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Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Stew Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 15 reviews

I’m so excited to share this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Stew Recipe with you because it’s the ultimate comfort food for those chilly days when you want something warm, hearty, and absolutely satisfying. The creamy broth combined with tender chicken, flavorful sausage, and buttery potatoes just melts in your mouth, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prepping ahead for busy weeks.

What makes this recipe truly special is how effortlessly it comes together in the slow cooker, freeing you up while all those wonderful flavors meld. I remember the first time I made it, I was amazed at how rich and cozy the stew became without standing over the stove all day. You’re going to love digging into this stew on a lazy weekend or anytime you want a bowl of comfort that tastes like love.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Slow Cooker Convenience: You can set it and forget it, letting flavors develop perfectly over several hours.
  • Perfect Creaminess: Heavy cream and Parmesan create a luscious, velvety broth without overpowering the natural flavors.
  • Balanced Texture: Tender chicken, hearty sausage, and chunky potatoes give every bite a satisfying contrast.
  • Flavor Depth: The combination of spices and browned sausage adds layers of savory goodness you won’t find in your average stew.
A close-up view of a creamy soup inside a white bowl, showing a thick texture with visible small pieces of shredded chicken, chopped orange carrots, and whole brown mushrooms. The soup has a light beige base speckled with green herbs and black pepper, with a wooden spoon partially dipped in on the right side. The soup’s surface looks smooth but chunky with a shiny, slightly wet finish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Stew Recipe is built with ingredients that complement each other beautifully — think tender potatoes, juicy chicken, and smoky sausage all simmered slowly. Picking fresh veggies and quality sausage will really elevate the final flavor, so it’s worth a little extra care at the store.

  • Yellow Potatoes: They hold their shape well during slow cooking and add creamy starchiness when mashed a bit.
  • Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and freshness that balances the richness.
  • Carrots: Sweetness from the carrots rounds out the savory flavors.
  • Yellow Onion: Its mild sweetness enhances the overall depth of the stew.
  • Garlic: It brings that wonderful aromatic punch everyone loves.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds smooth richness and helps the veggies absorb seasoning.
  • Smoked Sausage: The smoky, salty notes are key for boosting flavor and heartiness.
  • Cooking oil: Needed to brown the sausage and chicken, locking in extra flavor.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken: Tenderizes beautifully in the crockpot and blends well with other ingredients.
  • Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the stew moist and flavorful without being too salty.
  • Corn Starch: Creates a silky, thickened broth once mixed with water and heated.
  • Heavy Cream: The creamier the better – it gives the stew that indulgent finish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for an extra hit of umami and richness.
  • Seasonings (Lawry’s Seasoning Salt, Buttery Steakhouse Rub, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Herbs de Provence): This blend brings complex, well-rounded flavor to every bite.
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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

One of my favorite things about this Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Stew Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you prefer it heartier with extra veggies, or crave a spicier kick, this base recipe is your canvas to experiment with flavors that suit your family’s preferences.

  • Variation: I once swapped smoked sausage for chorizo to add a smoky heat that took the stew in a whole new direction—and my guests loved it!
  • Vegetarian twist: You can replace the meats with your favorite mushrooms and extra beans; just adjust the cooking time to keep veggies tender but not mushy.
  • Make it paleo: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and omit the Parmesan, and you’ve got a rich stew that’s grain-free and delicious.
  • Extra green: Toss in spinach or kale at the end of cooking for a pop of color and added nutrients.

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—this is key because too small and they’ll disintegrate, too big and they won’t soften properly. Dice celery, carrots, and onion, then mince your garlic cloves finely. Adding these to the crockpot, pour melted butter on top, then sprinkle all your spices over the veggies. Give everything a good stir so the flavors evenly distribute. This prep sets the foundation for your stew’s depth.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Chicken

Heat a teaspoon of cooking oil in a skillet on medium. Brown your smoked sausage slices until they get a lovely caramelized edge—this step adds serious flavor you don’t want to skip; then, set sausage aside. Season your chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them in that same skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side. The brown bits left behind are gold because they add richness to your stew later.

Step 3: Layer Ingredients Into the Crockpot

Stir the browned sausage into your veggie mixture in the crockpot. Nestle the browned chicken pieces right on top, then pour in the chicken broth gently so you don’t disturb your layering too much. Cover the lid and set your slow cooker to high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours. This slow simmer is where the magic happens, making the chicken super tender and melding all the flavors together.

Step 4: Finish with Cream, Cheese & Texture

When it’s done cooking, take the chicken out and shred or chop it up. Use a potato masher to mash a few of the potatoes inside the stew – this is your secret to creating a naturally thickened, creamy broth without extra cream. Mix your corn starch with water to create a slurry then stir it into the crockpot along with the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Stir well to melt the cheese and combine all the flavors, then return the chicken to the pot. Let everything rest on the warm setting for 10-15 minutes to thicken up perfectly.

