Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy dinner, it really doesn’t get much better than Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. This hearty dish boasts tender chunks of chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a luxuriously thick broth—each spoonful tastes like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this stew practically cooks itself, leaving you with a home that smells amazing and a meal that nourishes, comforts, and satisfies every single time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient works together to create layers of flavor, heartiness, and such inviting color. These are the essentials that make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew shine, and you likely have most on hand already!

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, thighs stay succulent even after hours of slow cooking.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Gives the stew a rich, savory base without making it overly salty.
• Carrots: Add a subtle sweetness and beautiful color to your stew.
• Potatoes: Dice them up small for a creamy bite that helps thicken the stew naturally.
• Celery: Lends fresh, aromatic crunch that balances the richness.
• Yellow onion: Infuses gentle sweetness and depth into the broth.
• Garlic: Adds irresistible aroma and savory warmth—don’t skip it!
• Tomato paste: A spoonful brings richness, color, and that special slow-cooked “pop.”
• Dried thyme: A classic herb that brings an instantly familiar, comforting flavor.
• Dried rosemary: Just a pinch for an earthy, aromatic undertone.
• Bay leaf: Lends a subtle, almost elusive depth that makes the stew taste soulful.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential basics that enhance every bite.
• All-purpose flour: Helps the broth thicken into a luscious stew consistency—swap for gluten-free if needed.
• Olive oil: Searing the chicken gives extra flavor and golden color.
• Frozen peas (optional): Stir these in at the end for pops of sweetness and pretty green color.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the final stew with fresh flavor and a splash of green.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

This step is totally worth the extra few minutes! Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then add the chicken and brown for 2–3 minutes. While you could toss everything straight into the slow cooker, this builds that irresistible flavor base that makes your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew truly restaurant-worthy.

Step 2: Layer in the Veggies

Transfer the seared chicken right into your slow cooker. Next, top with all those beautiful veggies—carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic. Each vegetable releases its own sweet and savory notes, building the backbone of the stew as they slowly mingle together.

Step 3: Whisk and Add the Broth

In a small bowl, whisk your flour into the chicken broth until smooth. This mixture does double duty: It keeps the broth silky and lump-free, and helps thicken the stew as it simmers. Pour it evenly over the veggies and chicken in your slow cooker.

Step 4: Season and Set to Cook

Add the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir just to settle it in—then cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, until the vegetables are meltingly tender and your stew is rich and thickened. Your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 5: Finish with Peas and Parsley

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas if you like—this is the moment to add a fresh burst of green and a little sweetness. Discard the bay leaf, then just before serving, stir in the chopped parsley for a garden-fresh finish. Your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Garnishes

A handful of chopped fresh parsley does wonders for color and brightness! For an extra flourish, try a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, a few thyme leaves, or even a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving. These finishing touches make every bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This stew is full of hearty veggies and protein, but serving it with warm crusty bread, fluffy dinner rolls, or even a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes is pure comfort food magic. If you’re keeping it light, a crisp green salad makes a fresh companion to your rich, satisfying stew.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew into hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, rustic dinner party effect. Or, serve it family-style in a big, colorful Dutch oven with plenty of toppings so everyone can add their favorites—kids and adults alike will love customizing their bowls!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew has cooled, transfer any leftovers to airtight containers. In the fridge, it stays delicious for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better as they mingle, so you’ll look forward to those next-day bowls!

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully—just skip the peas until you’re ready to reheat. Cool the stew completely, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and tuck it away for up to 3 months. You’ve got homemade comfort food waiting at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of broth if the stew seems too thick, and stir in fresh parsley or peas to perk it back up before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer a leaner option, though they may turn out slightly less tender than thighs. Just be careful not to overcook, as breasts can dry out more quickly than thighs in a slow cooker setting.

How can I make this stew gluten-free?

It’s easy: simply swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend, or use cornstarch to thicken. Everything else in Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is naturally gluten-free, making it super adaptable for different diets.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in parsnips, sweet potatoes, green beans, or even chopped kale during the last hour of cooking. Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is very forgiving and lends itself to whatever veggies you have on hand.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

No worries. You can make this stew in a Dutch oven or heavy pot. After searing the chicken and sautéing the veggies, simmer gently on the stovetop for about 1.5 to 2 hours, checking occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.

Can I prep this stew the night before?

Yes! You can layer the uncooked chicken and veggies in your slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Whisk together the broth and flour to add in the morning, then start your slow cooker when you wake up. Dinner is nearly done before your day even begins!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew a spot in your meal rotation. With its easy steps, rich flavors, and soul-soothing comfort, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again—especially when you want dinner to taste just like a warm hug!

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