If there’s one meal that defines homey comfort, it’s a good slow cooker chicken stew. In this article, you’ll discover why this stew is a must for your fall and winter meal plans. We’ll walk you through everything. from why it’s so loved, to the simple ingredient list, to the best tips and variations for keeping it fresh. This slow cooker chicken stew recipe is a soul-warming one-pot wonder. minimal effort, big flavor. Let’s dig in.
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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
There’s something magical about walking into your kitchen after a long day and being greeted by the comforting aroma of slow simmered chicken and vegetables. This slow cooker chicken stew recipe is one of those “set it and forget it” meals that truly delivers on flavor, texture, and ease.
For me, it started as a way to stretch ingredients during a busy week. I’d toss in whatever veggies I had, let the slow cooker do its thing, and by dinner, we had a thick, rich stew that made my husband go back for seconds without hesitation. It didn’t take long before this recipe became a cold-weather staple in our home.
You’ll love this chicken stew for its balance of lean protein, hearty veggies, and cozy broth that soaks into every spoonful. And the best part? It’s incredibly flexible. Whether you use chicken thighs or breasts, add green beans or corn, this dish adapts to your fridge. Unlike some stews that take hours of hands-on prep, this one’s made for busy weeknights, and still tastes like it simmered all day.
If you’re a fan of cozy recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy our Crockpot Cowboy Casserole for that same one-pot comfort.
With just a handful of pantry staples and a few hours in the slow cooker, this chicken stew turns everyday ingredients into something special. And honestly? It’s even better the next day.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
This hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is packed with tender chicken, chunky vegetables, and rich broth. It’s the ultimate dump-and-go comfort meal made right in your slow cooker.
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 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 garlic cloves, 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)
Instructions
1. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown.
2. Place seared chicken, vegetables, potatoes, garlic, and bay leaves into the slow cooker.
3. Sprinkle in thyme, salt, and pepper. Add tomato paste and stir.
4. Pour in chicken broth. If thicker stew is desired, add flour and mix well.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
6. Remove bay leaves. Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
You can substitute the vegetables based on preference or seasonality.
Add frozen peas or green beans during the last 30 minutes for added color.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Ingredients for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
The beauty of this chicken stew recipe is that it calls for simple, everyday ingredients—but the final result tastes like something you’d get at a cozy café on a chilly evening. Each element brings warmth, heartiness, and nourishment to the bowl.
Start with 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken, and you can choose either chicken thighs for extra richness or chicken breasts for a leaner option. Both work beautifully, and if you’re someone who enjoys set-it-and-forget-it meals, you already know the slow cooker does the heavy lifting.
The supporting cast includes classic stew vegetables; three carrots, three celery stalks, and one diced onion. Add to that four medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed, for a hearty base that soaks up the flavorful broth.
Here’s a full rundown of the ingredients you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless Chicken (Thighs or Breasts) | 2 pounds |
| Carrots, diced | 3 |
| Celery, diced | 3 stalks |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Potatoes, peeled and cubed | 4 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Low-Sodium Chicken Broth | 4 cups |
| Tomato Paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried Thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay Leaves | 2 |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste |
| All-Purpose Flour (optional, for thickening) | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh Parsley (for garnish) | As desired |
These ingredients come together to create a stew that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of real food goodness. And if you like creamy comfort meals, don’t miss this Spinach and Mushroom Chicken Bake for another cozy classic.
How to Make This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe Step-by-Step
This slow cooker chicken stew isn’t just about the cozy outcome, it’s about how effortless it is to pull together. If you’re a fan of low-effort meals that taste like you worked all day on them (but didn’t), you’re in for a treat.
- Sear the Chicken
Start with a quick but impactful step; searing. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on each side until golden brown. It’s not about cooking it through; it’s about building that deep, savory flavor that sets the tone for the whole stew. - Add to the Slow Cooker
Transfer the chicken to your slow cooker, then toss in the diced carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, and minced garlic. Layering them like this allows the flavors to distribute evenly as they cook down. - Season Everything
Next, sprinkle in the thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine the seasonings throughout the mix. Then add your tomato paste for that subtle richness and depth that pairs so well with chicken. - Pour in the Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, making sure it covers all the ingredients. If you like your stew thicker, now’s the time to sprinkle in the flour and stir. This creates a slightly creamy texture that clings to every bite. - Set and Forget
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. By the end, the chicken will be fall-apart tender and the veggies perfectly soft. Discard the bay leaves before serving. - Serve and Garnish
Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley. That pop of green not only brightens the bowl visually, but adds a fresh finish to the warm, slow-cooked flavors.
Love throw-it-all-in meals like this? Check out our Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for another hearty, weeknight-ready dinner.
Tips and Variations for the Best Chicken Stew Recipe
This chicken stew recipe is a weeknight winner as-is, but a few tweaks can make it even more tailored to your taste or pantry. Whether you’re looking to switch up the veggies, go low-carb, or turn up the heat, these tips and variations make the recipe incredibly flexible.
- Use Chicken Breasts or Thighs
Both cuts work great in this recipe. Thighs add extra richness and tenderness, while breasts are leaner and shred beautifully. If using frozen chicken, just be sure to thaw it fully before adding to your slow cooker. - Add More Veggies
You can absolutely load this stew with more vegetables. Try tossing in frozen peas or green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Even chopped zucchini or spinach adds a lovely texture and color pop. Craving creamy comfort? A splash of heavy cream stirred in at the end does the trick. - Thicker or Brothier? Your Call
If you prefer a thicker stew, the flour added before cooking does the job. Want even more body? Mash a few potatoes right in the slow cooker before serving. For a lighter, brothier version, skip the flour altogether. - Make It Ahead
This stew is ideal for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days and freezes beautifully. Just store in airtight containers and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. - Flavor Boosters
Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat. A Parmesan rind added during cooking (and removed before serving) gives an umami depth that’s unforgettable.
Want more cozy one-pot dinner ideas? Our Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken brings that creamy, crowd-pleasing energy to your table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely. Both chicken breasts and thighs work well in this stew. Thighs are more forgiving and stay tender, but if you prefer a leaner option, boneless skinless chicken breasts are a great substitute. Just be sure not to overcook them on high heat.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Definitely. This chicken stew recipe is very flexible. In addition to carrots, potatoes, and celery, try adding green beans, peas, corn, mushrooms, or even kale. Just add more delicate vegetables during the last hour of cooking so they don’t turn mushy.
Can I make this stew in advance and reheat it?
Yes! In fact, like many soups and stews, the flavor deepens after a day in the fridge. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just store it in an airtight container and use within 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
While it’s not required, searing adds a deeper, more savory flavor to the final dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip it and still end up with a delicious stew. But if you have an extra 5 minutes, it’s worth doing.
Conclusion: Real Comfort, Real Simple
This slow cooker chicken stew recipe is everything a homemade meal should be; simple, comforting, and full of real ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, cozy Sundays, or meal prep for the week ahead. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the suggested variations, you’ll end up with a dish that tastes like home.
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