Slow cooker chicken stew is a comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. This recipe is easy to prepare and allows you to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, letting the flavors meld together while you go about your day.
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Why make this recipe
Making chicken stew in a slow cooker is an excellent choice for busy individuals or families. It requires little preparation, and you can set it and forget it. The result is a delicious, tender chicken that falls apart, surrounded by flavorful veggies and a thick, tasty broth. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers, making it a great option for meal prepping.
How to make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients:
- 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)
Directions:
- Sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown.
- Place the seared chicken, diced vegetables, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves into the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients and stir to distribute the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth. If using flour, whisk it with a little broth or water before adding, or sprinkle over and stir to thicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken and vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning, and serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
A comforting slow cooker chicken stew that is easy to prepare and allows flavors to meld together, perfect for busy individuals and families.
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 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
- Sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown.
- Place the seared chicken, diced vegetables, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves into the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients and stir to distribute the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth. If using flour, whisk it with a little broth or water before adding, or sprinkle over and stir to thicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken and vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning, and serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine before cooking. You can load up more vegetables, such as green beans or peas, if you like.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None specified
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
How to serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Serve the chicken stew hot, ladled into bowls. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious broth. Feel free to add some extra parsley on top for a fresh touch.
How to store Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
To store leftover chicken stew, let it cool down completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it in suitable portions for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- For deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine before cooking.
- You can load up more vegetables, such as green beans or peas, if you like.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth or flour as needed.
- If you’re short on time, skip searing the chicken; it will still taste great!
Variations
You can switch up the ingredients by using different meats, such as beef or turkey. Additionally, try adding different herbs like rosemary or parsley for a unique twist!
For more slow cooker chicken recipes, check out this crockpot collection.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or two.
Can I make this stew with a vegan option?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or use chickpeas, and substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Is the stew gluten-free?
The original recipe includes all-purpose flour, which is not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, either omit the flour or use a gluten-free thickening agent.
Conclusion
Slow cooker chicken stew is a simple and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. With wholesome ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a great dish for any night of the week. Enjoy this recipe, and share it with family and friends!
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