Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort arrives beautifully in this hearty slow cooker chicken stew that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Tender meat transforms ordinary ingredients into a remarkable meal.

Fragrant herbs and vegetables blend seamlessly throughout the cooking process.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor, making this recipe perfect for busy individuals.

Robust seasonings infuse each spoonful with delightful complexity.

Simple preparation means you can assemble everything quickly and let the appliance work its magic.

Dive into this delectable dish that will become your new winter favorite.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, but they can dry out faster. Use boneless, skinless breasts and reduce cooking time to 5-6 hours to prevent overcooking.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The original recipe isn’t gluten-free because of flour. Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickener to make it gluten-free.

• Can I freeze this chicken stew?

Absolutely! Cool the stew completely, then store in airtight containers. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Is Perfect for Cozy Nights

• Craft a Hearty Meal with Minimal Effort: This slow cooker chicken stew requires simple ingredient dumping and minimal prep, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a nutritious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Comfort Food: The recipe offers flexibility with vegetable choices and thickness, allowing you to adjust according to family preferences or what's available in your pantry.
• Family-Friendly Dinner Solution: Packed with tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this stew appeals to all ages and provides a balanced, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Hands-Off Cooking Experience: By using a slow cooker, you can walk away and let the appliance do the work, freeing up time for other activities while ensuring a delicious, home-cooked meal awaits you.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Chicken Thighs: Dark meat that provides rich flavor and stays tender during slow cooking.

• Potatoes, Carrots, Onion, Garlic: Classic root vegetables that add hearty texture and deep flavor to the stew.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the foundational liquid for the stew and enhances overall flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Provide a tangy base and help thicken the sauce.
• Thyme, Rosemary, Bay Leaf: Aromatic herbs that add traditional stew flavor and depth.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the taste of all ingredients.

• Flour: Helps create a thicker consistency when mixed with water.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the completed stew.

Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Instructions

Step 1: Prep The Protein And Vegetables

• Chicken thighs
• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Onion
• Garlic

Drop all these ingredients directly into the slow cooker basin, creating a colorful and promising base for your comforting meal.

Step 2: Build The Flavor Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Bay leaf
• Salt
• Pepper

Gently stir everything together so each ingredient gets acquainted with its tasty companions.

Step 3: Let The Magic Happen

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low temperature. Allow the stew to simmer and develop deep, rich flavors for 7-8 hours. This slow cooking process will transform your ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that falls apart with tenderness.

Step 4: Thicken The Stew

Want a heartier consistency? Create a quick flour slurry by mixing flour with a splash of water. Stir this into the stew during the final 30 minutes of cooking to achieve a luxurious, creamy texture.

Step 5: Final Touches

Carefully remove the bay leaf – it’s done its job of infusing wonderful flavor. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes.

Serve hot and enjoy your soul-warming chicken stew!

Pro Tips for Rich and Flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Opt for bone-in chicken thighs to enhance the stew's rich, deep flavor and keep the meat extra tender during slow cooking.
• Swap vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference, ensuring similar-sized chopped pieces for even cooking.
• Prevent watery consistency by using cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free thickening method that creates a smoother texture.
• Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or green beans during the last hour of cooking.
• Elevate the dish's taste by using homemade chicken broth and freshly ground herbs for a more robust and authentic flavor profile.

Variations to Customize Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Rustic Mediterranean Stew: Replace thyme and rosemary with oregano and add kalamata olives and artichoke hearts for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Stew: Incorporate chili powder, cumin, and diced green chilies. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with cornbread for a zesty southwestern experience.
• Hearty Root Vegetable Stew: Swap potatoes with sweet potatoes, add parsnips and turnips for extra depth. Include smoked paprika for a rich, earthy undertone.
• Creamy Herb Chicken Stew: Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Sprinkle with fresh dill and chives for a luxurious, velvety texture.

Pairing Ideas for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Enhance Your Chicken Stew Experience
• Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Côtes du Rhône that complements the rich, hearty flavors of the chicken stew without overpowering its delicate herbs.
• Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread: Choose a robust sourdough or country-style bread to soak up the savory stew juices, adding delightful texture and absorbing the aromatic broth.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Create a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the stew's warmth and provide a refreshing contrast to the dish's robust flavors.

Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated stew stays fresh for 3-4 days when kept at 40°F or below.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place stew in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until temperature reaches 165°F throughout.
• Pour stew into a saucepan, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated completely and steaming.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker chicken stew delivers comfort in a bowl, blending tender chicken with rich, savory vegetables. Warm spices and slow-simmered goodness invite you to savor each spoonful of this soul-satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks

Vegetables:

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Layer chicken thighs, potatoes, carrots, onions, and minced garlic into the slow cooker, creating a hearty base for the stew.
2. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, then add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper, thoroughly mixing all components.
3. Secure the slow cooker lid and set to low temperature, allowing the stew to simmer gently for 7-8 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
4. For a more robust consistency, whisk flour with cold water to create a smooth slurry, then fold into the stew during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Carefully extract the bay leaf, ensuring no herbs remain in the final dish.
6. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the stew just before serving, adding a vibrant burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, keeping cooking time consistent to prevent dryness.
• Transform this stew into a gluten-free meal by using cornstarch instead of flour for thickening and ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Enhance flavor depth by quickly searing chicken thighs before adding to the slow cooker, which creates a rich caramelized exterior and more complex taste profile.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like celery, parsnips, or sweet potatoes for increased vitamins and varied textures without compromising the stew’s classic comfort.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7-8 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 203 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg