If you’ve been searching for the perfect comfort food that’s both hearty and effortless to make, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is absolutely what you need in your kitchen repertoire. Imagine tender chunks of chicken melting into a rich, flavorful broth, mingled with vibrant carrots, potatoes, and celery that soak up every bit of seasoning. It’s a blissful combination of textures and aromas that will warm your heart and fill your home with inviting scents, perfect for any day when cozy cravings hit. This recipe is easy to prepare and gives you the freedom to set it and forget it, delivering a wholesome, soul-satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role—from tender chicken thighs that give the stew its richness to the earthy potatoes and sweet carrots that add wonderful body and color.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for leaner meat, cut into chunks for quick cooking.
- 4 medium carrots: Peeled and sliced to add natural sweetness and a lovely orange hue.
- 3 medium potatoes: Peeled and cubed, they provide heartiness and absorb the stew’s savory broth.
- 2 celery stalks: Sliced to give a subtle, refreshing crunch and aromatic base.
- 1 small onion: Diced for depth and a touch of sweetness once slow-cooked.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced garlic infuses the stew with warm, robust flavor.
- 1/4 cup tomato paste: Adds a rich, tangy undertone and deepens the color.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb provides a soft, woodsy note that complements the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Offers a fragrant pine-like aroma to elevate the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: For a subtle smoky and sweet kick.
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that brings all ingredients together.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the stew to the perfect consistency.
- 2 tablespoons water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry for thickening.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish with a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Start by placing the chicken chunks, sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic into your slow cooker. Add the tomato paste along with dried thyme, rosemary, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Pour in the chicken broth last, then gently stir everything to ensure the tomato paste and seasonings are evenly distributed. This creates a flavorful base that will slowly melt and mingle during cooking.
Step 2: Let the Magic Happen
Set your slow cooker to low and cook the stew for 7 to 8 hours, or opt for high heat if you’re short on time, cooking for 4 to 5 hours. During this time, the chicken becomes irresistibly tender, and the vegetables soften as they soak up the herbs and broth, infusing every bite with warmth and comfort.
Step 3: Thicken the Stew
About half an hour before serving, combine the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, then cover and continue cooking on high for 20 to 30 more minutes. This final step thickens the broth into a luscious, stew-worthy consistency without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Step 4: Final Taste and Garnish
Give your stew a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed—adding a touch more salt or pepper can make all the difference. Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top to add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich stew.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a classic choice for this stew—it adds a pop of green and a refreshing note that balances the rich flavors. You can also consider a dollop of sour cream or a handful of grated Parmesan for an extra touch of creaminess and depth.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or a simple side salad brings complementary textures and rounds out the experience. Garlic bread or a light coleslaw adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the stew’s softness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner presentation, serve the stew in rustic bowls, topped with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. You might also spoon the stew over fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a hearty twist. Serving with a wedge of lemon on the side can brighten flavors and display a touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover stew to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. This stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen, making it perfect for leftovers.
Freezing
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zipbag bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some space at the top of containers to allow for expansion.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. If the stew thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine and result in a leaner stew, but keep in mind that thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender during the long cooking process.
Do I need to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
Browning the chicken and sautéing vegetables before slow cooking is optional but highly recommended for extra depth of flavor. It adds a lovely caramelized note to the stew.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add frozen peas, green beans, or mushrooms in the last 30 minutes of cooking for more color and nutritional boost.
How thick should the stew be?
The stew should have a slightly thickened, hearty broth that coats the spoon but is not overly dense. The cornstarch slurry helps achieve this perfect consistency.
Is this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe naturally avoids gluten, especially if you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure cornstarch is gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is one of those treasured meals that never fails to comfort and satisfy after a busy day. It’s simple to prepare yet delivers rich, layered flavors that feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this stew promises to be a meal everyone will crave again and again. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find it becoming a staple in your cooking routine!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 5 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew packed with tender chicken, carrots, potatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for an easy, satisfying meal with minimal effort, this gluten-free dish is slow-cooked to develop rich flavors and a thick, comforting broth.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Thickening & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken chunks, sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, sliced celery, diced onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, black pepper, and paprika into a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over and stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked through.
- Thicken the Stew: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Stir this mixture into the stew, then cover and cook on high for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning & Serve: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- For richer flavor, brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Adding frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking adds a pop of color and extra nutrition.
- This stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