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

  • Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the sausage and chicken really pumps up the depth of flavor you’ll get in the final stew.
  • Chunk Size Matters: Cut potatoes fairly evenly to ensure they cook at the same pace and avoid mushy spots.
  • Mash Some Potatoes: Mashing a few potatoes right in the stew creates natural thickness without needing flour or cream alone.
  • Let It Rest: After adding cream and cheese, give the stew time to thicken on warm – rushing this step can make it runny.

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 like to finish this stew with a sprinkle of dried parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous note. You could also add chopped chives or a little cracked black pepper on top for extra zing. These simple garnishes make the dish look inviting without complicating the flavors.

Side Dishes

This stew is a full meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a warm baguette to soak up every last drop of stew. For a lighter side, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Sometimes, I even serve it alongside roasted green beans or sautéed spinach for extra greens.

Creative Ways to Present

For special family dinners, I serve the Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Stew Recipe in individual rustic bread bowls—kids and adults love it! Another trick is to ladle the stew over creamy polenta or buttered egg noodles for a comforting twist. It also looks great topped with a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs when you want to impress guests without fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where they keep beautifully for 3-4 days. The stew actually tastes better the next day when the flavors have had more time to develop — just give it a gentle stir before reheating to revive the creaminess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stew many times with great success. To freeze, portion it out into freezer-safe containers (leave some room for expansion). When thawed, the texture is almost as good as fresh—just remember that dairy can sometimes separate, so a quick stir while reheating is helpful.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat so nothing scorches, stirring often. If you use a microwave, heat in short bursts and stir in between to keep the texture creamy and prevent curdling from the heavy cream.

FAQs

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

    Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well. Thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender during slow cooking, which can enhance the stew’s richness. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

  2. Is it possible to make this stew dairy-free?

    Yes, you can make it dairy-free by substituting the heavy cream with coconut milk and omitting the Parmesan cheese or replacing it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Keep in mind the stew will have a slightly different flavor but will still be creamy and delicious.

  3. How can I thicken the stew if I don’t have cornstarch?

    If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour as a thickener. Mix it with a bit of cold water to make a slurry just like with cornstarch, then stir it in at the end of cooking. Just cook it a little longer to remove any raw flour taste. Alternatively, mashing more potatoes directly into the stew naturally thickens the broth.

  4. Can I prepare the stew ingredients the night before?

    Definitely! Prepping your chopped veggies and seasoning them the night before can save time on cooking day. Just keep the seasoned vegetables covered in the fridge and add them to the slow cooker when ready. It’s a great way to make weeknight dinners even easier.

  5. What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the chicken in the slow cooker?

    Since chicken can dry out if overcooked, I like to brown it first to lock in moisture and then cook on low for the recommended 6-8 hours rather than high to give a gentler finish. Removing it to shred before adding cream and cheese also prevents the dairy from curdling during the longer cook time.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Stew Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it’s reliable, comforting, and downright delicious every single time. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after school or looking for an easy meal to come home to on a busy day, this stew checks all the boxes. Give it a try—you’re going to love how this cozy dish feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

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Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Stew Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 15 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Crockpot Creamy Chicken, Sausage and Potato Stew is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts and smoky sausage cooked with chunky yellow potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions in a flavorful broth, finished with a creamy Parmesan sauce for a rich and satisfying stew.

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

  • 1 lb Smoked Sausage, sliced
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs

Dairy & Fats

  • 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
  • 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 the chicken
  • Dried Parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the chopped yellow potatoes, diced celery, carrots, 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 combine.
  2. Brown the Sausage: Heat 1 teaspoon of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and brown it thoroughly, about 3-4 minutes. Once browned, 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. Using the same skillet, brown the chicken pieces for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a nice color. Remove from heat.
  4. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Stir the browned sausage into the vegetables and seasonings in the slow cooker. Place the browned chicken on top. Pour in the 5 cups of low sodium chicken broth evenly over the ingredients.
  5. Cook the Stew: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 8 hours until the potatoes and vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through.
  6. Prepare Chicken and Mash Potatoes: Once cooking is finished, remove the chicken pieces and shred or cut into bite-sized pieces. Use a potato masher to mash a few of the cooked potatoes in the slow cooker to help thicken the stew.
  7. Make Corn Starch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of corn starch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker, then stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts and the stew becomes creamy.
  8. Finish and Thicken: Add the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker. Set to warm and let the stew rest for 15 minutes to thicken and meld the flavors before serving.
  9. Serve: Garnish with dried parsley and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy chicken, sausage, and potato stew.

Notes

  • For more flavor, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts as they remain moist and tender after slow cooking.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, mash more potatoes or increase the cornstarch slurry slightly.
  • Adjust seasoning salt and spices according to your taste preference, especially if using regular instead of low sodium broth.
  • You can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa or chorizo for a different smoky profile.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk, though the stew will be less rich.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

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