Introduction to Creamy Chicken Sausage Stew
Ah, the comfort of a warm bowl of stew on a chilly evening! My Creamy Chicken Sausage Stew is like a hug in a bowl, perfect for busy nights when time is tight. As a mom and a home cook, I know how vital a hearty meal can be, especially when you’re juggling work, family, and everything in between. This stew is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavors that bring everyone to the table. Imagine tender chicken and savory sausage mingling with rich, creamy goodness—it’s pure comfort food heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Sausage Stew
This Creamy Chicken Sausage Stew is a godsend for busy evenings! It’s a one-pot wonder, saving you time on cooking and cleanup. The flavors blend beautifully as it simmers, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without the fuss. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying, with that rich creaminess that warms your soul. Trust me, your family will beg for seconds!
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Sausage Stew
To create my delightful Creamy Chicken Sausage Stew, you’ll need some simple yet vibrant ingredients that pack a flavor punch. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Yellow potatoes: These creamy spuds are perfect for hearty texture and absorb all the fantastic flavors.
- Celery: Adds a refreshing crunch and enhances the stew’s aroma.
- Carrots: Sweet and colorful, they bring a touch of natural sweetness and earthiness.
- Yellow onion: A must for depth of flavor; its sweetness mellows as it cooks.
- Garlic: Because who doesn’t love the aroma of sautéed garlic? It’s a flavor enhancer!
- Unsalted butter: This rich fat adds a luxurious base and helps to season the vegetables beautifully.
- Smoked sausage: For that meaty goodness and a smoky essence that’s irresistible.
- Cooking oil: Just a touch for browning; olive oil or vegetable oil works well.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Tender protein that soaks up all that creamy goodness.
- Low sodium chicken broth: This provides a flavorful base; low sodium keeps it heart-healthy.
- Cornstarch: A thickener that helps create that luscious creamy texture.
- Water: Just a small amount to mix with cornstarch for the perfect consistency.
- Heavy cream: Ah, the star that brings richness and decadence to our stew.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a cheesy finish that adds umami depth.
- Lawry’s seasoning salt: This magic mix elevates the flavor profile in just one sprinkle.
- Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse Rub: A wonderful blend that brings savory notes to every bite.
- Garlic powder: Extra garlic goodness, because you can never have too much!
- Black pepper: A gentle kick that balances the richness.
- Herbs de Provence: A touch of this blend adds aromatic herbiness to the stew.
- Dried parsley: For a sprinkle of color on top, it’s all about the presentation!
- Salt and pepper: Necessary seasonings to balance flavors just right.
Feel free to mix up the veggies based on your family’s preferences—always a win in my book! You can find the exact measurements and printable version at the bottom of the article.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Stew
Step 1 – Prepare the Vegetables
Start by peeling and roughly chopping your yellow potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Dice the celery, carrots, and onion—each brings its charm to the stew. Don’t forget to mince those garlic cloves, the aromatic powerhouse of flavor! Seasoning right from the beginning is crucial; it helps infuse the vegetables with flavors that will bloom as they cook. I like to drizzle the melted butter over the veggies and sprinkle on Lawry’s seasoning salt, Kinder’s rub, garlic powder, black pepper, and herbs de Provence. Give everything a good mix! Just like seasoning your life, adding spice makes all the difference in taste.
Step 2 – Brown the Sausage
Next up, let’s heat a skillet over medium heat and add a teaspoon of cooking oil. Toss in your slices of smoked sausage, letting them sizzle away for about 5-7 minutes. Browning is not just for aesthetics! This caramelization develops layers of flavor, adding richness to our creamy chicken sausage stew. As they cook, you’ll notice that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby. Once they’re beautifully browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside, but don’t clean the pan just yet! All those tasty drippings will work wonders in the next step.
Step 3 – Sear the Chicken
Now, let’s get that chicken up to speed. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper to enhance flavor right from the get-go. Using the same skillet, add the chicken and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is crucial; it seals in juices while preventing overcooking later. When the chicken is golden but not fully done, remove it from the heat and set it aside. You’re just building flavor upon flavor, creating a dish that’s deliciously cohesive.
