There’s something almost magical about coming home to a house that smells like dinner has been cooking itself all day. As a mom of two busy kids, my slow cooker isn’t just an appliance—it’s my trusty co-pilot on hectic weekdays. This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is the ultimate expression of that hands-off, soul-warming magic. It’s the kind of meal that simmers quietly in the background while you tackle your to-do list, only to reward you with a pot full of tender chicken, soft vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you call it a crock pot chicken stew or just the easiest chicken stew recipe you’ve ever made, this dish is a guaranteed win for chilly evenings, busy schedules, and hungry families.
Table of Contents
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe Ingredients
The foundation of any great slow cooker chicken stew starts with simple, wholesome ingredients. You likely have most of these in your pantry right now.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Timing
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 6-8 hours on Low or 3-4 hours on High | Total time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes. Yes, you can have a from-scratch, hearty chicken stew ready with less than 20 minutes of active work.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Chicken Stew
Making this healthy chicken stew is as simple as layering ingredients and letting time do the rest.
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics and Vegetables
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the carrots and celery. There’s no need for perfect knife skills here—rustic chunks work beautifully in stews. If you’re short on time, many stores sell pre-chopped mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery mix) which can be a real lifesaver.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Place chicken thighs at the bottom of your crock pot. Scatter the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes over the chicken. Add the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk the tomato paste into the chicken broth until dissolved, then pour this mixture over everything in the pot.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fork-tender and easily shreddable. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the flour with ¼ cup of the hot stew liquid to create a slurry. Stir this back into the crock pot along with the frozen peas and shredded chicken. This will thicken your stew beautifully. Cook for another 30 minutes on HIGH until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. The aroma alone will have your family gathered around the table before you even call them.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Calories: 285 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 6g | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g. This easy chicken stew recipe is packed with vitamin A from carrots, vitamin C from potatoes, and lean protein from chicken, making it a balanced meal that satisfies without weighing you down.
Equipment Needed for This Recipe
You’ll need a 6-quart slow cooker (or larger), a good chef’s knife, cutting board, and measuring cups and spoons. That’s it! No fancy gadgets required.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Chicken Stew
This isn’t just another slow cooker recipe—it’s a weeknight game-changer.
- Minimal Hands-On Time: Just 15 minutes of prep in the morning rewards you with a complete dinner.
- Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Tender chicken and soft vegetables in a savory broth appeal to both kids and adults.
- Nutrient-Dense and Satisfying: Packed with protein and vegetables, this healthy chicken stew keeps you full and energized.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Easily adapt the vegetables, herbs, or protein to what you have on hand.
- Makes Excellent Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even better than today’s dinner.
Healthier Alternatives for Your Chicken Stew
This chicken vegetable stew is already quite nutritious, but here are some simple swaps if you’re watching specific dietary needs:
- Lower Carb: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips. Use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour for thickening.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free as written—no modifications needed!
- Higher Protein: Add an extra half-pound of chicken thighs or stir in a can of white beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Gluten-Free: Simply use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of all-purpose flour for thickening.
If you enjoy creamy chicken dishes, you might also love our Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup for another simple, satisfying option.
Serving Suggestions for Your Comforting Stew
This hearty chicken stew is a complete meal on its own, but here are some delicious ways to round it out:
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Over a bed of egg noodles or rice for a more substantial meal.
- With a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra savory depth.
- Alongside biscuits or cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
If you’re a fan of chicken and potatoes together, our Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes offers another fuss-free dinner option with similar appeal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Stew
Even the simplest recipes can have pitfalls. Here’s how to make sure your chicken stew turns out perfect every time:
- Overcooking the Chicken: While slow cookers are forgiving, chicken can become dry if cooked too long. 6-8 hours on LOW is ideal for thighs; reduce to 4-5 hours if using breast meat.
- Adding Peas Too Early: Frozen peas turn mushy and lose their bright color if added at the beginning. Always stir them in during the last 30 minutes.
