Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

If your ideal comfort food is a hearty, soul-warming meal that barely asks for any hands-on time, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe will become your go-to lifesaver. Tender chicken, sweet carrots, earthy potatoes, and a medley of veggies simmer together in a rich broth that practically makes itself while you get on with your day. Every bite delivers that slow-cooked magic—flavors deepening and melding together—which makes this recipe a real winner for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, and all the chilly days in between. One bowl and you’ll understand why this easy stew earns rave reviews every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is all about using simple, fresh ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. You’ll find nothing fussy here—just a handful of kitchen staples that, when tossed together and given time, become something truly special.

• Chicken thighs: These add unbeatable tenderness and richer flavor, but boneless skinless breasts also work in a pinch.
• Yukon Gold potatoes: Creamy and waxy, they hold their shape and soak up loads of flavor as they stew.
• Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances out the savory broth while adding a gorgeous pop of color.
• Celery: Classic for stew, celery lends a gentle aromatic base and satisfying crunch.
• Onion: Chopped onion infuses the entire stew with subtle sweetness and aroma.
• Garlic cloves: A few cloves make a world of difference, adding depth and warmth.
• Chicken broth: The foundation of flavor that brings everything together—use low-sodium for more control.
• Tomato paste: This adds body, color, and a satisfying tang to the broth.
• Bay leaf: Essential for that extra layer of savory, herbaceous aroma that steams up from the pot.
• Dried thyme: A little goes a long way to provide that cozy, classic stew flavor.
• Frozen peas: Stirred in at the end for freshness and a pop of color.
• Salt and black pepper: Always adjust to taste—they bring all the other flavors to life.
• Fresh parsley: For finishing with a burst of herby brightness just before serving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you reach for the slow cooker, do a little upfront chopping. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, peel and chunk the potatoes, slice the carrots, dice the celery, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic. This tiny investment of prep time means everything will cook evenly and each spoonful delivers a perfect bite.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Foundation

Add the chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic directly into your slow cooker. Sprinkle in the dried thyme along with salt and pepper. Dollop in the tomato paste, then pour over the chicken broth. Give everything a gentle stir to mix, and tuck in the bay leaf in the center.

Step 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 7 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. Don’t remove the lid unless you absolutely have to! The stew needs time for all those beautiful flavors to develop and meld together—the irresistible aroma wafting through your house will let you know it’s working.

Step 4: Finish and Brighten

About 30 minutes before serving, fish out the bay leaf and stir in the frozen peas. This keeps them vibrant and just-tender. Have a taste and adjust the salt and pepper, if needed. Just before ladling into bowls, sprinkle with plenty of freshly chopped parsley to brighten up every bite.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Garnishes

A little garnish can make this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe feel restaurant-worthy. Freshly chopped parsley is a classic, bringing a pop of color and freshness. For a little extra, try a sprinkle of grated parmesan, a few cracks of black pepper, or even a swirl of good olive oil for richness. Let everyone top their own bowl for a touch of fun.

Side Dishes

This stew is hearty enough to stand alone, but a crusty loaf of bread on the side (sourdough or baguette is perfection) makes it a true feast. Steamed rice, fluffy mashed potatoes, or a light green salad also pair beautifully with the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe, catching every last drop of that tasty broth.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to change things up, ladle the stew into hollowed-out bread bowls for a playful and cozy presentation, or serve in rustic mugs for a casual get-together. You could even spoon the stew over polenta or egg noodles for an extra comforting twist that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe cool completely, then transfer to sealed containers. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days, and the flavors keep developing with time, making tomorrow’s bowl even more delicious.

Freezing

This stew freezes incredibly well—just be sure to cool it quickly and store in freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion. It will stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe back to life, gently reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave smaller portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine for this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe, though thighs stay a bit juicier and more flavorful after a long simmer. Just be careful not to overcook the breasts, as they can dry out more easily.

How can I thicken the stew if it’s too runny?

If you like your stew on the thicker side, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water, then stir that into the stew about 20 minutes before serving. The broth should thicken up nicely as it finishes cooking.

Is it possible to make this stew vegetarian?

Certainly! Swap the chicken for extra potatoes, hearty mushrooms, or even canned chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still have a warming, hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe everyone can enjoy.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! This recipe is very flexible—throw in chopped bell peppers, parsnips, green beans, or even some kale during the last hour. It’s a great way to use up whatever veggies you have on hand.

How far ahead can I prep the ingredients?

You can chop all the vegetables and even portion out the chicken a day in advance; store them in airtight containers in the fridge. That way, you can toss everything right into the slow cooker in the morning and go about your day hassle-free.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe enough—it’s pure comfort in a bowl, the kind of meal that always hits the spot and brings everyone together around the table. Give it a try and make it your own, and you might just find it becomes one of your most-requested family favorites, too!

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