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Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty stew that fills the kitchen with delicious aromas all day long. This Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe is exactly that kind of meal—easy to prep, packed with flavor, and so cozy you’ll want seconds (maybe thirds). I love how the creamy broth laces every tender piece of chicken and smoky sausage, with soft potatoes and veggies rounding it all out perfectly.

This recipe is a go-to for chilly evenings or whenever you crave something satisfying without fussing over the stove. What makes it truly special is how effortlessly the slow cooker brings those bold flavors together, making your home smell like a dream while you just relax or get on with your day. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers that taste even better the next day.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Hands-Off Cooking: Just set it and forget it—perfect for busy days or relaxed weekends.
  • Flavor Harmony: Smoked sausage and tender chicken create a deliciously balanced flavor profile.
  • Creamy Texture Without Fuss: The combination of heavy cream and parmesan turns the broth silky smooth and satisfying.
  • Versatile Ingredients: Potatoes and veggies soak up every bit of flavor, making the stew hearty and nutritious.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe comes together beautifully because each ingredient adds its own magic. From the sturdy yellow potatoes that hold shape while softening, to the smoky sausage that imparts depth, every choice matters for texture and taste.

  • Yellow Potatoes: I love using these because they get tender but don’t fall apart, helping your stew stay thick and hearty.
  • Celery Stalks: Adds a subtle crunch and freshness to balance the richness.
  • Carrots: Bring a gentle sweetness and vibrant color that brightens the stew.
  • Yellow Onion: Essential for that savory base flavor that slowly mellows in the crockpot.
  • Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic amps up the aroma and depth—never skip it!
  • Unsalted Butter: Melted to gently coat the veggies and stir in richness.
  • Smoked Sausage: My secret weapon for a smoky, savory note throughout the stew.
  • Cooking Oil: Just a splash to brown the sausage and chicken for extra flavor.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken: Whether breasts or thighs, seasoning and browning them first locks in juiciness.
  • Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the stew from getting too salty while infusing savory depth.
  • Corn Starch & Water (Slurry): This thickens the stew beautifully without clumps when mixed correctly.
  • Heavy Cream: Gives the stew its luscious, silky consistency you’ll love spooning up.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for a sharp, nutty punch that melts right into the broth.
  • Seasonings (Lawry’s Salt, Buttery Steakhouse Rub, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Herbs de Provence): A blend that layers flavor complexity and warmth.
  • Dried Parsley: For garnish, adding a bit of color and herbaceous freshness.
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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe is how flexible it is—you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge. I often swap chicken thighs if I want extra juiciness or try different smoked sausages depending on what’s on sale.

  • Variation: I once added chopped kale toward the last 30 minutes for a green veggie boost—delicious and colorful.
  • Dietary Modifications: For a lighter version, try half-and-half instead of heavy cream or use turkey sausage to cut fat.
  • Seasonal Swaps: In fall, I love tossing in some diced butternut squash along with the potatoes for extra sweetness.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Season

Start by roughly chopping your yellow potatoes—they hold up well and add great texture. Dice your celery, carrots, onion, and mince the garlic. Toss all these veggies into the slow cooker, pour the melted butter over, then sprinkle on the Lawry’s seasoning salt, steakhouse rub, garlic powder, black pepper, and Herbs de Provence. Give everything a good stir so those spices are evenly distributed before moving on.

Step 2: Brown Sausage and Chicken

Heat about 1 teaspoon of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the sliced smoked sausage just until they get a bit of color—this step pulls out extra flavor from the fat. Remove and set aside. Next, season your chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. This quick sear seals in the juices and adds richness.

Step 3: Assemble and Cook

Drop your browned sausage back into the crockpot and nestle the chicken on top of the veggie mixture. Pour in the low sodium chicken broth. Then, pop the lid on and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours. The long, slow cooking melds all the flavors and tenderizes the chicken to perfection.

