Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Let me introduce you to a dish that absolutely fills your kitchen with comfort—the irresistible Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. This recipe is the answer when you crave a nourishing meal that is both simple to make and packed with hearty flavors. Tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs come together in a cozy broth, all effortlessly prepared in your slow cooker. It’s the kind of meal that draws everyone to the table, eager for a big, warming bowl.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how everyday ingredients can transform into a delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. Each item plays a special role in achieving the perfect balance of comfort, color, and taste—giving your stew soul, body, and a pop of freshness.

• Chicken thighs (1.5 pounds, boneless & skinless, cut into chunks): Brings rich flavor and stays incredibly tender, even after hours of simmering.
• Carrots (3 medium, sliced): Add a sweet earthiness and gorgeous orange hue to every spoonful.
• Celery (2 stalks, sliced): Offers a subtle crunch and savory depth, essential for building a classic stew base.
• Potatoes (3 medium, peeled and diced): Break down slightly during cooking, naturally thickening the stew and making it heartier.
• Onion (1 small, chopped): Melds into the background for a savory, aromatic foundation.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds warmth and a gentle punch that lifts all the other flavors.
• Frozen peas (1 cup): Stirred in at the end, they bring bright color and a burst of sweetness.
• Chicken broth (4 cups, low-sodium): The flavorful liquid that binds everything together and keeps it so satisfyingly juicy.
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Just a bit deepens the flavor, adding an appealing tang.
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Lends subtle floral, woodsy notes that work beautifully with chicken.
• Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon): A hint of this herb goes a long way, seasoning the stew with cozy, pine-like aroma.
• Bay leaf (1): Releases a lovely herby depth over the hours of slow cooking—don’t forget to remove before serving!
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Adds the final touch, enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons) + Water (2 tablespoons, optional): Mix together to create a slurry for thickening, if you like a heartier, more spoonable stew.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before starting, gather and prep all your vegetables and chicken. Cutting everything into even-sized chunks ensures every bite is tender and the flavors meld beautifully. Doing this at the beginning makes putting together the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew feel like a breeze.

Step 2: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Add the chicken, carrots, celery, potatoes, onion, and garlic straight into your slow cooker. There’s a certain satisfaction in layering these colorful ingredients—imagine the transformation to come! If you have a few extra minutes, you can sear the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic first; this step is optional, but really enhances flavor and depth.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and tomato paste until smooth. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in your slow cooker. This broth will soak into every veggie and piece of chicken, infusing every bite of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with a savory, tangy essence.

Step 4: Season and Slow Cook

Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours. While it slowly cooks, the aroma filling your home will be just as satisfying as the finished dish!

Step 5: Add Peas and (Optional) Thicken

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. If you love a thicker stew, now’s the time to add that cornstarch slurry—simply mix cornstarch and water and stir it in. Give everything a good mix and cover again, letting the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew finish thickening and the peas brighten up.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once it’s ready, fish out the bay leaf and taste for seasoning, adding a bit more salt or pepper if desired. Ladle the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew into bowls and get ready for rave reviews—comfort food at its best!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Garnishes

No bowl of stew is complete without a little flourish! Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of cracked black pepper right before serving; the pop of green and extra aroma make a heartwarming difference. For added richness, a tiny dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of good olive oil tastes amazing.

Side Dishes

This stew loves a crusty loaf of bread for dipping, but it’s equally delicious spooned over fluffy rice or alongside creamy mashed potatoes. Some even like a scoop right in a hollowed bread bowl—the perfect edible vessel. Keep it simple or lean into comfort carbs; there’s no wrong way to round out Slow Cooker Chicken Stew.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving for a crowd or craving a dinner party wow-factor, try ladling the stew into mini cocottes or oven-safe mugs. Add a sprinkle of cheese and run under the broiler for a bubbling finish. Family-style in a big, rustic pot is always a hit, too—let everyone help themselves and pair with a green salad for freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This recipe makes a generous batch, and Slow Cooker Chicken Stew only gets better after a night in the fridge. Ladle leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors will mingle and deepen, making tomorrow’s lunch even cozier.

Freezing

Want comfort at your fingertips? This stew freezes like a dream. Once completely cool, portion into freezer-safe bags or rigid containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It will keep beautifully for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat thawed Slow Cooker Chicken Stew gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If you’re in a hurry, microwave in 1–2 minute bursts, stirring between each, until heated through. Add a splash of extra broth if it seems too thick.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work, but keep in mind they cook up leaner and can be less juicy than thighs. If using breasts, cut them in large chunks and check for doneness a bit earlier to keep them tender.

How can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew more flavorful?

Try searing the chicken and sautéing the onions and garlic first for added depth. A splash of white wine, Worcestershire sauce, or even a little smoked paprika can take your stew to the next level, too.

What vegetables can I add or substitute?

This recipe is flexible—swap or add parsnips, sweet potatoes, green beans, or even a handful of kale toward the end of cooking. Use what you love or have on hand!

Can I cook Slow Cooker Chicken Stew on high the entire time?

Yes, you can cook it on high for 4–5 hours instead of low for 7–8 hours. Just be careful not to overcook the vegetables; if using delicate veggies, add them about halfway through for best texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the basic recipe is gluten-free as written! Just ensure your chicken broth and any other optional additions are certified gluten-free for extra assurance.

Final Thoughts

A bowl of homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is pure comfort—easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and absolutely delicious every single time. I hope this recipe finds a regular spot at your table and brings you the same cozy joy it brings to my kitchen. Give it a try and let the aroma and flavors work their magic!

Print