If there’s one dish I turn to when I crave an ultra-cozy, set-it-and-forget-it meal, it’s Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. This savory, veggie-packed stew brings together tender chicken, hearty potatoes, carrots, and the perfect blend of fragrant herbs, all slowly melding together in one big aromatic pot. It has that wonderful, old-fashioned flavor that feels like a warm hug, but it’s also weeknight-easy, thanks to your trusty slow cooker. Whether you’re in need of a nourishing dinner after a long day or want something crowd-pleasing for the weekend, this stew never fails to satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this recipe is how each ingredient earns its place—no fillers, just real, flavorful staples coming together to make a truly memorable Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why:
- Chicken thighs (or breasts): Thighs give extra richness and stay juicy, but breasts work great if you want something a bit lighter.
- Chicken broth: The savory backbone of this stew; a good quality broth makes all the flavors sing.
- Potatoes: They break down a bit, adding body and heartiness with every bite.
- Carrots: Sweet and colorful, carrots help brighten every spoonful.
- Celery: Adds that signature stew aroma and a delicate earthy crunch.
- Onion: For deep, aromatic flavor that builds the foundation of the stew.
- Garlic: Essential for warmth and depth—don’t skip it!
- Dried thyme: A classic chicken pairing, providing subtle herby notes in the background.
- Dried rosemary: A touch of piney, woodsy flavor that makes everything feel more comforting.
- Salt: Just enough to wake up every other ingredient.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is best, for a gentle, peppery kick.
- Frozen peas: Stirred in at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Heavy cream (optional): Adds serious richness and makes the broth wonderfully silky.
- All-purpose flour (optional): Use as a quick thickener if you like your stew extra hearty.
- Olive oil (optional): Perfect for searing chicken if you want an extra flavor boost.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped and sprinkled on top, it adds a burst of freshness and color right before serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Step 1: Sear the Chicken (Optional, but Highly Recommended)
If you have a few extra minutes and want even more flavor, start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your chicken pieces and cook until they’re lightly golden on the outside, about 3–4 minutes. This browning step is optional but adds a lovely depth to the finished stew—totally worth the tiny bit of extra effort!
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the chicken (browned or not, your call) into your slow cooker. Pile on the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Sprinkle the thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper evenly over everything. Pour in your chicken broth last, ensuring all those vibrant veggies and tender chicken are snugly nestled in their bath. Give things a gentle stir to combine.
Step 3: Set It and Forget It
Now, this is where the magic happens! Cover your slow cooker and cook the stew on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fall-apart tender and the vegetables are perfectly soft (but not mushy). Take a moment to inhale—it’s probably already making your house smell incredible.
Step 4: Add Peas and Cream
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the frozen peas and heavy cream (if you’re using it). The peas bring brightness and slightly sweet flavor, while the cream gives the stew an extra silky finish. This little step separates a good stew from a truly great one!
Step 5: Thicken (If Desired)
If you love your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with a thicker, almost chowder-style consistency, mix flour with a dash of water into a smooth slurry. Stir this into the stew, and let everything finish cooking for the last half hour. Prefer a gluten-free option? Use cornstarch instead. Or keep it rustic by mashing a few potatoes right in the pot—works like a charm.
Step 6: Taste and Serve
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning—it’s your moment to make it perfect with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls, add a (generous!) sprinkle of fresh parsley, and get ready to tuck into something deliciously soul-satisfying.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Garnishes
The tiniest touches make a big impact: a scattering of fresh parsley immediately brightens up the bowl, while a grind of black pepper or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can take the presentation to the next level. If you’re feeling bold, try a small spoonful of pesto or a touch of grated Parmesan for an Italian-inspired twist. Garnishes aren’t just for looks—they add layers of fresh and savory flavor too!
Side Dishes
What’s stew without something to dip? Warm, crusty bread is a must for mopping up every drop of broth. A simple green salad with lemony vinaigrette makes a crisp, bright contrast to the hearty stew. For extra coziness, serve with a scoop of steamed rice, buttery egg noodles, or even a hunk of soft, herby focaccia on the side. The possibilities are deliciously endless!
Creative Ways to Present
Sometimes it’s fun to switch things up! Try serving Slow Cooker Chicken Stew in hollowed out bread bowls for an impressive (and edible!) vessel. Or, ladle the stew into mini mugs or teacups for a cozy appetizer at a dinner party. For a family-style meal, bring the slow cooker insert straight to the table so everyone can scoop their own steaming portion—guaranteed to spark conversation and second helpings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen, so that next bowl might be even more irresistible than the first.
Freezing
This stew is a freezer superstar. Once fully cooled, spoon portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags (laying them flat saves space!). It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave a little space in the container for expansion, and label with the date for best results.
Reheating
Ready for round two? Reheat on the stove over medium heat until simmering, or warm gently in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If it’s a little thick after chilling, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it back up. Don’t forget to check and adjust seasonings before serving again!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work beautifully in Slow Cooker Chicken Stew if you prefer white meat or a leaner result. Just keep in mind that breasts cook a bit faster and can dry out, so check for doneness on the early side.
How can I make this stew gluten-free?
For a gluten-free Slow Cooker Chicken Stew, simply swap the all-purpose flour for cornstarch when thickening (use the same slurry method). All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a perfect option for those with sensitivities.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is great for using up what you have—try adding parsnips, sweet potatoes, turnips, or even green beans. Just chop veggies into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the rest.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a make-ahead dream. You can prep all your ingredients the night before and refrigerate them right in the slow cooker insert (if it fits). In the morning, just pop it into the cooker, add broth, and let it simmer until your guests arrive—they’ll be met with irresistible aroma!
What’s the best way to thicken the stew?
The easiest way is to stir a flour or cornstarch slurry in near the end of cooking, but mashing a few potatoes into the broth also works wonders. Start small and add more to get your perfect stew consistency.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew enough—it’s simple to prepare, packed with rich, homey flavor, and endlessly adaptable to your cravings or what you have on hand. If you need a comforting, fuss-free dinner to warm you up, this is the recipe to try. Let your slow cooker do the work and enjoy bowl after bowl of cozy, delicious stew!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup/Stew
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for chilly days. Tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, and peas simmered in a flavorful broth create a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken Stew:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing chicken)
Instructions
- If using, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned (about 3-4 minutes). This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you prefer a quicker method.
- Transfer the chicken (whether browned or not) to the slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and the heavy cream if you desire a creamier stew.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the flour with a little water to make a slurry, then stir it into the stew. Let the stew cook for the remaining time until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a slightly different flavor.
- For a thicker stew, the optional flour can be added. Alternatively, you can mash a portion of the potatoes to help thicken the broth.
- To make it gluten-free, use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the stew.
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