If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’ve got to try this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe. It’s packed with tender chicken thighs, velvety potatoes, sweet carrots, and a rich broth seasoned with fragrant herbs that all meld beautifully together after hours in the slow cooker. This dish is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights, and it’s effortless to prepare while you go about your day. Once you get a taste, this stew will quickly become your go-to for satisfying family dinners or easy meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the basics right is key to making this stew sing. Every ingredient here is simple yet thoughtfully chosen to balance flavors, add texture, and bring a rainbow of color to your bowl. From the tender chicken thighs to the fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs, each plays an essential role in creating that crave-worthy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, perfect for slow cooking without drying out.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: They soak up the stew’s flavors and add hearty creaminess.
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced: Sweetness and vibrant orange color make the stew appealing and tasty.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds foundational savoriness and depth to the broth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a subtle aromatic punch that ties the flavors together.
- 3 cups chicken broth: The liquid base that brings everything together with rich flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural tastes without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses an earthy herbal note that’s perfect for chicken dishes.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: A piney, fragrant herb that elevates the stew’s aroma.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: For thickening the stew to a luscious consistency.
- 1/4 cup water: Used to create the flour slurry that smoothly thickens the broth.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Pops of green sweetness that add a fresh element at the end.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken thighs right at the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates the perfect base to absorb all the flavors we’ll be building on top.
Step 2: Season Generously
Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and paprika over the chicken. This blend of seasonings ensures every bite of the chicken is flavorful and aromatic, infusing the whole stew as it cooks.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Next, add your chopped onions, sliced carrots, celery, diced potatoes, and frozen peas on top of the chicken. These vegetables not only bulk up the stew but bring beautiful texture and color to the dish.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, making sure all ingredients are submerged. This broth is the stew’s heart — it collects all the delicious juices and flavors as everything simmers together.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The long, slow cooking time helps the chicken become meltingly tender, while the vegetables soak up all that savory goodness.
Step 6: Prepare the Thickener
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the all-purpose flour with water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. This will give your stew a rich, velvety texture without clumping.
Step 7: Thicken the Stew
Stir the slurry gently into the slow cooker, cover, and continue cooking on high for another 30 minutes. This final step transforms the broth into a luscious, thick sauce that clings to chicken and veggies beautifully.
Step 8: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once thickened, give your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe a final gentle stir and ladle it into bowls. Serve immediately to savor every comforting bite while it’s warm and fresh.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this stew from comforting to truly special. Sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh thyme leaves over the top to add brightness and a pop of color. For a little richness, a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche on each serving adds creamy contrast that’s irresistible.
Side Dishes
This stew shines on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop. Soft dinner rolls or garlic bread are also fantastic companions. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the stew’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family-style meal, serve the stew in a large, rustic ceramic bowl right from the slow cooker. For a fun twist at gatherings, try hollowing out small round loaves of bread and ladling the stew inside for edible bowls that impress every time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe keeps really well and actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld fully. Allow it to cool before transferring to airtight containers, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping. Divide cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If the stew thickened in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe?
Yes, you can! Keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to dry out faster than thighs, so reducing the cooking time or using the low setting is recommended to maintain tender results.
Is it possible to make this stew without a slow cooker?
Absolutely. You can simmer everything in a large pot on the stove over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken and vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
Can I substitute fresh herbs for dried in this recipe?
You can. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried, adding them toward the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavors.
How thick should the stew be when finished?
The stew should have a thick but slightly saucy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, you can always add a little more slurry and simmer a bit longer to thicken.
What can I add to make this stew spicier?
Consider adding crushed red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the other seasonings to give the stew a pleasant kick.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is truly a labor of love that requires minimal effort but rewards you with maximum comfort and flavor. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with inviting aromas and your heart with warmth. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply enjoy a cozy night in, give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 4h 0m
- Total Time: 4h 20m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew featuring tender chicken thighs, simmered with potatoes, carrots, onions, and peas in a flavorful broth thickened to perfection. This easy, hands-off recipe is perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Seasonings and Broth
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Thickening Agent
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs evenly in the base of the slow cooker to prepare for layering the rest of the ingredients.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and paprika evenly over the chicken thighs to infuse flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and frozen peas on top of the chicken. This builds layers of hearty goodness.
- Pour in Chicken Broth: Gently pour the chicken broth over the ingredients ensuring everything is submerged, which keeps the chicken moist and melds flavors.
- Cook on Slow Cooker: Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Prepare Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to form a smooth slurry that will thicken the stew.
- Thicken Stew: About 30 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker to help thicken the broth and enhance the stew’s texture.
- Finish Cooking: Cover and continue cooking on high heat for an additional 30 minutes until the broth has thickened to your liking.
- Serve: Ladle the hot chicken stew into bowls and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs provide more flavor and moisture.
- For thicker stew, add the slurry earlier or increase cornstarch slightly.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or green beans depending on your preference.
- This stew keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
