If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dinner that practically cooks itself, you’ll fall in love with this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe. It’s a colorful medley of tender chicken thighs, sweet carrots, earthy potatoes, and aromatic herbs, all simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. Each bite brings you warmth and satisfaction, making this stew a go-to for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you crave something nourishing with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe comes from simple, wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously. Each component brings something special, from vibrant color to satisfying texture or irresistible savory depth.
- Chicken Thighs: Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicy, flavor-packed bites that stay tender after hours in the slow cooker.
- Carrots: Sliced carrots add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color that makes the stew as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Potatoes: Diced potatoes soak up all the savory goodness and turn creamy as they cook, giving the stew hearty substance.
- Celery: These sliced stalks lend an aromatic foundation and add a satisfying crunch to each spoonful.
- Yellow Onion: Chopped onion brings soft sweetness and gentle flavor that’s essential for building a cozy stew.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses each bite with warm, savory notes you’ll crave.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is the key to a flavorful, not overly salty, base that lets every other ingredient shine.
- Tomato Paste: Just a tablespoon adds subtle depth and a touch of tang that rounds out the flavor.
- Dried Thyme: This herb brings gentle earthiness, making everything taste even more welcoming.
- Dried Rosemary: Its piney, aromatic presence pairs wonderfully with chicken and root veggies.
- Paprika: A dash of paprika adds gentle warmth and a pretty golden hue.
- Bay Leaf: This quiet hero enhances the overall savory aroma as it simmers away.
- Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget to season to taste—these basics help each ingredient shine.
- Cornstarch (optional): Use this for a thicker stew by mixing with water and adding at the end.
- Fresh Parsley: A final sprinkle of chopped parsley gives your stew fresh color and a fragrant finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
Start by arranging the chicken thighs, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic right into the bottom of your slow cooker. There’s no need for extra bowls or pans—just plenty of bright, beautiful vegetables and hearty chicken, piled together and ready to soak up all the upcoming goodness.
Step 2: Mix and Pour the Broth Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. This fragrant blend will serve as the flavor backbone for your stew. Pour it evenly over your chicken and veggies in the slow cooker, letting all those dreamy herbs start to mingle. Don’t forget to toss in the bay leaf before you close the lid!
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Now it’s time for the slow cooker to do its magic. Cover and cook your stew on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fall-apart tender and the vegetables are luxuriously soft. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and you’ll hardly believe such flavor can come from so little effort.
Step 4: Thicken (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk two tablespoons of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water until smooth, then stir the mixture into your stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The result is a velvety, luscious broth that clings to every bite.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf! Right before serving, garnish the stew with plenty of fresh, chopped parsley. Ladle it into bowls and prepare for cozy, comforting bliss in every single mouthful.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
The easiest way to freshen up your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. If you’re feeling fancy, try a squeeze of lemon for brightness or a pinch of flaky sea salt for pop. A swirl of crème fraîche or sour cream also adds velvety richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your stew with warm, crusty bread so you can soak up every last drop. For something lighter, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the hearty flavors beautifully. Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts are perfect if you’re craving even more veggies on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe in rustic bowls for a casual family dinner, or dress it up with fresh microgreens and toasted baguette slices for guests. Ladling stew over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered rice turns it into the ultimate comfort meal, perfect for special occasions or a treat-yourself night at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe keeps beautifully! As soon as the stew has cooled, transfer it to airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only grow deeper and more inviting as they meld together overnight.
Freezing
This stew is an excellent freezer meal. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will keep its quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat for an easy, homemade meal whenever you need one.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a covered saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, for a quick and cozy lunch. If the stew has thickened too much, just splash in a little extra broth to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work if you prefer a lighter option, but keep in mind they can be a little drier than thighs. Try to avoid overcooking if you swap them in, and cube them to help them stay juicy.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken before adding to the slow cooker?
Not at all—one of the joys of this recipe is skipping stove-top steps. However, if you have a few extra minutes, browning the chicken and sautéing the onions first will add even more depth and flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Definitely! This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is very forgiving. Try parsnips, sweet potatoes, peas, or green beans—just cut them into similar sizes so everything cooks evenly.
How can I make the stew gluten-free?
Great news—the recipe as written is already gluten-free. Just double-check your chicken broth and any optional thickener to be sure they’re certified gluten-free, and you’re all set.
What’s the best way to thicken the stew without using cornstarch?
If you’d rather skip cornstarch, try mashing some of the cooked potatoes into the broth or simply let the stew cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce and thicken naturally.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is everything you want in an easy, family-friendly meal—wholesome, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking it for a lazy Sunday or a bustling weeknight, take a moment to enjoy the aroma wafting through your kitchen and treat yourself to a nourishing bowl of home-cooked comfort. You’ll be coming back for seconds, guaranteed!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a cozy night in. Tender chicken thighs simmered with carrots, potatoes, and aromatic herbs create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Stew:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)
- 4 medium carrots (sliced)
- 3 medium potatoes (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Place chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Mix Broth: Whisk chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper; pour over ingredients.
- Cook: Add bay leaf, cover, and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Optional Thickening: If desired, mix cornstarch with water and stir into stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Remove bay leaf, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- For enhanced flavor, brown the chicken and sauté onions and garlic before adding to the slow cooker.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
