Craving a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is your answer! Tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs combine for a delicious and satisfying dish. Inspired by cozy family dinners, this stew is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing weekend guests. Let’s dive into the magic of this incredible stew!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Effortless Slow Cooking: Set it and forget it!
Tender and Juicy Chicken: Perfectly cooked every time.
Packed with Vegetables: A nutritious and delicious meal.
Rich and Savory Broth: Deep, comforting flavors.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Easy to Customize: Adapt it to your favorite veggies and spices.
Minimal Cleanup: One-pot wonder for easy washing.
Aroma Fills the Kitchen: Inviting and comforting.

Ingredients Needed for Hearty Chicken Stew

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (900g) – Choose organic for the best flavor and quality.
1 tbsp olive oil (15ml) – Extra virgin olive oil adds a fruity note.
1 large onion, chopped (about 200g) – Yellow or white onions work perfectly.
2 carrots, peeled and chopped (about 150g) – Look for firm, bright orange carrots.
2 celery stalks, chopped (about 100g) – Adds a subtle savory note.
4 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic is key for a robust flavor.
4 cups chicken broth (950ml) – Low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness.
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (411g) – Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth.
1 tsp dried thyme (5ml) – Toast lightly for 30 seconds for best flavor.
1 tsp dried rosemary (5ml) – Fresh rosemary can also be used (about 1 tbsp chopped).
1/2 tsp salt (2.5ml) – Adjust to your taste preference.
1/4 tsp black pepper (1.25ml) – Freshly ground black pepper is recommended.
1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed (450g) – Yukon gold or red potatoes hold their shape well.
1 cup frozen peas (150g) – Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
2 tbsp cornstarch (30ml) – For thickening the stew.
1/4 cup water (60ml) – To make a cornstarch slurry.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.

For the spices, consider toasting them lightly in a dry pan for about 30 seconds. This will unlock even more flavor! Find the freshest herbs at your local farmer’s market for an extra burst of freshness.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole – A comforting casserole that brings the flavours of French onion soup to a creamy orzo pasta dish.

Essential Equipment List for Making Stew

Slow cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.
Large skillet: For browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
Knife: A sharp knife for chopping vegetables.
Cutting board: To protect your countertop while chopping.
Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Ladle: For serving the stew.

Hearty chicken stew simmering in a slow cooker.

A heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even browning. A food processor can speed up the chopping process, but it’s certainly not essential!

Recipe Details at a Glance

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (on low)
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy

Scale up this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew recipe for a crowd or halve it for solo dining. It’s incredibly versatile!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Transfer the browned chicken to a slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Transfer vegetables to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasoning

Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the slow cooker. Stir in dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken becomes!

Step 5: Add Potatoes

Add peeled and cubed potatoes to the slow cooker during the last 2 hours of cooking time on low (or 1 hour on high). Make sure the potatoes are submerged in the liquid.

Step 6: Stir in Peas

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in frozen peas. They only need a short time to heat through and retain their vibrant green color.

Step 7: Thicken the Stew

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew to thicken it. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the hot stew, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. The fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the stew.

If the stew is too thick, thin it with a little extra chicken broth. If it’s too thin, add another tablespoon of cornstarch slurry. Remember, resting the stew for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to deepen even further.

CHECK OUT: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Casserole – A comforting casserole with chicken in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, perfect for a family dinner.

Tips for Success: Perfecting Your Stew

Browning the Chicken: Don’t skip this step! Browning adds depth and flavor.
Even Vegetable Cuts: Ensure vegetables are uniformly cut for even cooking.
Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Add potatoes at the right time to avoid mushiness.
Fresh Parsley: Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.

Deglaze the skillet with a splash of chicken broth after browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables. This adds even more flavor to the stew. For beginners, pre-measure all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process.

Variations & Substitutions for a Personalized Stew

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Creamy Stew: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for extra richness.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian version.

Close-up of tender chicken and vegetables in rich stew broth.

Different Herbs: Use other herbs like bay leaf or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Sweet Potatoes: Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for added sweetness and nutrition.

For a gluten-free stew, ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. You can also use arrowroot starch instead of cornstarch for thickening.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the savory broth.
Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness of the stew.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted root vegetables for a hearty meal.
Cornbread: A classic pairing that complements the stew perfectly.

Pair this stew with a refreshing mint lemonade to cut through the richness. It’s a fall feast stunner! Stack slices high in a bowl; drizzle sauce artfully.

Health Benefits of This Chicken Stew

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is packed with nutrients! Chicken provides lean protein, while vegetables offer essential vitamins and minerals. Carrots are a great source of Vitamin A, and potatoes are rich in potassium. This stew is a balanced and nourishing meal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storage: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave.
Freezing: Freeze the stew in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Cool the stew completely before storing to prevent spoilage. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the stew.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients. Watch the cooking time, as it may need to be slightly increased.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful in a slow cooker. If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry.

How do I avoid soggy potatoes?

Add the potatoes during the last 2 hours of cooking time on low (or 1 hour on high). This prevents them from becoming mushy.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I make the stew gluten-free?

Ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. You can also use arrowroot starch instead of cornstarch for thickening.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Calories: 320
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 480mg
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 30g

Exact nutritional stats need a nutrition calculator. Carbs: 25g from wholesome grains and vegetables!

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Slow Cooker Taco Chicken and Rice – A flavorful and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Easy Cabbage Casserole – A comforting and cheesy casserole that’s sure to be a family favorite.
Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet – A light and refreshing dish that’s quick and easy to make.

Craving more hearty and comforting recipes? These gems are sure to please!

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is fast, flavorful, and a crowd-pleaser! Whip it up tonight—tag us with your masterpiece! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking! Let us know how it goes—comment below!

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe