If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that practically makes itself, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, warming broth that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas all day long. Whether you’re busy with work or simply want a fuss-free dinner, this stew comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker, giving you delicious, satisfying results that feel like a big, cozy hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients is key to making this stew a soul-satisfying favorite. Each component brings its own unique contribution—whether it’s rich flavor, texture, or vibrant color—so nothing is too fancy yet everything is essential.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
- 3 carrots, diced: Add a gentle sweetness and lovely color to the stew’s hearty base.
- 3 celery stalks, diced: Bring a subtle, crisp freshness that balances the dish beautifully.
- 1 onion, diced: Infuses the stew with a classic, savory depth.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed: Provide comforting body and soak up all those savory juices.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: A must for that punch of aromatic flavor that wakes up your taste buds.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful foundation that simmers everything together with a gentle richness.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates a hint of sweetness and umami into each spoonful.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy herbaceous note that ties the flavors together perfectly.
- 2 bay leaves: Slow-cooked to release subtle, woodsy undertones.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential to balance and elevate every ingredient.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening): Helps create that luscious stew consistency if you like it thicker.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens up the stew with a fresh, green pop just before serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by dicing your carrots, celery, and onion, peeling and cubing the potatoes, and mincing the garlic. If you haven’t done so already, cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and better flavor absorption.
Step 2: Layer Everything in the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken at the bottom of your slow cooker, then add all the chopped vegetables on top. This layering ensures the chicken remains juicy while the vegetables get to soften and soak up the flavorful broth as they cook.
Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and stir in the tomato paste until evenly distributed. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, add the bay leaves, minced garlic, and season generously with salt and pepper. This combination forms the hearty, aromatic base of your stew.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully, giving you that signature rich, comforting chicken stew flavor.
Step 5: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, whisk the flour into a small amount of water to make a slurry, then stir it gently into your slow cooker. Let it finish cooking uncovered to thicken up perfectly.
Step 6: Final Touches
Remove the bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top. This final step adds a burst of color and fresh herbal aroma to your stew.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley always does wonders, adding brightness and a hint of freshness to every spoonful. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a few grinds of black pepper for extra creaminess and spice.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up all that juicy broth, or a light green salad for a fresh contrast. Mashed potatoes or fluffy rice are also perfect for turning it into a hearty, complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your stew in rustic bowls lined with thick slices of toasted sourdough or French baguette for a country-chic vibe. For a cozy dinner party, ladle the stew into mini bread bowls for a fun and edible serving option that your guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors will deepen even more, making leftovers just as delightful as the first serving.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy later.
Reheating
Reheat your stew gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally for even warming. If it thickens too much, simply add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. You can also microwave individual portions, but stirring halfway through is key for consistent heat.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat, but be mindful to not overcook them as they can dry out faster than thighs. Adding them later in the cooking time can help maintain tenderness.
Is it necessary to use tomato paste in the stew?
Tomato paste adds depth and richness, giving the stew a subtle tang and a beautiful color, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can skip it or substitute with a small amount of crushed tomatoes.
How can I make the stew thicker without flour?
For a gluten-free option or if you prefer no flour, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes within the stew or add instant potato flakes to thicken the broth naturally.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Green beans, peas, or mushrooms would be lovely additions. Just keep in mind different veggies may alter cooking times, so add delicate ones like peas near the end of cooking.
What kind of slow cooker is best for this recipe?
Any slow cooker between 4 to 6 quarts works perfectly for this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe, allowing enough space for the ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is a true gem for anyone who cherishes simple yet incredibly satisfying meals. Its ease of preparation and the way it fills your home with cozy warmth make it a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again. Give it a try and share the comfort with your loved ones—you’ll have a new favorite for those chilly nights or any time you want a little extra heartiness in your dinner.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes (low) or 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any day of the week. Tender chicken thighs or breasts simmer with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes in a flavorful broth enhanced by garlic, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves. The stew is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or meal prepping. Optionally, it’s thickened with a bit of flour to create a rich, satisfying texture and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Thickening and Garnish
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Dice the carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes, and mince the garlic. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs or breasts and cut them into large chunks if desired for easier serving.
- Combine in slow cooker: Place the chicken pieces in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the diced vegetables, minced garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the stew: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through, and the vegetables are soft.
- Optional thickening: About 30 minutes before serving, if a thicker stew is desired, mix the all-purpose flour with a small amount of cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the stew, then cover and continue cooking for the remaining 30 minutes to thicken.
- Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaves from the stew. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more tender and flavorful meat, though breasts work well for a leaner option.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener.
- If you prefer a creamier stew, add a splash of cream or milk at the end of cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adjust seasoning toward the end of cooking because flavors concentrate as the stew simmers.