Step 4 – Combine Everything in Slow Cooker
With your sausage and chicken ready, it’s time to assemble the magic! Pour the seasoned vegetable mixture into the slow cooker, following with the beautifully browned sausage. Next, gently place the seared chicken on top. Pour in your low sodium chicken broth, which holds everything together. Cover and choose your cooking speed; high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Just like life, layering is key! The bottom always benefits from being seasoned first, allowing flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring each bite is delightful.
Step 5 – Finish the Stew
After the cooking time is up, pull the chicken out of the cooker. Shred or chop it into pieces—it’s like magic how tender it becomes! To enhance the texture, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the slow cooker. Then, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the pot, ensuring a luscious thickness. Now for the grand finale: add in the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture thickens. Let it rest on warm for about 10-15 minutes before serving. The result? A creamy chicken sausage stew that’s rich, comforting, and ready to warm your soul!
Tips for Success
- Prep ingredients the night before to save time in the morning.
- Use fresh herbs for an extra boost of flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker; keep it half to two-thirds full for even cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving; everyone’s palate is different!
- Consider adding a splash of white wine for an extra depth of flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker: This is essential for our creamy chicken sausage stew; a stovetop pot works if you prefer.
- Skillet: A non-stick skillet is great for browning; any sturdy pan will do.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping vegetables; a food processor can speed this up!
- Potato masher: To achieve that perfect creamy texture; a fork can work in a pinch.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken and sausage with plant-based alternatives like lentils or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for those who crave a little heat.
- Herb-Infused: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for an aromatic twist.
- Extra Creamy: Swap the heavy cream with half-and-half for a less rich but still deliciously creamy option.
- Root Veggies: Incorporate different root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips for a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for soaking up that creamy goodness.
- A side salad with your favorite greens and a light vinaigrette complements the stew perfectly.
- Consider serving with a glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
FAQs about Creamy Chicken Sausage Stew
Can I make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! I often prepare my Creamy Chicken Sausage Stew a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container once it cools. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious!
Can I freeze the stew?
Yes, freezing works great! Once it cools, transfer the stew to freezer-safe containers. It should last up to three months. To enjoy, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
How can I make this stew spicier?
If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes just before serving also gives a delightful kick!
What are the best sides to serve with my Creamy Chicken Sausage Stew?
Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for dunking! A light side salad with a vinaigrette can balance the richness. You really can’t go wrong!
Can I use other meats?
Of course! Feel free to swap the chicken for turkey or even beef, depending on your family’s preference. Remember, adjust cooking times accordingly for different proteins!
Final Thoughts
Cooking my Creamy Chicken Sausage Stew has truly been a rewarding experience. The joy of gathering around the table with family, sharing laughter and stories over a hearty meal is priceless. Each spoonful offers warmth and comfort, reminding us of cozy nights spent together. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare; I often get compliments from friends and family, eager for the recipe. So why not indulge in this creamy delight? I’m sure it will become a beloved staple in your home just like it has in mine, bringing love and comfort in every warm bowl!
Print
Creamy Chicken Sausage Stew
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting creamy stew made with chicken sausage, potatoes, and a rich blend of seasonings.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs yellow potatoes, roughly chopped
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 carrots, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 6–7 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 tsp cooking oil
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 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
- Dried parsley, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to season chicken
Instructions
- 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 thoroughly.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the smoked sausage slices until cooked and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Using the same skillet, brown chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Stir the browned sausage into the vegetable mixture in the slow cooker. Place the seared chicken on top. Pour in the chicken broth. Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or chop into pieces. Use a potato masher to mash a few potatoes in the crockpot to enhance texture.
- Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot along with heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and mixture thickens. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and let rest on warm for 10-15 minutes. Garnish with dried parsley before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to swap out vegetables according to your preference.
- Make sure to use low sodium chicken broth for a healthier option.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