Step 4: Finish It Right

Once the cooking time’s up, remove the chicken and shred it or cut it into bite-sized pieces. Use a potato masher right in the crockpot to mash a few potatoes—this helps thicken the stew naturally. Next, mix your cornstarch with water to make a slurry, stir it into the stew, then fold in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Stir well until the cheese melts into that velvety broth. Add the shredded chicken back in and keep on warm for 10-15 minutes so the stew thickens beautifully.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Brown Meat First: Taking the time to brown sausage and chicken adds layers of flavor you won’t get if you skip this step.
  • Don’t Over-Mash: Mash just a few potatoes to thicken, leaving plenty of chunky pieces for texture.
  • Be Patient with Thickening: Let the stew sit on warm after adding the cornstarch slurry and cream to reach the perfect consistency.
  • Season Gradually: Taste before adding salt since the broth and sausage already bring salty 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 a little dried parsley on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note that brightens the creamy stew. Sometimes, I add a handful of shredded cheddar or a spoonful of sour cream for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

Since this stew is so filling, I keep sides light and simple—crusty bread for dipping or a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette work wonders. On special occasions, I serve it with roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed green beans to add some crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a cozy dinner party, I ladled this stew into individual bread bowls made from sourdough rolls—everyone loved tearing into their own edible bowl! You can also serve it over buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stew in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so I recommend making it in advance if you can.

Freezing

This stew freezes well! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and leave some space for expansion. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the stew gently on low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s thicker than you like, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back up for that fresh-from-the-crockpot taste.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually my personal favorite for this stew because they stay juicy and tender even after hours in the crockpot. Just brown them the same way and cook as directed.

  2. How do I thicken the stew if it seems too watery?

    If your stew is thinner than you’d like, try mashing a few potatoes in the crockpot and make sure to add the cornstarch slurry as described—it’s key to achieving that creamy, rich texture.

  3. Can I prepare this stew the night before cooking?

    Yes! You can chop the veggies and season them in the crockpot insert the night before, then add the browned meats and broth in the morning. It saves prep time and the flavors may even deepen.

  4. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

    Definitely. Just cool the stew completely before freezing in portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly to maintain the creamy texture.

  5. What kind of smoked sausage works best?

    I prefer smoked kielbasa or Andouille sausage because they have fantastic flavor and hold up well after cooking. But any smoked sausage you enjoy will work great in this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation—there’s nothing quite like coming home to the rich, warm comfort it delivers after a busy day. It’s a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing meal that makes you feel cozy and well cared for. If you’re looking for that perfect blend of creamy, smoky, and hearty, I promise this stew will become one of your favorites too. Give it a try and watch it quickly become your go-to comfort food!

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Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 75 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • 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 comforting and hearty slow-cooked meal perfect for chilly days. Tender chicken breasts and smoky sausage meld with potatoes, carrots, celery, and a rich creamy broth thickened with parmesan and cornstarch, delivering a satisfying dish packed with flavor and texture.


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

Meats & Dairy

  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3 tbs unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup parmesan, freshly grated

Liquids & Thickeners

  • 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbs corn starch + 2 tbs water (for slurry)
  • 1 tsp cooking oil

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 chicken
  • Dried parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Add vegetables and seasonings: Add the chopped potatoes, diced celery, diced carrots, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Pour the melted unsalted butter over the top 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 distribute the seasonings.
  2. Brown the sausage: Heat 1 teaspoon of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and brown it until it develops a nice color, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Season and brown the 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 about 2-3 minutes per side until lightly cooked and golden. Remove from the skillet.
  4. Combine in slow cooker: Stir the browned sausage into the crockpot vegetables. Place the browned chicken pieces on top. Pour the 5 cups of low sodium chicken broth over everything.
  5. Cook the stew: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender. Alternatively, cook on low for 8 hours.
  6. Prepare chicken and mash potatoes: Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or cut it into bite-sized pieces. Use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the potatoes in the crockpot to help thicken the stew.
  7. Make slurry and thicken stew: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of corn starch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the crockpot. Then add the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly until the cheese is melted and the stew is creamy.
  8. Finish and serve: Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and mix well. Let the stew sit on the warm setting or low heat for 15 minutes to thicken further. Garnish with dried parsley before serving.

Notes

  • If you prefer a thicker stew, mash more potatoes or add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch slurry.
  • You can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa or andouille sausage for different flavor profiles.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the stew will be less rich.
  • Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a moister, more flavorful stew compared to breasts.
  • Adjust seasoning salt and black pepper to taste depending on your preference and sodium sensitivity.
  • Allow the stew to rest after cooking to let the flavors meld and the texture thicken.
  • Serve this stew with a crusty bread for dipping or a fresh green salad on the side.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

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