Name: Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb red potatoes (cut into ½” pieces); 2 large carrots (peeled and thinly sliced); 1 rib celery (chopped); ½ medium onion (finely chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup frozen peas (optional); 1½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1½ cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons corn starch; ⅔ cup heavy cream; 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb); ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

If you’re craving something cozy, creamy, and absolutely bursting with flavor, you’re in for a treat with this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe. I absolutely love how tender the chicken gets and how the garlic parmesan flavor makes everything so rich without feeling heavy. Once you try it, you’ll see why this has become a go-to for those chilly evenings when you want comfort food without much fuss. Stick around—I’ll walk you through everything to make sure your stew turns out perfect every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Just pop everything in your slow cooker and come back hours later to a delicious meal.
Rich, Creamy Flavor: The garlic and Parmesan blend makes this stew flavorful without needing heavy cream overload.
Perfectly Tender Chicken: Slow cooking ensures juicy chicken that shreds beautifully without drying out.
Family-Friendly: Vegetables, protein, and a comforting broth all in one bowl that’s sure to please everyone.

A round, white bowl filled with a creamy chicken soup showing about four layers: the thick white broth as the base, scattered shredded white chicken pieces, bright orange sliced carrots and green peas, and chunky off-white potato pieces with some light green celery bits mixed in; a silver spoon rests on the right side inside the bowl, partially submerged in the soup. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with fresh green parsley leaves to the top-left and two small white bowls at the top-right containing finely chopped green herbs and grated cheese. A torn bread piece is on a small wooden board at the bottom-left corner next to a blue and white striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe lies in its simple, quality ingredients that come together for maximum comfort. When shopping, look for fresh, firm veggies and good-quality Parmesan to really boost the flavor.

Red potatoes: I like red potatoes because they hold their shape well during slow cooking and add a nice creamy texture.
Carrots: Thinly sliced carrots caramelize slightly in the slow cooker, contributing sweetness and color.
Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and depth of flavor to the stew base.
Onion: Finely chopped to blend well and bring subtle sweetness.
Garlic: Minced garlic is key for that bright, savory hit that ties everything together.
Salt and spices: Salt, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, and black pepper bring layers of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Use low sodium to control saltiness and keep the stew light.
Cornstarch: This is for thickening the stew later, so the broth gets that luxurious creamy coating.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness, but use just enough to keep it balanced.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I prefer chicken breasts for their tenderness, though thighs would work too if you want extra juiciness.
Frozen peas (optional): Stirred in at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.
Shredded Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor and melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe is how flexible it is. I’ve played around with several versions depending on what’s in my pantry and what my family craves that day. Feel free to tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs!

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts: I tried thighs once to get extra moist chicken, and it was melt-in-your-mouth delicious—you’ll want to savor every bite.
Add mushrooms or bell peppers: I’ve thrown in diced mushrooms for an earthy note when I want more veggies in my stew.
Dairy-free option: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and skip the Parmesan; it still turns out creamy and flavorful.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne pepper if you like a little heat—I always add this when I want to spice things up.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Vegetables and Seasonings

Start by placing the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, salt, parsley, Italian seasoning, and pepper directly in your slow cooker. Give it a quick stir so everything starts to mix. I like to chop the veggies evenly, so they cook at the same rate—no one likes a crunchy carrot while the potato is mushy, right?

Step 2: Whisk Together the Broth and Cornstarch

In a small bowl, mix the broth with the cornstarch until smooth. This little step helps thicken the stew perfectly without clumps. Pour this mixture along with the heavy cream into the slow cooker. I discovered that whisking beforehand makes all the difference—no random blobs of cornstarch floating around!

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Cook

Place your chicken breasts on top of everything and press them down slightly into the liquid. Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 7 hours. I like cooking it low and slow to ensure the potatoes get fully tender and the chicken stays juicy. If you’re short on time, cut the potatoes smaller to speed things up.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Finish the Stew

Once the potatoes are tender, remove the chicken breasts and shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces. Stir the chicken back into the slow cooker along with the frozen peas and Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts into the broth for that signature garlic parmesan creaminess. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed—sometimes a little extra salt or pepper takes it over the top.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve hot with your favorite crusty bread—the kind that soaks up all the delicious stew juices. Trust me, dipping is the best part! My whole family goes crazy for this, and leftovers are just as good the next day.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

Even Cutting: I always cut my veggies into similar-sized pieces to make sure everything cooks evenly and nothing gets mushy or underdone.
Whisk the Cornstarch: Mixing cornstarch with broth before adding it prevents lumps and gives your stew that silky texture I love.
Check Crab Cooker Temperature: Slow cooker temps can vary a lot; if your cooker runs hot, reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Add Cheese Last: Stir in Parmesan right at the end to keep it from clumping or getting grainy for a smooth finish.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

A close-up of a white slow cooker filled with creamy chicken soup showing three main layers: the top layer with bright green peas scattered across the surface, the middle layer with soft orange carrot slices and small potato cubes with red skin, and the bottom layer made of shredded white chicken pieces mixed evenly throughout the creamy beige broth. A silver spoon lifts a portion of the soup, showing a mix of all ingredients clearly. The background is a white marbled surface with blurred green leaves in the distance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley or chopped chives on top for a burst of color and fresh herb flavor. Sometimes a tiny drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle zing my family enjoys.

Side Dishes

Besides the obvious crusty bread (which I can’t recommend enough), try serving this stew alongside a simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts. For an extra comforting meal, creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles also pair wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this stew in individual bread bowls—instantly elevates the presentation and adds to the cozy vibe. You can also use rustic stoneware bowls to give it that homemade, comforting feel that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where the stew stays fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after sitting overnight, so sometimes I make it a day ahead on purpose!

Freezing

If I want to freeze this stew, I do so before adding the heavy cream and Parmesan. When thawed, I gently reheat it on the stove and then stir in the cream and cheese to keep that fresh, creamy taste.

Reheating

To reheat your stew, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This keeps the chicken tender and prevents the cream from separating. Adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick works like a charm.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra moisture and a richer flavor to the stew. Just make sure to monitor cooking time because thighs might become tender faster than breasts and risk becoming too soft if overcooked.
What can I do if my stew is too thin?

If you find your stew is thinner than you prefer, whisk in an additional teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with broth or water, then cook on high for another 15–20 minutes until it thickens to your liking.
Is it okay to add the peas earlier instead of at the end?

Peas cook quickly and adding them too early can make them mushy and dull their bright color. I recommend stirring them in during the final 10 minutes or after cooking for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe in an Instant Pot?

You can! Use the sauté function to soften the veggies briefly, then pressure cook on high for about 12 minutes. Be sure to do a quick release to keep the chicken tender, and add the Parmesan and cream after cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I still remember the first time I made it—it was a cold evening, and the whole house smelled incredible the moment I lifted the lid. Your family and friends will ask for seconds (and thirds!), and you’ll love how easy it is to throw together with minimal hands-on time. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite in your slow cooker rotation just like it is in mine.