If you’re craving a comforting, warm, and hearty meal that practically cooks itself, you’ve got to try this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with inviting aromas and fills your belly with tender chicken, perfectly soft vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this stew is pure cozy magic that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe lies in its simplicity — every ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and color. From fresh veggies that add sweetness and heartiness, to the tender chicken soaking up all the savory goodness, these ingredients come together effortlessly.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for more moisture or breasts for leaner protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- 3 carrots, diced: These bring a natural sweetness and vibrant orange color to the stew.
- 3 celery stalks, diced: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh, aromatic flavor.
- 1 onion, diced: Builds a flavorful savory base once it softens in the slow cooker.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed: Provide a hearty, creamy texture that makes this stew extra satisfying.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with warmth and depth.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the stew flavorful without overpowering saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds a rich, slightly tangy undertone that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an earthy, herbal note that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 2 bay leaves: Slowly release a subtle fragrance throughout the cooking process.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all those tasty ingredients.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening): Helps achieve a thicker, more luxurious stew consistency.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A bright, fresh finish that adds a pop of color and freshness to each bowl.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and searing the chicken pieces until they turn golden brown. This simple step is a game-changer because it locks in flavor and adds a lovely caramelized note to your stew, making every bite more delicious.
Step 2: Assemble Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Once the chicken is seared, transfer it straight into your slow cooker along with the diced carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, minced garlic, and the bay leaves. This layering of fresh ingredients sets the stage for the stew’s wonderful texture and aroma.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Broth
Sprinkle the dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients for balanced seasoning. Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the low-sodium chicken broth to bring everything together. If you prefer a thicker stew, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture and gently stir to combine evenly before cooking.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the vegetables to tenderize beautifully and the chicken to become melt-in-your-mouth tender, with all those flavors melding into a rich, hearty broth.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serve
Before serving, remove the bay leaves to avoid any unexpected bites, then ladle the stew into bowls and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a fresh, herbal brightness that perfectly balances the stew’s warmth.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a simple yet game-changing garnish that brightens the flavor profile and adds a splash of lively green color. For an extra touch, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add creaminess and a mild tang.
Side Dishes
This chicken stew is beautifully hearty on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls makes the meal even more satisfying. If you want something lighter, a crisp garden salad or steamed green beans offer a fresh contrast to the rich stew.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe in individual crocks or rustic bread bowls to wow your guests. You can also spoon it over cooked rice or buttery mashed potatoes for an indulgent twist. Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil elevates the dish visually and in flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stew keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors often deepen after resting, making for even tastier leftovers.
Freezing
This stew freezes exceptionally well. Just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will maintain great flavor and texture for up to 3 months, perfect for quick meals on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat the stew gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the stew thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well and provide a leaner option. Just keep in mind they can dry out slightly more than thighs, so be careful not to overcook.
How do I make the stew thicker if I forget to add flour before cooking?
No worries! You can mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the hot stew. Let it simmer a few minutes until thickened.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, peas, or green beans toward the last hour of cooking to keep them vibrant and fresh.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
While not strictly necessary, searing adds depth of flavor and a richer color to the stew. It’s worth the extra minute or two if you have time.
Can I make this stew in an Instant Pot instead?
Yes, you can use the sauté function to sear the chicken, then pressure cook on high for about 15 minutes. This speeds up the process while still delivering fantastic flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites for its comforting, rich flavors and easy preparation. It’s a wonderful dish to come home to after a long day or to make ahead for a cozy family meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the warmth and satisfaction this stew brings to the table.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes (low) or 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Stew loaded with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs. This easy-to-make stew is perfect for a cozy family meal, simmered low and slow to blend all the delicious flavors together.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken pieces until golden brown. This step enhances the flavor of the stew by creating a savory crust.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared chicken, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves into the slow cooker.
- Add Seasonings and Broth: Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients. Add tomato paste and pour in the chicken broth. If you prefer a thicker stew, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Searing the chicken enhances the flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- Add the flour gradually and mix well to avoid lumps for a smooth stew consistency.
- Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for breasts depending on your preference; thighs tend to be juicier.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the stew instead of all-purpose flour.
