When the weather cools down or you just need a big bowl of comfort, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is pure soul food. It’s everything you want in a home-cooked meal: hearty chunks of chicken, tender vegetables, and a savory broth that comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker. With a handful of accessible ingredients and minimal prep, you’re rewarded hours later with a cozy dish the whole family will love. If you’re looking for a foolproof way to get dinner on the table with maximum flavor and minimal fuss, this is your go-to Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe keeps things simple, but each ingredient plays a critical role. The fresh veggies and aromatic herbs layer in depth and color, while the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender from long, gentle cooking.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Use boneless, skinless pieces for juicy, flavorful bites that soak up all those stew flavors.
- Carrots: These add a natural sweetness and a pop of color that makes every spoonful inviting.
- Potatoes: They help make the stew heartier and give every bowl that classic, satisfying bite.
- Celery: Thinly sliced, celery brings a bit of crunch and an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Onion: Chopped onion is a must for savoriness and is the aromatic base of the stew.
- Garlic: Minced garlic offers gentle heat and tons of depth as everything simmers.
- Canned diced tomatoes: With their juice, they bring acidity and a touch of brightness to the richness of the broth.
- Chicken broth: Choose low-sodium broth to let the other flavors shine while keeping things from getting too salty.
- Dried thyme: Just the right amount of herby warmth for classic chicken stew flavor.
- Dried rosemary: A small dose goes a long way, adding earthy, piney notes.
- Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a golden hue.
- Bay leaf: Infuses the stew with a subtle depth—just remember to remove it before serving!
- Salt: Essential for bringing everything together.
- Black pepper: For a touch of spice and warmth throughout the stew.
- Cornstarch and water (optional): Use this slurry if you like a thicker, more luxurious stew consistency.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkle over at the end for a beautiful fresh finish and pop of green.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Build Your Stew Base
Start by adding your chicken chunks, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped celery, onion, minced garlic, and canned diced tomatoes (including all their juices) directly into your slow cooker. These vibrant, fresh ingredients set the foundation for your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe, and piling them in is as simple as it gets—no extra pans, no complicated prepping.
Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the heap of ingredients, letting the liquid settle into all the nooks and crannies. Sprinkle in your dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine and distribute the seasonings, ensuring each spoonful down the line is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Cover the slow cooker with its lid, then set it on low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. This hands-off cooking time is the secret to the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe—your chicken becomes fork-tender, the vegetables soften without turning mushy, and the flavors have plenty of time to meld.
Step 4: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a smooth slurry. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir this mixture into the slow cooker and let it finish cooking, the stew will gently thicken into a luscious consistency.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serve
Before serving, fish out the bay leaf and discard it. Sprinkle a shower of chopped fresh parsley over each bowl for brightness and color. Grab your biggest ladle and serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe piping hot—every bowl is pure comfort.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley instantly livens up each bowl and adds a hint of herbal freshness. For extra flavor, try a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, or even a swirl of olive oil before serving. Little touches go a long way in making the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe not just a dish but an experience.
Side Dishes
This stew is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but serving it with warm, crusty bread or a pan of buttermilk biscuits turns it into a complete meal. You can also spoon it over fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes for a hearty twist. For something lighter, pair with a simple green salad tossed in your favorite vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, ladle the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe into individual bread bowls for an extra touch of comfort and fun. Or serve it family-style straight from the slow cooker at the table—perfect for casual gatherings. Leftovers also make a delicious pot pie filling if you want to transform them into something new the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. The Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days and the flavor gets even better as it sits overnight.
Freezing
For future busy nights, portion the cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or bags (remember to leave a little room for expansion). It freezes well for up to 3 months. To keep potatoes from getting a bit mushy, try using waxy varieties, or substitute sweet potatoes if you’d like.
Reheating
To warm up, simply pour the stew into a saucepan and heat gently over medium until piping hot, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for quicker and more even heating. Add a splash of extra broth if it seems too thick, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to revive its color and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken thighs and breasts work well in this recipe. Thighs are typically juicier and a bit more forgiving in long-cook methods, but breasts will yield a leaner stew—all up to your taste and what you have on hand.
How can I make the stew thicker?
The cornstarch slurry included in the recipe is the easiest route to a thicker broth. Add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking for the perfect consistency, or let the stew simmer uncovered for a bit to allow some liquid to evaporate.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in your own favorites—frozen peas, corn, parsnips, or even chopped kale sneak in extra nutrition and variety. Just add delicate veggies in the last hour so they don’t get too soft.
Is this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your chicken broth and other packaged ingredients to avoid any hidden sources of gluten if you’re sensitive or serving someone with celiac.
What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?
Chop all your veggies and chicken ahead of time, and store them in the fridge in large containers (you can even pre-mix the seasonings). On the morning you want to cook, just dump everything into your slow cooker, add the broth, and go. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about sharing a homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe with the people you love. Whether you’re celebrating a cozy Sunday or just need a reliable, delicious dinner for busy weekdays, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it once and you’ll find yourself coming back every time soup season rolls around. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew recipe is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmer together to create a delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken Stew:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Add the chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes to the slow cooker.
- Season and Cook: Pour in chicken broth, add thyme, rosemary, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
- Thicken (Optional): During the last 30 minutes, stir in cornstarch slurry for a thicker stew.
- Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaf, garnish with parsley, and serve hot with bread or rice.
Notes
- For added flavor, brown the chicken and sauté onions and garlic before adding to the slow cooker.
- Substitute sweet potatoes for a sweeter taste.
- Stew freezes well for future meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