- Not Thickening Properly: Always mix flour or cornstarch with a small amount of hot liquid before adding to the stew to prevent lumps.
- Underseasoning: Slow cooking can mute flavors. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end before serving.
- Overfilling the Slow Cooker: Don’t fill your crock pot more than ⅔ full to allow proper heat circulation and prevent overflow.
Storing Tips for Your Chicken Stew
This easy chicken stew recipe actually improves in flavor after a day in the refrigerator.
- Refrigeration: Store cooled stew in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Leave out the potatoes if planning to freeze long-term, as they can become grainy.
- Reheating: Thaw overnight in refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust consistency.
- Meal Prep: Portion individual servings into containers for ready-to-go lunches all week.
More Cozy Slow Cooker Recipes to Try
If this slow cooker chicken stew recipe has you hooked on hands-off cooking, you’re in good company. For another comforting chicken dish that’s equally simple, try our Easiest Crockpot White Chicken Chili. If you love the concept of a stew-like filling, our Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie delivers all the classic flavors with minimal effort. And for those who enjoy thematic recipes, our Witches Brew Stew offers a fun, family-friendly twist on traditional stew.
Your New Go-To Comfort Food
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe truly is the easiest comfort food you’ll make this season. It requires minimal effort for maximum reward, filling your home with incredible aromas and your family with nourishing, delicious food. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this hearty chicken stew will quickly become a regular in your rotation. I’d love to hear how your stew turns out—leave a comment below sharing your experience or any creative twists you added! Don’t forget to tag @StackSipSnack on Pinterest so we can see your beautiful creations. Happy slow cooking
FAQs about Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Do you put raw chicken in slow cooker for stew?
Yes, you can absolutely put raw chicken directly into a slow cooker for stew. It will cook thoroughly and become tender over the long cooking time. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165u00b0F (74u00b0C).
Can I put raw potatoes in slow cooker stew?
Yes, raw potatoes can be added directly to a slow cooker stew. For best results and even cooking, cut them into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch) to prevent them from becoming too mushy or remaining undercooked.
Do I need to brown chicken before putting it in slow cooker for stew?
No, browning chicken before adding it to a slow cooker stew is optional. While it can add a deeper, more complex flavor and better color to the finished dish, it’s not strictly necessary for safety or cooking purposes.
How much liquid do I need for slow cooker stew?
Slow cookers retain a lot of moisture, so you typically need less liquid than conventional stovetop stew. Aim for just enough liquid to cover the ingredients partially, usually about 1-2 cups for a standard 4-6 quart slow cooker, depending on the number of ingredients.
What can I add to slow cooker chicken stew for flavor?
Enhance flavor by adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves; spices such as paprika or black pepper; aromatics like garlic, onions, or celery; a splash of white wine; or a spoonful of tomato paste or Worcestershire sauce.
How do you thicken slow cooker chicken stew?
To thicken slow cooker chicken stew, you can create a slurry with cornstarch or flour mixed with a little cold water, then stir it into the stew during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, remove some liquid, whisk in a thickener, and return it to the pot.
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This easy slow cooker chicken stew is the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort. Tender chicken, soft vegetables, and savory broth simmer together for a hearty meal that cooks itself while you go about your day.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics and Vegetables: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the carrots and celery. There’s no need for perfect knife skills—rustic chunks work beautifully in stews.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place chicken thighs at the bottom of your crock pot. Scatter the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes over the chicken. Add the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk the tomato paste into the chicken broth until dissolved, then pour this mixture over everything in the pot.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fork-tender and easily shreddable. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the flour with ¼ cup of the hot stew liquid to create a slurry. Stir this back into the crock pot along with the frozen peas and shredded chicken. Cook for another 30 minutes on HIGH until slightly thickened.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Store cooled stew in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months (leave out potatoes if planning long-term freezing). Reheat gently on stovetop, adding broth if needed. The flavors deepen overnight, making excellent leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 7g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 24g
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