If you are looking for a comforting and fuss-free meal that fills your home with delicious aromas, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is your new best friend. Packed with tender chunks of chicken, hearty vegetables, and fragrant herbs, this stew is a perfect blend of rich flavor and wholesome ingredients, slow-cooked to perfection. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this dish warms both body and soul with minimal effort, great texture, and a beautiful medley of colors that make it feel like a celebration in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a special role, bringing balance to texture, flavor, and color that makes the stew inviting and satisfying.
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: These provide tender, juicy protein that melts in your mouth after slow cooking.
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced: They add sweetness, vibrant orange color, and a slight crunch to contrast the softness of the stew.
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: Perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices, they give body and creaminess to the dish.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Bring a subtle fresh flavor and a little crunch to brighten the stew.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds depth and natural sweetness, essential for a well-rounded stew base.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses the stew with aromatic warmth and a touch of spicy complexity.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice: Introduces a tangy, slightly acidic note that balances the richness perfectly.
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth: This is the flavorful liquid foundation that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers subtle earthiness and a fragrant herbal note that complements the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Rosemary creates a piney, savory aroma that elevates the stew’s character.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds smoky warmth and a gentle color boost.
- 1 bay leaf: Slow-simmered to impart a mild, sweet herbal flavor throughout the stew.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Brings just the right amount of heat and depth.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional): A handy trick for thickening the stew to your preferred consistency.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of fresh green color and a hint of bright flavor before serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping the chicken into chunks to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness. Peel and slice your carrots, dice the potatoes, slice celery, chop onions, and mince garlic. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and easy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Add the chicken chunks, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, garlic, and the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juice directly into your slow cooker bowl. Pour in 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to infuse moisture and flavor throughout. Stir in dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, black pepper, and toss in the bay leaf to infuse delicate herbal notes as it cooks.
Step 3: Set and Cook
Cover your slow cooker and cook the stew on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, depending on your timing. This slow, gentle cooking is what transforms simple ingredients into tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker, heartier stew, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This step is completely optional but recommended to create that luscious, stew-like consistency everyone loves.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serve
Before serving, remember to fish out the bay leaf. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness that brightens every bite. The stew is now ready to be enjoyed hot!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just pretty; it adds a subtle herbal freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, slow-cooked flavors. For extra indulgence, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can enhance the final presentation.
Side Dishes
This stew is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread that’s perfect for sopping up every last bit of broth. Alternatively, serving it over steamed rice or buttered noodles turns it into an even more filling meal that the whole family will appreciate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic vibe, serve the stew in warmed, deep bowls with a side of garlic bread. On special nights, elevate the experience by adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top, which adds creamy tang and balances the warmth of the stew. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate. This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe stays fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge, making it an easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner for busy days ahead.
Freezing
This stew freezes remarkably well, keeping its flavor and texture intact. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. If the stew has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it back to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work great in this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe. Thighs tend to stay juicier during the slow cook, but breasts will still be tender and delicious as long as you don’t overcook them.
Is it possible to make this stew gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is inherently gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and cornstarch. It’s a perfect option for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! Feel free to add vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, or green beans. Keep in mind that firmer vegetables might need a bit longer to cook or can be added midway through the cooking time for the best texture.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can prepare this stew in a large pot on the stovetop. Simmer gently over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and vegetables are cooked. Adjust the liquid if needed.
How can I thicken the stew without cornstarch?
If you prefer to avoid cornstarch, you can use flour, instant mashed potato flakes, or simply mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the stew to thicken it naturally.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that requires little hands-on time but delivers big on flavor and comfort. This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is exactly that kind of recipe—heartwarming, reliable, and downright delicious. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every spoonful as much as I do sharing it with friends and family. It’s the kind of dish that turns a simple dinner into a cherished memory.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for busy days. Tender chunks of chicken cook slowly with fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a flavorful and satisfying stew. Easy to prepare and ideal for serving with crusty bread or rice, this gluten-free recipe is a wholesome dinner option that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Herbs
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Gather and chop all vegetables and cut the chicken into chunks. Mince the garlic and chop the onion to get everything ready for cooking.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, garlic, and canned diced tomatoes with their juice into the slow cooker. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Cook the Stew: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 7–8 hours or on high heat for 4–5 hours. The stew is done when the chicken is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked through.
- Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of the cooking time. This will allow the stew to thicken without lumps.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, remove the bay leaf from the stew. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the hot stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, brown the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- You can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a sweeter twist on the stew.
- This stew freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping and future easy dinners.
