Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, loaded with juicy chicken, perfectly tender vegetables, and a cozy, savory broth that will warm you to your core. Cooking low and slow brings out flavors you just can’t shortcut, and the result is a hearty, nourishing stew that feels like a hug from the inside out. Whether you want an effortless weeknight dinner or something delicious to feed a crowd, this stew makes it gloriously easy, and every bite tells a story of wholesome goodness.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather simple, wholesome ingredients and watch them transform into something extraordinary! Each one in this lineup has a purpose — from flavor-building veggies to the savory base — guaranteeing your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is rich, colorful, and absolutely satisfying.

• Chicken thighs (boneless & skinless): These become meltingly tender and infuse the stew with rich, savory flavor.
• Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and a burst of cheerful orange color to every bowl.
• Celery: Adds lovely aromatic depth and balances the sweetness of the carrots and onions.
• Potatoes (Yukon gold or red): These hold their shape well and soak up the delicious broth.
• Onion: Provides a flavorful base and sweetens as it cooks low and slow.
• Garlic: Deepens the savory notes and packs a flavor punch in each spoonful.
• Chicken broth: Acts as the stew’s backbone, bringing all the flavors together for a savory, sippable base.
• Tomato paste: Gives the stew body and a subtle tang that brightens things up.
• Dried thyme and rosemary: Essential herbs for classic stew flavor and aroma.
• Bay leaf: Infuses earthiness and completes the stew’s depth of flavor.
• Frozen peas: Added at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.
• Salt and pepper: Season throughout to taste, letting each ingredient shine.
• Olive oil: Just a touch for sautéing makes a big difference in flavor!

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions, carrots, and celery for about 3-4 minutes, just until they begin to soften and the onions turn translucent. This quick step gives your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe a deeper foundation of flavor that’s well worth the extra couple of minutes.

Step 2: Layer in the Crockpot

Add the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker, followed by the potatoes and garlic. Arrange the chicken thighs over everything. Spoon the tomato paste on top, sprinkle in the herbs, and tuck in the bay leaf. Season well with salt and pepper, then pour over the chicken broth to cover.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Pop on the lid and let your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe simmer away for 6-7 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high. The chicken will be incredibly tender and the vegetables perfectly cooked. No need to stir — just let the magic happen!

Step 4: Shred and Stir

When the stew is ready, remove the chicken thighs and shred them with two forks — they should practically fall apart. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, along with the frozen peas. Stir, discard the bay leaf, and let everything mingle for 10-15 minutes before serving, so the peas heat through and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Give your stew a good taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. If you love a thicker stew, you can mash a few potatoes against the side of the cooker to release their starch — or leave it brothy if you prefer. That’s the beauty of a great Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe: it’s totally customizable to your cravings.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme, a twist of cracked black pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon for a zesty finish. Don’t underestimate the power of a handful of fresh chopped herbs to make your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe feel even more special.

Side Dishes

This stew begs for a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the broth, but don’t stop there. Try serving it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or some fluffy cooked rice to make it extra hearty. Any starchy side will complement the comforting nature of this recipe!

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe into warm bowls and top with a swirl of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a creamy touch. For a fun, rustic feel, serve it in mugs at a cozy family gathering, or hollow out small round loaves of bread and use them as edible bowls that soak up every bit of the delicious stew.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the stew cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. The flavors will continue to develop overnight, making this dish even more satisfying the next day! Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

The Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is perfect for freezing. Spoon cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the vegetables maintain their tender texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your stew in a saucepan over medium heat until piping hot, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through so everything heats evenly. Add a splash of broth or water if the stew has thickened too much on standing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer a leaner option, although they won’t be quite as juicy. Just be careful not to overcook them, as breast meat can dry out faster than thighs during long, slow cooking.

What vegetables can I swap in?

This recipe is wonderfully forgiving. Swap in parsnips, sweet potatoes, turnips, or even butternut squash for a twist on tradition. Just chop everything to a similar size so it cooks evenly alongside the other vegetables.

How can I make this stew thicker?

If you love a stew with a richer, thicker broth, simply mash a few potatoes in the pot right before serving. You can also stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water, or add a handful of quick-cooking oats toward the end to naturally thicken things up.

Can I make this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe gluten free?

This stew is naturally gluten free as long as your chicken broth is certified gluten free. Just double-check any add-ins or sides you serve if gluten is a concern!

Is it possible to prep everything the night before?

Yes, you can chop all your vegetables and refrigerate them with the chicken in the slow cooker insert (if it fits your fridge). In the morning, simply add the broth and seasonings and set your slow cooker. Dinner practically makes itself!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like coming home to a bubbling pot of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe, especially when all you had to do was toss in a handful of honest, good-for-you ingredients. Every spoonful is cozy, satisfying, and just packed with hearty flavor. Give it a try — I have a feeling it’ll become an instant favorite in your kitchen too!

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