If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort food to warm your soul and satisfy your appetite, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that simmers to perfection all day, this stew is a standout in its simplicity and flavor. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening and effortlessly becomes a family favorite thanks to its ease and incredible taste. Slow cooking not only infuses every bite with deep flavors but also lets you come home to a ready-made, utterly delicious meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making this stew sing. Each one is simple and straightforward, yet they all play a crucial role in bringing out the stew’s hearty, aromatic, and satisfying character.
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs add extra richness, while breasts keep it lean—either way, bite-sized pieces cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: These give the stew a comforting, creamy texture when cooked down.
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced: For a natural sweetness and vibrant pop of color.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Adds an aromatic crunch and enhances the broth’s depth.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Essential for that foundational savory flavor base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings warmth and subtle zest to every spoonful.
- 3 cups chicken broth: The liquid soul of the stew, providing moisture and richness.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds a touch of tang and deepens the stew’s color.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses an earthy herbal note that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Offers a fragrant pine-like aroma and flavor.
- 1 bay leaf: Slowly releases subtle warmth and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Gives a gentle smoky sweetness and enhances the stew’s hue.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To balance and bring out all the other flavors perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the stew for that luscious, hearty texture.
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional): Added in the last 30 minutes for a burst of fresh green sweetness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens and finishes the dish with color and freshness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by placing the chicken pieces, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic straight into your slow cooker. It’s wonderful how all these wholesome ingredients come together, creating the perfect base for your stew.
Step 2: Mix the Broth and Seasonings
Whisk chicken broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour this flavorful liquid over the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well coated. This mixture infuses your stew with deep, comforting flavors as it cooks.
Step 3: Cook on Low or High
Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook for 7 to 8 hours, or choose high heat and cook for 4 to 5 hours. Either way, this slow and steady cooking tenderizes the chicken and melds the flavors beautifully, resulting in that perfect stew consistency.
Step 4: Thicken and Add Peas
In the final 30 minutes, create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the stew along with the optional frozen peas if you like. This step thickens the broth into a silky sauce that clings to every veggie and chicken morsel.
Step 5: Finish and Adjust Seasoning
Before serving, remove the bay leaf and give the stew a taste. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. This step is key to tailoring the stew to your personal flavor preference.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of bright green color but also a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that perfectly contrasts the rich stew. It’s the simple touch that makes your serving look inviting and taste even better.
Side Dishes
This stew shines alongside crusty artisan bread for dipping or a fluffy bed of rice that soaks up every drop of that delicious gravy. Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles also make lovely companions if you want to get creative with sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the stew in rustic bread bowls for an inviting, homemade feel. Alternatively, ladle it over polenta or creamy grits for a Southern twist that will wow your guests and turn an everyday meal into a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making your second helping even more delicious.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in this stew and will cook to tender perfection in the slow cooker. Just keep in mind that thighs offer a richer flavor and remain juicier.
Can I make this stew in a regular pot on the stove?
Yes, you can. Simmer everything over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Just watch the liquid level and add more broth if needed.
Is it possible to add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, green beans, or parsnips to customize the stew. Just adjust cooking times slightly for the best texture.
How thick should the stew be?
The stew should have a nice, hearty consistency—thick enough to coat a spoon but still saucy and comforting. The flour slurry added near the end helps achieve this perfect texture.
Can I prepare this recipe without tomato paste?
If you don’t have tomato paste on hand, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of tomato sauce. The stew will have a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe has a way of turning ordinary days into cozy celebrations around the dinner table. Its inviting aroma, rich flavors, and simple prep make it a go-to for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. I encourage you to give it a try and experience how effortless it can be to create a sumptuous meal that feels homemade with love and care.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Stew made with tender chicken pieces, potatoes, carrots, celery, and aromatic herbs slow-cooked to perfection. This easy-to-make stew features a rich, thickened broth with a touch of tomato paste and paprika, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Seasoning
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Thickening and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional, added in the last 30 minutes)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare and add ingredients: Place the cut chicken pieces, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker bowl evenly.
- Make the broth mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, paprika, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Pour broth over ingredients: Pour this seasoned broth mixture evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is covered.
- Cook on low heat: Cover and cook the stew on low heat for 7 to 8 hours until the chicken is tender and vegetables are fully cooked, or alternatively, cook on high heat for 4 to 5 hours for a quicker option.
- Prepare the slurry: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, mix 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a smooth slurry.
- Thicken the stew: Stir the flour slurry into the stew to thicken the broth. Add frozen peas at this time if using, then continue cooking uncovered for the remaining 30 minutes.
- Final seasoning and garnish: Remove the bay leaf from the stew, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy alongside crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use either chicken thighs or breasts based on your preference. Thighs will provide a slightly richer flavor and more tenderness.
- Adding frozen peas is optional but adds a nice pop of color and sweetness.
- The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener.
- Adjust the seasoning, especially salt and pepper, at the end to suit your taste.
