Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Slow cooker chicken stew is the epitome of cozy, comfort food that’s not just easy to prepare, but also bursts with flavor and nutrition. I remember first discovering this recipe during a particularly chilly fall evening. The idea of letting a mixture of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmer gently while I went about my day was pure magic. This stew is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Plus, it’s a hit with the whole family, making it a go-to on my dinner rotation!

What Makes This Recipe Special

The beauty of this slow cooker chicken stew lies not only in its ease but also in its versatility. It’s a simple, budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. One of the best parts? You can set it and forget it. Just throw everything into your slow cooker, and a few hours later, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready to enjoy. It’s perfect for those hectic weeknight dinners or for lazy weekends alike.

“This is my go-to recipe for comfort food! It’s so easy to prepare, and my kids absolutely love it. I can just set it in the morning and let it cook all day—I couldn’t ask for more!”

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making this slow cooker chicken stew is a breeze. You start by searing the chicken for added depth of flavor, then layer everything in the slow cooker. It just takes a few simple steps before your kitchen is filled with tempting aromas. You’ll want to reach for a bowl when it’s ready!

Gather Your Ingredients

For this hearty stew, here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 carrots, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 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)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Feel free to swap out vegetables depending on what you have on hand, or adjust the seasoning to match your palate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides. This helps lock in the juices and adds richness to the stew.
2. In your slow cooker, combine the seared chicken, diced carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves.
3. Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the top, and give it a good stir to combine the flavors.
4. Pour in the chicken broth. If you’re using the flour for thickening, whisk it with a little broth before adding it in, or simply sprinkle it over the ingredients and stir well.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
6. Before serving, remove the bay leaves, taste for seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Best Way to Serve

This slow cooker chicken stew is incredibly flexible when it comes to serving. For a cozy dinner experience, ladle the stew into bowls and serve with crusty bread or buttery biscuits to soak up the flavorful broth. A light side salad can complement the meal excellently, adding a fresh crunch to balance out the warmth of the stew. You could also consider pairing it with rice or quinoa to make it even heartier.

Storage Tips

To keep your slow cooker chicken stew fresh longer, let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, feel free to freeze leftovers in portions. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready for another comforting bowl of stew. Just remember, always practice safe food handling by keeping the stew at the appropriate temperature!

Pro Chef Tips

• For added flavor, try marinating the chicken in some of the broth and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
• If you find the stew too thin, don’t hesitate to add more flour or let it cook uncovered for the last hour to thicken the broth.
• Don’t underestimate the power of herbs. A bay leaf adds great depth, but feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary or oregano based on your taste.

Recipe Variations

• Add some kick with a teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you’re a spice lover.
• For a creamy twist, add a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream at the end of cooking.
• You can also mix in seasonal vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or green beans for more color and nutrition.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

Preparation is quick and simple, taking only about 20-30 minutes to chop and sear the ingredients before placing them in the slow cooker.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but remember to extend the cooking time by an hour or so since it will take longer to reach the proper temperature.

How do I reheat leftovers safely?

To reheat leftovers, make sure to heat them to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F, either on the stove or in the microwave.

With this simple slow cooker chicken stew recipe, you’ll be on your way to a harmonious blend of flavors that warms you right down to your soul! Enjoy the ease and satisfaction of a meal that feels both festive and homey, no matter the occasion.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

---

• Total Time: 270 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Poultry

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful slow cooker chicken stew, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 carrots, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 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)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

---

Instructions

1. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides.
2. In your slow cooker, combine the seared chicken, diced carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves.
3. Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the top, and stir to combine.
4. Pour in the chicken broth. If using flour for thickening, whisk it with a little broth before adding it, or sprinkle it over ingredients and stir.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours until tender.
6. Before serving, remove the bay leaves, check seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Perfect with crusty bread or biscuits. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for later use.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 240 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: chicken stew, slow cooker, comfort food, easy dinner