Have you ever wished for a comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself while also being mindful of your health? I know I have, especially on those busy weeknights when time is short but a nourishing dinner is non-negotiable. This Slow Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Stew is the answer to that very wish. It is a diabetic-friendly recipe designed to be both deeply satisfying and supportive of stable blood sugar levels.
I remember my grandmother’s stews, bubbling away for hours, filling the whole house with a sense of warmth and security. This recipe captures that same soul-soothing essence, but with a modern, health-conscious twist that fits perfectly into a cardiac diabetic diet food list. It is one of those healthy slow cooker meals that proves you do not have to sacrifice flavor for wellbeing.
For more inspiration on building a complete plate, check out our guide on Crockpot Meals for Diabetics, which includes pairing ideas.
Table of Contents
Slow Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Stew
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes – 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
A comforting, hearty slow cooker stew packed with lean chicken and vegetables. This diabetic-friendly recipe is designed for stable blood sugar levels and makes meal prep effortless.
Ingredients
- For the Stew:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste (be mindful if managing blood pressure)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (check for sugar content if strict)
- For a Thicker Stew (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop all vegetables and cut chicken into uniform pieces.
- Combine in the Slow Cooker: Place chicken, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans into slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and all seasonings. Stir to combine.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and vegetables are soft.
- Thicken the Stew (Optional): About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into stew. Continue cooking on HIGH for 30 minutes until thickened.
Notes
This stew freezes well for up to 3 months. For lower carb version, omit carrots and add cauliflower. Remove bay leaf before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Ingredients List
This Slow Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Stew comes together with simple, whole ingredients. The beauty of a stew like this is its flexibility; feel free to swap vegetables based on what you have on hand or what is in season.
For the Stew:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste (be mindful if managing blood pressure)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (check for sugar content if strict)
For a Thicker Stew (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water
Timing
One of the greatest advantages of this low carb chicken stew is how it respects your time. It is the epitome of a set-it-and-forget-it meal.
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 6-8 hours on Low or 3-4 hours on High
- Total time: As little as 3 hours and 20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this easy diabetic recipe is a straightforward process that yields incredible results.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Chop all your vegetables and cut the chicken into uniform pieces. This ensures everything cooks evenly. Taking a few minutes to do this prep work makes the assembly process incredibly fast.
Step 2: Combine in the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans into the slow cooker insert. There is no need to sauté anything first, which saves time and cleanup. Add the canned diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and all the seasonings thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, pepper, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently stir everything to combine and ensure the tomato paste is dissolved into the liquid.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork, and the vegetables should be soft but not mushy. This long, slow cooking process is what develops the deep, rich flavors, making it one of the best diabetic slow cooker recipes for a reason.
Step 4: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, about 30 minutes before serving, create a slurry by whisking the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the stew, cover, and continue cooking on HIGH for the remaining 30 minutes until the broth has thickened.
Nutritional Information
This recipe is a powerhouse of nutrition, carefully crafted for blood sugar management. Per serving (approximately 1.5 cups):
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 8g
- Fat: 8g
The high protein and fiber content are key for promoting satiety and preventing blood sugar spikes, making this an excellent choice for prediabetes meals to eat. The vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health.
Equipment Needed
You do not need any fancy gadgets for this Slow Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Stew.
- A 6-quart or larger slow cooker
- A good chef’s knife
- A cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is more than just food; it is a tool for a healthier, easier lifestyle.
- It is incredibly easy. Just chop, dump, and go. It simplifies your day.
- It is perfectly diabetic-friendly. With its balance of lean protein and low-glycemic vegetables, it is designed for stable energy.
- It is a complete, hearty meal in one pot. No need for complicated sides unless you want them.
- It is fantastic for meal prep. This recipe makes several portions, perfect for easy diabetic meal recipes throughout the week.
- The flavor is deep and comforting. It proves that healthy food does not have to be bland or boring.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Stew is wonderfully adaptable.
- For a Keto or Very Low-Carb Version: Omit the potatoes and carrots and add more non-starchy vegetables like cauliflower florets, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
- For a Paleo Version: Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for thickening and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is compliant.
- To Reduce Sodium: Use no-salt-added canned tomatoes and a homemade, unsalted chicken broth. This is a crucial adjustment for those also following a meal plan for kidney disease.
- Protein Swap: You can easily use turkey or even lean beef, answering the common question of what meats can a diabetic eat.
Serving Suggestions
This stew is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to round it out.
- For a traditional touch, serve a small portion with a slice of whole-grain bread for dipping.
- A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a fresh, crisp contrast.
- If you are not strictly low-carb, a small scoop of quinoa or brown rice can be a nice addition.
- Looking for more easy diabetic dinner ideas? Pair it with our simple roasted asparagus from Stack Sip Snack for a truly balanced plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A great stew is easy, but a few tips can make it perfect.
- Do not overcook the chicken on the high setting, or it can become dry and stringy. 3-4 hours on high is usually sufficient.
- Do not skip the tomato paste. It adds a crucial depth of flavor and richness to the broth without adding sugar.
- Do not add the thickening slurry directly to the hot liquid without mixing it with cold water first, or you will get lumps.
- Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving. It is inedible and can be a choking hazard.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This stew is arguably even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
- Refrigeration: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This Slow Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Stew freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Stew is a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly special and supportive of your health. It is a reliable, delicious cornerstone for any diabetic friendly meal plan, providing comfort without compromise. It is the kind of meal that makes eating well feel effortless and deeply rewarding. If you enjoy this style of cooking, you might also love our Crockpot Beef Vegetable Soup for another hearty option.
I would love to hear how this recipe works for you and your family. What variations did you try? Share your experience in the comments below. And if you are looking for more inspiration, don’t forget to check out our collection of easy diabetic recipes on Stack Sip Snack for more ideas that simplify healthy eating.
FAQs about Slow Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Stew
Can you put raw chicken in a slow cooker for stew?
Yes, absolutely. Slow cookers are designed to safely cook raw meat, including chicken, from start to finish. The low, consistent heat ensures it cooks thoroughly and becomes tender.
What kind of chicken is best for slow cooker stew?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are generally preferred for slow cooker stew. They remain moist and tender over long cooking times, unlike breast meat which can dry out. Bone-in thighs also work but require more effort to debone before serving.
Do I need to brown chicken before slow cooking stew?
Browning chicken before adding it to the slow cooker is optional but recommended. It adds a deeper, richer flavor to the stew and can create a more appealing color, thanks to the Maillard reaction. However, it’s not essential for food safety or tenderness.
When should I add vegetables to slow cooker chicken stew?
Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery can be added at the beginning with the chicken, as they require longer cooking times. Softer vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach should be added during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
How do I thicken slow cooker chicken and vegetable stew?
To thicken, you can make a cornstarch slurry (1-2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water) and stir it into the hot stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, remove some liquid, whisk in a little flour, and return it to the pot, or mash some of the cooked potatoes/vegetables into the broth.
How long does slow cooker chicken and vegetable stew last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, slow cooker chicken and vegetable stew can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
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