Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about walking into a house that smells like dinner has been cooking all day. For me, that scent—savory, rich, and warm—is the smell of home. It’s the smell of my grandmother’s kitchen on a chilly afternoon, of coming in from playing outside to find a pot simmering on the stove. These days, my life looks a little different—more carpools, more deadlines, more “what’s for dinner?” panic at 5 p.m.—but that feeling of comfort is something I try to recreate whenever I can. And my secret weapon? My slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is my go-to when I want that all-day-simmered flavor without actually standing over a stove all day. It’s hearty, packed with tender chicken and vegetables, and so forgiving you can practically dump the ingredients in and walk away. If you’re looking for an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, you’ve come to the right place.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe Ingredients

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients. You might already have most of them in your pantry or fridge.

• Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work well too.
• Vegetables: 1 large yellow onion (chopped), 3 carrots (peeled and sliced), 3 celery stalks (sliced), and 1 pound baby potatoes (halved).
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Because flavor.
• Broth: 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth. This forms the base of our stew.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons, for depth and a touch of richness.
• Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 bay leaf, and salt and black pepper to taste.
• Flour: ¼ cup all-purpose flour, to thicken the stew. For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
• Frozen Peas: 1 cup, added at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish, optional but lovely.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Timing

This easy chicken stew recipe is a true time-saver.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours on Low or 3-4 hours on High
• Total Time: About 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes

The long, slow cook time means you can get it going in the morning and have a hot, homemade dinner waiting for you. It’s about 50% less hands-on time than making a stew on the stovetop.

Step-by-Step Instructions for this Hearty Chicken Stew

Making this crock pot chicken stew is as simple as layering ingredients and letting the machine do its magic.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Vegetables

If you’re using chicken breasts, cut them into 1-inch chunks. Chicken thighs can often go in whole as they are more forgiving and will shred easily later. Chop your onion, slice the carrots and celery, and halve the baby potatoes. Mince the garlic. This is the only real “work” involved!

Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes over the top. Sprinkle the minced garlic and all the dried seasonings (thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper) over the vegetables. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk the flour into the chicken broth until no lumps remain. Stir in the tomato paste. Pour this liquid mixture over everything in the slow cooker. Drop in the bay leaf. Pro Tip: Resist the urge to stir! Layering like this helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents the vegetables from getting mushy too early.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Place the lid on your slow cooker. For the most tender chicken, cook on Low for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook on High for 3-4 hours. The stew is done when the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork, and the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Finish and Thicken

About 30 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaf. If you used whole chicken thighs, you can now shred them with two forks right in the pot. Stir in the frozen peas. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can create a quick slurry: mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this into the stew, replace the lid, and let it cook on High for the final 20-30 minutes. This will give you a rich, gravy-like consistency.

Nutritional Information for this Healthy Chicken Stew

This stew is not only comforting but also nourishing. A serving (approximately 1.5 cups) contains roughly:

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 7g

It’s a fantastic source of lean protein from the chicken and packed with Vitamin A from the carrots. Using low-sodium broth helps you control the salt content, making it a genuinely healthy chicken stew option.

Equipment Needed for Your Crock Pot Chicken Stew

You don’t need any fancy tools for this dump and go chicken stew.

• A 6-quart or larger slow cooker (or crock pot).
• A good chef’s knife and cutting board for prepping vegetables.
• A measuring cup and spoons.
• A whisk for mixing the broth and flour.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Stew Recipe

This recipe has earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation for so many reasons.

• It’s Incredibly Forgiving: Running late? An extra hour on low won’t hurt it. Forgot an ingredient? You can probably swap it.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, melding the flavors into something deep and complex.
• Feeds a Crowd (or Provides Leftovers): This makes a large batch, perfect for a family dinner or for meal-prepping lunches for the week.
• Comfort in a Bowl: It’s the definition of hearty, wholesome, and satisfying—the kind of food that makes everything feel right with the world.

Healthier Alternatives for Your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different dietary needs. If you’re exploring other crockpot meals for diabetics, these swaps can help tailor it to your needs.

• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
• Lower Carb/Keto: Omit the potatoes and carrots. Add in lower-carb vegetables like cauliflower florets, mushrooms, and zucchini instead.
• Dairy-Free/Creamy Version: This stew is naturally dairy-free! For a creamy chicken stew variation, stir in ½ cup of full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative at the end. For another creamy option, check out our Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup.
• More Protein: Add a can of drained and rinsed white beans during the last hour of cooking.

Serving Suggestions for this Comforting Stew

This hearty chicken stew is a complete meal in a bowl, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments.

• With Bread: A thick, crusty slice of sourdough or a fluffy dinner roll is perfect for sopping up every last bit of the delicious broth.
• Over Grains: Serve it over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or egg noodles to make it even more filling.
• With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the stew beautifully.
• For a Cozy Night: Pair it with a simple Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie filling (without the crust) for the ultimate comfort food feast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Your Chicken Stew

Even an easy recipe can have pitfalls. Here’s how to make sure your stew is perfect every time.

• Overcooking the Chicken Breast: If using breasts, don’t cook them for the full 8 hours on low or they can become dry and stringy. 6 hours is usually sufficient. Thighs are much more forgiving.
• Adding Delicate Veggies Too Early: Ingredients like peas, spinach, or zucchini should be added in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Otherwise, they’ll turn to mush.
• Not Tasting Before Serving: Seasonings can mellow during long cooking. Always taste your stew at the end and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
• Using the Wrong Size Slow Cooker: If your slow cooker is too large, the liquid may evaporate too quickly. If it’s too small, it could overflow. A 6-quart model is ideal for this recipe.

Storing Tips for Your Leftover Stew

This stew might be even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld.

• Refrigeration: Let the stew cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This stew freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. You can also use the microwave, stirring every 60 seconds. If the stew has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

If you love the convenience of freezer meals, our Easiest Crockpot White Chicken Chili is another great make-ahead option.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a reliable, comforting presence on a busy day. It’s the answer to “what’s for dinner?” that requires almost no thought but delivers so much warmth and satisfaction. From the tender chunks of chicken to the soft, flavorful vegetables and rich broth, every spoonful is a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a staple in my home, and I truly hope it becomes one in yours, too. If you’re in the mood for a different kind of stew adventure, you might also enjoy our fun Spooky Delicious Witches Brew Stew for a themed meal.

I’d love to hear how your stew turns out! Leave a comment below and tell me about your experience. And if you snap a photo, don’t forget to tag @Stacksipsnack on Pinterest so I can see your beautiful creation

FAQs about Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

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