This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is pure cozy comfort in a bowl! Hearty, full of classic veggies and tender chicken, this dish comes together almost entirely hands-off—perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a fuss-free, flavor-packed family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-Day Comfort: The Slow Cooker Chicken Stew simmers gently, infusing your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and heartwarming flavor drenched into every bite.
- Effortless Prep: With just a few straightforward steps and simple ingredients, dinner is ready with minimal hands-on work (the slow cooker does most of the magic!).
- Nutritious & Filling: It’s loaded with lean protein, colorful veggies, and nourishing broth, making it truly satisfying.
- Flexible for Families: This stew adapts beautifully—swap in your favorite vegetables or tweak the seasoning to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is how effortlessly humble staples come together for deeply comforting results. Each ingredient plays its part: classic aromatics for backbone, tender veggies for color and heartiness, and ultra-juicy chicken for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken and developing rich, savory flavor right from the start.
- Chicken thighs: Chosen for their tenderness and flavor—they won’t dry out during those long, cozy hours of slow cooking.
- All-purpose flour: Tossed with the chicken, this helps thicken the stew naturally as it simmers.
- Dried thyme & rosemary: These classic herbs bring an earthy aroma and that unmistakable rustic flavor.
- Salt & black pepper: To season both the chicken and the finished stew so every spoonful sings.
- Fresh garlic: Six cloves might seem generous, but trust me—it melts into the broth for wonderful depth.
- Onion: Diced onion slowly softens and sweetens, adding savory complexity.
- Carrots: Sweet, tender rings that hold their shape and brighten up the pot.
- Potatoes: Hearty cubes soak up the savory flavors and give the stew its creamy body.
- Chicken broth: This forms the flavorful base—opt for low-sodium if you’d like more control over seasoning.
- Bay leaf: Adds an undetectable yet essential note of herbal depth (remove before serving!).
- Milk: Just a splash at the end gives your stew a lovely, silky texture.
- Frozen green peas: Bright pops of color and a bit of sweetness, stirred in at the very last to stay vibrant.
Variations
One of the best things about Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is how endlessly adaptable it is. Feel free to make it your own based on the veggies you have on hand, what’s in season, or your family’s favorite twists!
- Swap the Veggies: Try sweet potatoes or parsnips instead of regular potatoes and carrots for an earthy fall flavor.
- Go Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened almond or oat milk in place of regular milk for a lactose-free version with the same creamy finish.
- Add Beans: Stir in a drained can of white beans during the last hour for extra protein and heartiness.
- Spice it Up: Toss in a pinch of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some gentle heat and smoky undertones.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken
Start by dicing your chicken thighs into bite-size pieces, then season them liberally with salt and black pepper. Searing the chicken quickly in a bit of olive oil on all sides creates a flavorful base—don’t worry about cooking it through at this stage; you just want that golden, caramelized surface for extra richness in the stew.
Step 2: Coat Chicken and Add Aromatics
Transfer the just-seared chicken to your slow cooker and give it a toss with the flour, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and another generous pinch of salt. This coats every morsel with herby, seasoned flour, which will help thicken the stew as it cooks.
Step 3: Build the Stew and Slow Cook
Add the garlic, onion, carrots, and potatoes right on top, then pour in the chicken broth and tuck in the bay leaf. Stir gently to combine, pop the lid on, and set your slow cooker—7 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high, whichever fits your schedule best. This step is where everything gets cozy and all those savory flavors meld together!
Step 4: Finish with Peas and Milk
When everything is melt-in-your-mouth tender and your kitchen smells amazing, add the frozen peas and a splash of milk. Cover again and let your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew cook for 10–15 more minutes, just until the peas are heated through and the broth turns irresistibly creamy.
Step 5: Adjust & Serve
Taste and tweak the seasonings, adding a bit more flour for thickening or extra broth for a looser stew if you like. Remove the bay leaf, then ladle the stew into bowls straight from the slow cooker and get ready for comfort food bliss.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- Golden Sear: Browning the chicken isn’t just an extra step—it’s the trick that adds irresistible depth and meaty flavor to the final stew.
- Uniform Veggie Cuts: Cutting your carrots and potatoes into even-sized pieces means every bite will be tender, not mushy or underdone.
- Don’t Skip the Peas: Add the frozen peas at the very end so they keep their gorgeous green color and sweet snap, not dull out in the long cook.
- Customize the Broth: Adjust the thickness by playing with flour or broth at the end—this lets you make your stew as chunky or soupy as your mood wants!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Garnishes
A scatter of fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a little sprinkle of grated Parmesan turns each bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew into something extra special. A twist of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil is equally welcome on top!
Side Dishes
This stew begs for something to mop up every drop—think hunks of crusty bread, flaky buttermilk biscuits, or a simple side of steamed rice. If you’re feeling extra, a leafy green salad or roasted garlic broccoli makes a perfect pairing, adding freshness to every comforting bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew into wide, shallow bowls for a rustic feel, or serve it in mini bread bowls for wow-factor at parties. For a cozy family gathering, place your slow cooker right on the dinner table, then let everyone scoop their own perfect portion. A little sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds instant color and makes each serving feel restaurant-worthy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is practically a gift! Store your cooled stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be sure it’s fully cool before sealing to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully: portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze without adding the peas and milk—just stir those in when reheating for vibrant color and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the stew gently in a saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. You can also microwave individual servings—just cover and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring as you go, until it’s steaming and delicious again.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?
Yes, you can swap in boneless, skinless chicken breasts—just keep in mind they tend to cook a bit faster and can dry out more than thighs. If using breasts, check for doneness about 30 minutes earlier and consider adding a splash more broth for extra juiciness.
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Is it necessary to sear the chicken before adding to the slow cooker?
Searing adds a deep, savory flavor and locks in the juices, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time. The stew will still be delicious—the flavor will just be a bit softer and lighter.
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How do I thicken Slow Cooker Chicken Stew if it turns out too thin?
If your stew is a little thinner than you’d like, mix a teaspoon of flour with a splash of water to make a slurry and stir it in during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking, or let the stew cook uncovered for a short while to reduce naturally.
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Can I add noodles or dumplings to this stew?
Absolutely! Add uncooked egg noodles in the final 30–40 minutes of cook time, or drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough right into the bubbling stew and let them steam for pillowy bites. Just add extra broth to ensure there’s enough liquid for them to cook through.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that wraps you up in warmth and comfort—without hovering over the stove—give this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew a try. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again, and the leftovers are just as good the next day. Cozy up, grab a spoon, and dig in—you’re going to adore every bite!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Slow Cooking
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a cozy night in. Tender chicken, flavorful herbs, and a variety of vegetables come together in a rich and satisfying stew that is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to season
For the Stew:
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 large potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1 pound)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup green peas, frozen
- Black pepper, to season
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Brown chicken in a skillet with olive oil.
- Coat Chicken: Toss seared chicken with flour, thyme, rosemary, and salt.
- Combine Ingredients: Add garlic, onion, carrots, potatoes, broth, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Add Peas and Milk: Stir in peas and milk, cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Adjust Consistency: Thicken stew if needed with flour or broth.
- Season to Taste: Adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
