If you have been searching for a comforting, hearty meal that practically makes itself, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for. Filled with tender chicken chunks, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant herbs, this stew offers layers of rich flavor and a satisfying, warming texture that’s perfect for any day of the week. What I love most is how easily the slow cooker brings all these simple ingredients together over several hours to create a dish that feels both nourishing and truly special. Whether you want a cozy family dinner or an impressive yet effortless dish for guests, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe will become your go-to favorite in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe plays a vital role, adding just the right balance of taste, texture, and color. From the tender chicken thighs that soak up all the savory goodness to the hearty vegetables that add natural sweetness and substance, these essentials make the dish shine.
- Chicken thighs or breasts (1½ pounds): These provide juicy, tender protein that absorbs all the flavors beautifully during slow cooking.
- Carrots (4 medium, sliced): Sweet and colorful, carrots add a classic vegetable crunch and natural sweetness.
- Potatoes (3 medium, diced): These give the stew a comforting, starchy heartiness that fills you up.
- Celery (2 stalks, sliced): Celery adds a fresh, slightly crisp texture and subtle depth.
- Yellow onion (1 small, chopped): Onions bring a savory base note and aromatic sweetness as they soften.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic infuses the stew with warmth and a mild, pleasant punch.
- Salt (1½ teaspoons): Essential for enhancing every flavor and balancing the stew.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right touch of mild heat and complexity.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): A classic herb that complements chicken and vegetables with earthiness.
- Dried rosemary (½ teaspoon): Offers a fragrant pine-like flavor that pairs wonderfully with thyme.
- Bay leaf (1): Slow-cooked for subtle herbal notes that build depth.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (3 cups): The stew’s flavorful base, keeping it rich but not salty.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Adds a robust umami punch and beautiful color.
- Cornstarch + water (2 tablespoons each, optional): Used to thicken the stew for a luscious texture.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A fresh, vibrant garnish to brighten every bowl.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping your chicken into bite-sized chunks along with slicing the carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion, and mincing the garlic. Having everything prepped ensures a smooth assembly and evenly distributed flavors throughout the stew.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Layer the chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and toss in the bay leaf. These herbs and seasonings will infuse the stew with irresistible aroma and depth over time.
Step 3: Add the Broth Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and tomato paste until smooth. Pour this vibrant liquid over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker, then gently stir to combine without breaking up the ingredients too much.
Step 4: Cook the Stew
Cover the slow cooker and set it on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. The slow process allows the chicken to become tender and the vegetables perfectly cooked, letting all the flavors meld beautifully together.
Step 5: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, stir together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then add this slurry to the slow cooker about 30 minutes before the end of cooking. This will give the broth a richer, heartier consistency that clings to every spoonful.
Step 6: Final Touches
Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste the stew. Adjust seasoning if needed, adding a pinch more salt or pepper to suit your preference. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a garnish! Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of green but also brings a clean, herbal brightness that cuts through the stew’s richness. You can also try a little grated Parmesan for extra indulgence or a squeeze of lemon to elevate the flavors.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread that’s perfect for dipping and soaking up all that luscious broth. Alternatively, serve it over fluffy white or brown rice to create a complete, satisfying meal packed with warmth and comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming rustic presentation, serve the stew in a deep bowl nestled on a wooden board with freshly baked bread on the side. You could also ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls or individual ramekins sprinkled with a touch of fresh herbs, making every serving feel like a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day!
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully. Divide it into individual portions or a large freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks when you want comfort without the fuss.
Reheating
Reheat the stew gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If it has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well in this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe. Thighs stay juicier and more tender, while breasts cook leaner but can dry out slightly if overcooked, so keep an eye on the timing.
Is it okay to add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add green peas, corn, or even green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking. They add color, texture, and extra nutrition without altering the comforting flavor profile.
Can I make this stew in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function for initial steps and pressure cooking on high for about 15 minutes, followed by natural release. Just be sure to adjust liquid amounts accordingly.
How do I thicken the stew if I don’t want to use cornstarch?
If you prefer not to use cornstarch, you can thicken the stew by mashing some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker and stirring them back in. Alternatively, adding a small amount of instant mashed potato flakes helps thicken without changing flavor much.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and cornstarch. It’s a wonderful option for those following gluten-free diets who want a comforting, homemade meal.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s effortless, nourishing, and endlessly satisfying — everything you want in a slow cooker meal. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it quickly become a staple in your recipe collection, ready to bring comfort and joy to your table whenever you want.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts simmered with fresh vegetables like carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions in a flavorful herb-infused broth. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, it delivers rich, warming flavors with minimal prep time. The stew is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
Ingredients
Protein & Vegetables
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into chunks)
- 4 medium carrots (sliced)
- 3 medium potatoes (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 1 small yellow onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings & Liquids
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Optional Thickener & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken chunks, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, sliced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and add the bay leaf on top for flavor infusion.
- Add Broth Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the low-sodium chicken broth and tomato paste until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Gently stir to combine everything without disturbing the layering too much.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked and soft.
- Optional Thickening: For a thicker stew consistency, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the stew to thicken properly.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf from the stew. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Serve this stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
- For added color and nutrition, stir in green peas or corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
