Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
If you’re searching for a cozy, nourishing dinner that basically makes itself, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Loaded with tender chicken, sweet carrots, creamy potatoes, and a gentle blend of herbs, each spoonful brings comforting warmth and deep, savory flavor. This hearty stew is a true crowd-pleaser and the best part is, you get all of this slow-cooked goodness with just a handful of everyday ingredients and almost no hands-on time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is how it weaves together simple, familiar ingredients into something truly memorable. Every component plays a crucial role in building body, color, and rich flavor that tastes like you fussed for hours (when really, your slow cooker did the work).
- Chicken thighs: Chicken thighs bring juicy tenderness and deeper flavor, staying nice and moist during the long, slow simmer.
- Carrots: Sliced carrots add gentle sweetness and brighten up the stew with their vibrant color.
- Potatoes: Potatoes soak up all the broth and help give the stew its satisfying, thick body.
- Celery: This aromatic veggie gives a subtle earthy note and soft bite after slow cooking.
- Yellow onion: Chopped onion lends natural sweetness and depth to every spoonful.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the stew with warmth and irresistible aroma.
- Salt & black pepper: These basics are essential for enhancing every other ingredient—don’t skimp!
- Dried thyme: Thyme adds a woodsy, herbal note that pairs perfectly with chicken and root veggies.
- Dried rosemary: Rosemary’s piney flavor brings complexity and classic stew flavor.
- Bay leaf: It’s a quiet superstar, deepening flavors as everything simmers together.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Broth gives your stew its savory backbone—low-sodium keeps everything balanced.
- Tomato paste: Just a bit enriches the color and lends a sweet, umami kick.
- All-purpose flour: Flour helps thicken the stew so it’s hearty, not soupy. Use gluten-free if needed!
- Olive oil: A glug of olive oil, especially if browning chicken, enhances mouthfeel and richness.
- Frozen peas: Tossed in at the end, peas bring a fresh pop of green and gentle sweetness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle just before serving wakes up the whole dish with color and freshness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Thickener
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and tomato paste with about half a cup of the chicken broth until your mixture is totally smooth. This simple step helps your stew come together with just the right amount of thick, velvety texture later on—no lumps or clumps in sight.
Step 2: Build the Stew in the Slow Cooker
Add the chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, the rest of the chicken broth, and your tomato paste-flour slurry right into a 6-quart slow cooker. Give it a gentle but thorough stir so everything is evenly mixed and happily nestled together.
Step 3: Set It and Forget It
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fall-apart tender and your veggies are silky-soft.
Step 4: Add the Peas
About 15 minutes before mealtime, stir in the frozen peas. They’ll heat through and keep that sweet snap, brightening up the stew right before serving—no mushy peas here!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Scoop out the bay leaf, then ladle the rich, chunky stew into bowls. For a final flourish, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you like, and get ready for major comfort with minimal effort.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnish elevates each bite. A scattering of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a burst of color but also a bit of fresh flavor that cuts through the richness nicely. If you love a bit of extra zing, a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of flaky sea salt goes a long way at the table.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better with the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe than warm, crusty bread (for dunking up every last drop!), flaky homemade biscuits, or a simple green salad. For extra heartiness, a scoop of rice or creamy polenta turns this stew into an even more satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or family-style comfort, serve the stew in a big, rustic soup tureen or individual bread bowls. You can also try ladling it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for an extra-cozy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it will keep beautifully for up to 4 days. As it sits, the flavors deepen—even better the next day.
Freezing
This stew is a meal prep superstar! Portion cooled stew into freezer-safe containers, leaving just a bit of headspace for expansion. It’ll freeze well for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date so you can track freshness.
Reheating
To reheat the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe, either warm individual servings in the microwave or gently heat on the stovetop over medium-low, adding a splash of broth to loosen if needed. Stir frequently so everything heats evenly and stays tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work if you prefer a leaner option, but just be careful not to overcook—they can dry out more easily than thighs. Thighs are more forgiving and stay extra tender.
What other vegetables can I add?
This stew is totally flexible: try sweet potatoes, parsnips, turnips, or chunks of butternut squash for new flavors and colors. Just dice them to a similar size so everything cooks evenly.
Is it possible to make this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and check that your broth is gluten-free as well. The stew will still thicken up beautifully.
Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?
Definitely. You can chop all the veggies and chicken the night before, then store them (separately or together) in the fridge. In the morning, just add everything to the slow cooker and you’re set!
How can I make the stew a little richer or more flavorful?
For even more depth, take an extra 10 minutes to brown the chicken and sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. The caramelized bits add real richness to the final dish!
Final Thoughts
If you’re in search of the ultimate comfort meal with very little effort, give this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe a try. It’s rich, warm, and loaded with flavor—the kind of dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner. With tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this stew is a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken Stew:
- 1 ½ 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 medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Additional:
- ½ cup frozen peas (added at the end)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Flour-Tomato Paste Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk the flour and tomato paste with ½ cup of the chicken broth until smooth.
- Cook the Stew: Add all ingredients—except peas and parsley—to a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Finish the Stew: In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas and let them heat through. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For added richness, brown the chicken and sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil before adding to the slow cooker.
- This stew pairs well with crusty bread or biscuits.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 5 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
