s simple to prep, forgiving for busy cooks, and so rewarding in flavor and texture. If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and wildly delicious without the fuss, give this recipe a try. I promise it’ll quickly become one of your go-to slow cooker meals!

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Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • 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
  • Diet: Low Salt

Description

This Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew is a hearty and comforting slow-cooked meal featuring tender chicken, smoky sausage, and creamy potatoes. Rich with savory seasoning and Parmesan cheese, it’s perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.


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

Proteins

  • 1 lb Smoked Sausage, sliced
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken breasts or thighs

Dairy & Oils

  • 3 tbs Unsalted Butter, melted
  • 1 tsp Cooking oil
  • 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

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base vegetables: Add 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 well to combine all ingredients.
  2. Brown the sausage: Heat 1 teaspoon of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Brown the chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Using the same skillet, brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
  4. Assemble in slow cooker: Stir the browned sausage into the slow cooker with the vegetables. Place the browned chicken on top. Pour in the low sodium chicken broth evenly over the contents.
  5. Cook the stew: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on high for 6 hours.
  6. Shred the chicken and prep potatoes: When cooking is finished, remove the chicken and shred or cut it into pieces. Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the slow cooker to create a creamy texture.
  7. Make corn starch slurry: Mix 2 tablespoons corn starch with 2 tablespoons water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker to begin thickening the stew.
  8. Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Mix well until the cheese has completely melted and the stew is creamy.
  9. Finish the stew: Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Allow the stew to sit on the warm setting for 15 minutes to thicken further and meld flavors.

Notes

  • Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the best creamy texture when mashed.
  • To reduce sodium, choose a low sodium chicken broth and adjust seasoning accordingly.
  • For spicier stew, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other seasonings.
  • If you prefer thicker stew, increase corn starch to 3 tablespoons with 3 tablespoons water.
  • Shred the chicken using two forks for easy shredding after cooking.
  • Butter or oil can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter flavor.
  • Dried parsley garnish adds color and a fresh note but is optional.
  • Cooking on low heat for 8 hours instead of high for 6 hours is an alternative method for more tender meat.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

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