Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Get cozy with this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew—comfort food at its finest! Each spoonful is packed with tender chicken, hearty potatoes, bright carrots, and a savory, herby broth that simmers all day for maximum flavor. Plus, it’s a fuss-free, one-pot meal that will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your table with happy faces.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew has a role to play—bringing savory depth, vibrant color, and classic stew texture. Nothing fancy here: just wholesome pantry basics and a few fresh favorites that transform into pure comfort in your slow cooker.

• Olive oil: Adds a rich flavor and helps brown the chicken, which gives your stew extra depth.
• Chicken thighs: Stay juicy after hours of slow cooking, making every bite tender—not dry!
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the stew for a luxuriously hearty texture.
• Dried thyme & rosemary: These classic herbs bring out an earthy, fragrant backnote that screams “homemade.”
• Salt & black pepper: The simple touch that balances all the savory elements.
• Garlic: Six cloves bring a gentle warmth that infuses the broth.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and a savory base for every bowlful.
• Carrots: Their natural sweetness and bright color make the stew extra inviting.
• Potatoes: Hearty and creamy after simmering, they help make the stew filling and satisfying.
• Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that brings everything together.
• Bay leaf: Lends subtle aroma and a deep, classic stew flavor.
• Milk: Gives the stew a beautiful creaminess to finish.
• Frozen green peas: Added at the end for a pop of color and garden-fresh sweetness.

Variations

The beauty of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is how forgiving and flexible it is. You can easily adapt the recipe to match what you have on hand, your favorite veggies, or any dietary preferences—make it truly yours!

• Make it dairy-free: Swap out the milk for coconut milk or extra chicken broth for creaminess without the dairy.
• Add more veggies: Toss in chopped celery, sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even mushrooms for more flavor and color.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a gentle kick.
• Use chicken breasts: If you prefer, boneless, skinless breasts work well—just check early for doneness to avoid drying them out.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken thighs into generous, bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil until shimmering, then brown the chicken on all sides—just enough to lock in those savory juices and give it a little color. (Don’t worry about cooking it through; the slow cooker will finish the job!)

Step 2: Layer and Coat with Seasonings

Transfer the browned chicken to your slow cooker insert. Sprinkle the flour, dried thyme, rosemary, and a pinch more salt over the chicken, and give everything a hearty stir so each chunk is lightly coated—this is where the stew will get its dreamy thickness and signature flavor.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Broth

Top the chicken with garlic, onion, carrots, and potatoes, creating those classic stew layers. Pour in the chicken broth and drop in a bay leaf for depth. Stir everything to combine, ensuring all the veggies are nestled into the flavorful bath.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Pop the lid on, set your slow cooker to low for 7-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours if you need stew sooner), and let your kitchen fill with the most irresistible aroma. The hardest part? Waiting for everything to become meltingly tender!

Step 5: Finish with Peas and Milk

About 10-15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and milk. Let the stew bubble on high while the peas brighten and the broth turns deliciously creamy. If your stew is too thick, splash in extra broth. Too thin? Mix in a touch more flour dissolved in milk or water.

Step 6: Taste and Serve

Remove the bay leaf, then taste and adjust with salt and pepper as you like before ladling generous portions into bowls. Enjoy every comforting bite of your homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Stew!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Garnishes

Nothing beats a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and herby zing, but you can also top your bowl with sliced green onions, a swirl of cream, or even a crack of extra black pepper for a little bite. A drizzle of good olive oil just before serving is an easy, luxurious touch.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is non-negotiable in my book—perfect for soaking up every bit of broth. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or buttery biscuits also turn this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew into a full meal. For extra coziness, serve over steamed rice or egg noodles.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle your stew into rustic bowls for family-style dining, or go playful and serve it in hollowed-out bread boules for a special “edible bowl” experience! If hosting, offer toppings buffet-style, so everyone can personalize their bowl just how they like it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the stew cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to five days, and I swear it somehow gets even better by the second or third day—the flavors really meld together in the best way!

Freezing

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew freezes wonderfully! Scoop into freezer-safe containers (leaving a little space at the top for expansion) and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

For best results, reheat stew gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. If microwaving, heat in short bursts and stir well to prevent overheating. If it’s thick after chilling, loosen with a splash of broth or water.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is pure home-cooked happiness in a bowl! Whether you’re serving family, company, or just craving something warm and nourishing on a chilly day, it’s the kind of classic meal that never disappoints. Give it a try—you might just find a new comfort-food favorite!

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