If you are craving a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you have to try this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe. It’s a wonderfully simple dish that melds tender chicken chunks with vibrant vegetables, all slow-cooked to perfection so every spoonful bursts with comforting flavors. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers a fuss-free, satisfying dinner that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. The beauty of this stew is how effortlessly it transforms humble ingredients into something truly special, making it an instant favorite on any chilly evening.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to crafting a stew that’s rich in flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a key role in creating a balanced, wholesome dish that you’ll want to make again and again.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs offer more tenderness and flavor, but breasts keep it lean.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Provides the luscious base that brings all the ingredients together.
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced: Offers satisfying heartiness and bulk to the stew.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Gives a subtle crunch and fresh, green flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings depth and a bit of sweetness when slow-cooked.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Packs an aromatic punch that wakes up every bite.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses an earthy, herbal note throughout the stew.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a fragrant, woodsy flavor that’s perfect with chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle warmth and lovely color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Provides richness and a mild tangy sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch): Used to thicken the stew to a perfect consistency.
- 1/4 cup water: Mixed with flour to create a smooth slurry for thickening.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Stirred in at the end to add bursts of color and sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, bright garnish to finish off your stew beautifully.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by placing the chicken chunks, carrots, potatoes, celery, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and chicken broth all into your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir so the tomato paste is evenly distributed and the broth coats all those wonderful ingredients. This creates a base full of flavor that melds together as it cooks.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. During this slow cooking process, the chicken will become incredibly tender and the vegetables will soften nicely, allowing all the flavors to blend into a hearty, comforting stew that makes your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 3: Thicken the Broth
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, mix the flour and water together in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew and let it cook uncovered to thicken the broth. This step ensures your stew has a lovely, silky texture that clings to every bite without being too runny or too dense.
Step 4: Add the Peas for Freshness
Finally, stir in the frozen peas and allow them to cook for the last 20 to 30 minutes. This keeps them bright and tender without losing their sweet pop, adding a wonderful contrast to the rich, slow-cooked flavors that have been building throughout the stew.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Before serving, give your stew a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt, pepper, or herbs can really personalize this dish and make sure it’s perfectly balanced.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley just before serving adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous brightness that complements the stew’s warm flavors beautifully. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of sour cream or a little grated sharp cheddar can also make a delightful addition.
Side Dishes
This stew is a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with some crusty bread or a warm biscuit takes it to the next level. These sides are perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. Steamed green beans or a simple leafy salad can also offer a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich stew.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stew in individual bread bowls—just hollow out a round loaf and ladle the stew inside for an impressive, rustic presentation. You can also serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to make it an even more comforting feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe holds up wonderfully in the fridge for up to four days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep all those cozy flavors fresh and ready for your next meal.
Freezing
Feel free to freeze any extra stew in portion-sized containers for an easy grab-and-go meal later. It freezes well and can be kept for up to three months without losing any of its deliciousness. Just remember to cool it completely before popping it into the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge or reheat refrigerated leftovers gently on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water while reheating helps refresh the texture and keep everything moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well in this recipe. Thighs tend to stay juicier during slow cooking, but breasts will still come out tender if you avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to add flour or cornstarch?
Using flour or cornstarch is important if you want a thicker stew broth. Skipping this step will result in a thinner, soup-like consistency, so it depends on your texture preference.
Can I make this stew in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can adapt this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe for the Instant Pot by using the sauté function to brown the chicken and vegetables, then pressure cooking on high for about 10 minutes, followed by a quick release. Just stir in the slurry and peas at the end and simmer until thickened.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth can work nicely as a substitute, especially if you want to keep flavors lighter or make the dish a little more versatile.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with veggies like parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms. Just remember to keep the size consistent so everything cooks evenly in the slow cooker.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is the perfect go-to for busy days and chilly evenings when you want something nourishing, uncomplicated, and delicious. It’s the kind of meal that comforts your soul and makes your whole house smell incredible. I promise, once you try this stew, it will become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation. So grab your slow cooker, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a bowl of pure comfort!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and hearty slow cooker chicken stew made with tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for an easy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Thickening Agent
- 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup water
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker. Add the chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Until Tender. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked through.
- Make Flour Slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and water to create a smooth slurry that will help thicken the stew.
- Thicken the Stew. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the flour slurry into the stew to thicken the broth and enhance the texture.
- Add Frozen Peas. Stir in the frozen peas and continue cooking for the final 20 to 30 minutes to heat them through without overcooking.
- Adjust Seasonings and Garnish. Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can use skin-on, bone-in chicken for extra flavor; just remove the bones before serving.
- For a creamier stew, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end of cooking.
- Leftovers will keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
