There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of hearty stew simmered all day, and this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is a real crowd-pleaser. With tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and fragrant herbs all melding together in one cozy pot, each spoonful is packed with homey flavor and warmth. Whether you’re gearing up for a chilly evening or just want a fuss-free dinner, this recipe delivers deep satisfaction with minimal effort. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, and how each ingredient shines through in every bite.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish is how a handful of humble ingredients transforms into a bowl of pure comfort. Each component plays a special role, lending flavor, heartiness, or a splash of color to your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters:

Chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs bring extra juiciness and bold flavor, while chicken breasts keep things lean and tender—choose your favorite for the base.
Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the savory broth, plus they add gorgeous orange color.
Potatoes: They soak up all the flavors and give the stew that classic, hearty texture.
Celery: Essential for a savory foundation, celery brings a subtle earthiness and bright green hue.
Onion: Chopped onion melts into the stew, creating depth and a touch of sweetness.
Garlic: Just a few cloves infuse the whole pot with irresistible aroma.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything juicy and flavorful without overpowering saltiness.
Tomato paste: A spoonful adds richness and a gentle tang to the broth.
Dried thyme: This classic herb brings a woodsy, comforting flavor that’s essential in stews.
Dried rosemary: Rosemary’s piney notes complement the chicken and root veggies beautifully.
Paprika: Just a little brings subtle warmth and a hint of color.
Bay leaf: It quietly infuses the stew with a savory undertone—just remember to fish it out before serving!
Salt and pepper: The finishing touch for seasoning—taste and adjust as you go.
Heavy cream (optional): Stir this in at the end for a luxurious, velvety texture.
Cornstarch slurry (optional): Mix with water and add if you love a thick, spoon-coating stew.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a pop of green.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by gathering and prepping your vegetables and chicken. Peel and slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, chop the celery and onion, and mince the garlic. Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks. Getting everything ready before you start layering makes the process quick and easy.

Step 2: Layer Everything in the Slow Cooker

Add the chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic directly into your slow cooker. There’s no need to brown anything beforehand—the slow cooker does all the work for you. This effortless layering sets the stage for melding all the flavors together.

Step 3: Pour in the Liquid and Seasonings

Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, then stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, paprika, bay leaf, plus salt and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. These aromatics will infuse the stew with savory goodness as it cooks.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 7–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. This gentle, hands-off cooking method is what gives the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe its melt-in-your-mouth chicken and perfectly tender vegetables.

Step 5: Thicken and Finish (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before serving. Let the stew cook uncovered so it can thicken up. For a creamy finish, add the heavy cream just before serving and gently stir it in.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste to check the seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Garnishes

A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley adds both color and a fresh, herby brightness. You can also top with a bit of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil if you like. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dollop of Greek yogurt can take each bowl to the next level.

Side Dishes

This stew is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls is perfect for soaking up every last bit of broth. For a lighter pairing, serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans also make a lovely, colorful addition alongside your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic, inviting touch, ladle the stew into wide, shallow bowls and serve with a big wedge of sourdough on the side. If you’re hosting, try serving the stew in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, edible presentation. You can even portion it into small mugs or ramekins for a cozy appetizer at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the stew cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious for up to four days. Just be sure to remove the bay leaf before storing.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe freezes beautifully! Ladle cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It will keep well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the stew gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it thickens too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of chicken broth. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave—just cover the bowl and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs offer extra tenderness and flavor, chicken breasts work wonderfully for a leaner stew. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can become drier than thighs.

Is it possible to make this stew dairy-free?

Yes, you can simply skip the heavy cream at the end to keep the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe completely dairy-free. The stew will still be rich, savory, and satisfying.

How can I make the stew thicker?

For a thicker consistency, use the optional cornstarch and water slurry. Stir it in about 30 minutes before the end of cooking, and let the stew finish uncovered so it can thicken to your liking.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to toss in peas, parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even chopped bell peppers. Just add veggies with similar cooking times so they turn out tender but not mushy.

How long does the stew take if I cook it on high?

If you’re short on time, set your slow cooker to high and cook the stew for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken and vegetables will still turn out beautifully tender, and you’ll have a delicious dinner even faster.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is just the ticket. It’s easy, flexible, and full of cozy flavor—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Give it a try, and I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen too!

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Made with tender chunks of chicken, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs, it simmers slowly to develop rich flavors. The option to add cream or thicken with cornstarch allows you to customize the texture to your preference. Gluten-free and adaptable for dairy-free diets, this stew is both nourishing and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks

Vegetables

4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Flavorings

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients

1/4 cup heavy cream (for a creamier stew)
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Prepare ingredients: Cut the chicken into chunks. Peel and slice carrots; peel and dice potatoes; slice celery; chop onion; mince garlic. Having all ingredients prepped makes assembly easier.
Combine in slow cooker: Add chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker. Stir in chicken broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine flavors.
Cook the stew: Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through. Slow cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Thicken if desired: About 30 minutes before serving, if you prefer a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and cook uncovered. This will give your stew a pleasing thickness.
Add cream for richness: Just before serving, stir in the heavy cream if using, to create a creamy texture and richer flavor. This step is optional and can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
Final touches and serve: Remove the bay leaf from the stew. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the stew warm for a cozy meal.

Notes

Using chicken thighs adds more flavor and keeps the meat tender, but chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
The stew can easily be made dairy-free by omitting the heavy cream without sacrificing taste.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze beautifully for future meals.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American