If there’s one dish I reach for when I need pure, heartwarming comfort, it’s Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. This isn’t just another stew—it’s a bowlful of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a richly layered broth, all coming together with the minimal effort that only a slow cooker can provide. Whether you’re coming home to a chilly kitchen or feeding a hungry crowd, this stew is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s beloved in my own kitchen for its wholesome flavors and melt-in-your-mouth chicken, and I always look forward to sharing a steaming bowl with friends or family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of what makes this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew so magical is the simple cast of characters in your fridge and pantry. Each ingredient plays a starring role—bringing color, flavor, or heartiness to every bite. Here’s what you’ll need to create the coziest stew you’ve ever tasted:
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy and forgiving, boneless chicken thighs become succulent and flavorful after slow cooking—cut them into hearty chunks for the perfect bite.
- Carrots: These bring lovely sweetness and a vibrant orange pop that brightens up your bowl.
- Potatoes: Rustic, creamy, and filling, they soak up all the savory juices and make the stew extra hearty.
- Celery: Adds a gentle crunch and aromatic depth—it wouldn’t be a stew without it!
- Onion: Chopped onion melts down into the broth, giving richness and subtle sweetness throughout.
- Garlic: Three cloves may sound like a lot, but trust me, it infuses the whole stew with comforting flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper: These classic seasonings are the backbone—don’t skip or skimp, and season to taste at the end.
- Dried Thyme & Rosemary: These earthy herbs pair perfectly with chicken and evoke that classic “stew” flavor.
- Paprika: Just a little gives warmth and a rosy hue to the broth, boosting deliciousness.
- Bay Leaf: The subtle, herbal aroma lends complexity to the background of the stew.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: It brings all the flavors together without being too salty—homemade or store-bought works fine.
- Tomato Paste: Just a bit of tomato paste adds a savory, umami-rich depth to the base.
- All-Purpose Flour & Water: Whisked together, this duo thickens your stew just the right amount.
- Frozen Peas: Stirred in at the end for a burst of green (and freshness!), they’re tender but never mushy.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional, but it’s the perfect final flourish—chopped and sprinkled right before serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Begin by placing your chicken thigh chunks, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic straight into your slow cooker. There’s no need to pre-cook or fuss—just pile them in. Add your salt, black pepper, dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, and bay leaf. Pour in the chicken broth and tomato paste, and give everything a good stir to thoroughly combine. The best part? The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting from here on out.
Step 2: Let It Simmer and Fill Your Kitchen with Comfort
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. As everything bubbles away slowly, the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, the veggies soften, and all those lovely flavors meld into one harmonious stew. If you’re home, your whole house will cozy up with the aroma—it’s basically an edible hug.
Step 3: Thicken the Stew to Cozy Perfection
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, whisk the flour and water together in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the stew, making sure it’s fully incorporated. This simple step creates that craveable, thickened broth without lumps or fuss. Your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew will transform from brothy to richly hearty in no time.
Step 4: Add Peas and Final Touches
In the last 10 minutes of cook time, stir in the frozen peas. They’ll stay bright and crisp, adding color and just the right amount of bite. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before adjusting the seasoning—taste, and add more salt or pepper if needed. Finish with a handful of chopped parsley, if you like, for an inviting splash of green right before serving.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew—it gives a bright, herbal lift to each bowl. You can also try a dusting of parmesan, some crunchy croutons, or even a swirl of Greek yogurt for extra richness. It’s all about making every serving feel special and a little bit personal.
Side Dishes
This hearty stew really shines with something to soak up its delicious broth. Crusty bread, fluffy dinner rolls, or even a side of buttery biscuits are absolute winners. If you want to go lighter, try a simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette alongside—it’ll balance the richness and keep things fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or weeknight dinners alike, you can ladle your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew into individual bowls and top with fresh herbs or microgreens. Serve it in hollowed-out bread bowls for something a bit more fun, or spoon it over rice or wide egg noodles if you want to stretch the meal. Little touches make it truly memorable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the joys of this stew is how well it keeps. Once completely cool, transfer any leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Stew to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, which means tomorrow’s lunch might be even better than tonight’s dinner!
Freezing
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep. Ladle cooled stew into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It keeps well frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a cozy meal, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your stew on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot. You can also use the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating. If the stew has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up and restore that irresistible, soupy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but keep in mind they can dry out slightly faster than thighs. Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender after hours in the slow cooker, so they’re my top pick for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes—this stew is wonderfully flexible! Add green beans, corn, sweet potatoes, or parsnips to switch up the flavor and texture. Just try to keep total vegetable amounts close to the recipe so everything cooks evenly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simple: just swap in a gluten-free flour blend for thickening, or use cornstarch mixed with a bit of water. Your stew will still be thick, velvety, and 100 percent delicious!
Can I prep this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew the night before?
Definitely. Assemble all the ingredients (except peas, flour, and water) in your slow cooker insert the night before. Cover and refrigerate. In the morning, set the slow cooker to run as usual, and finish with thickener and peas at the end. So easy!
Is it possible to double the recipe?
As long as your slow cooker is large enough, you can absolutely double this stew for a crowd or to have extra for freezing. The cooking time may increase slightly, so always check that the chicken and veggies are tender before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table over a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. It’s pure coziness, made easy, and honestly, it’s bound to become a household favorite. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—your slow cooker (and your taste buds!) will thank you.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (on low)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and savory herbs, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken Stew:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)
- 4 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Slurry:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
Additional:
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Combine chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, paprika, bay leaf, chicken broth, and tomato paste in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Thicken Stew: Mix flour and water to form a slurry, then stir into the stew 30 minutes before serving.
- Add Peas: Include peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Final Touches: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, sear chicken before adding to the slow cooker.
- Variations: Use sweet potatoes or add green beans for a twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
