If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that warms you up from the inside out, this Crockpot Chicken Stew Recipe is exactly the answer you’ve been looking for. Imagine tender chicken thighs slow-cooked to perfection alongside baby carrots, pearl mushrooms, and little potatoes, all swimming in a rich broth infused with a splash of white wine and perfectly balanced seasonings. This dish brings together simplicity and depth of flavor in a way that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, making it a beloved staple for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Chicken Stew Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a special role, whether it’s adding heartiness, texture, or that extra pop of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
- Chicken broth (2 cans, 10 fl oz each): The flavorful base that ties all the ingredients together, adding rich savory depth.
- Olive oil (1 teaspoon): Helps bring out the aromatic qualities in the vegetables and creates a subtle richness.
- White wine (1/2 cup): Adds a delicate acidity to balance the stew’s natural sweetness and depth.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Boosts umami and layers complex savory notes into the broth.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A fragrant medley of herbs that lightly perfuse the stew with Mediterranean charm.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): A quick way to infuse robust garlic flavor evenly throughout without overpowering.
- Little potatoes (1.5 pounds): These tender treasures soak up the broth, becoming wonderfully creamy and earthy.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs (1.5 pounds): Juicy and tender, thighs hold up beautifully during slow cooking and stay moist.
- Large onion, chopped (1): Adds sweetness and depth, melting softly into the stew’s base.
- Baby cut carrots (1 pound): Their natural sweetness brightens the stew and keeps each bite interesting.
- Pearl button mushrooms (7 ounces): These little gems contribute an earthy, meaty bite that rounds the dish out.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential to enhance and balance all the other flavors perfectly.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Used right before serving to give the stew a satisfying, silky thickness.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Liquids and Seasonings
Start by pouring the chicken broth, olive oil, white wine, and Worcestershire sauce directly into your slow cooker. Then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Stir everything gently to blend the seasonings evenly into the broth; this sets the flavorful foundation for your stew.
Step 2: Add the Main Ingredients
Next, toss in the little potatoes, chopped onion, baby carrots, pearl mushrooms, and chicken thighs. Give everything a good stir to ensure the chicken is submerged and the veggies are well distributed. This layering ensures that every element will cook evenly and absorb all those amazing flavors.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours of gentle cooking. This slow process transforms the chicken into tender, pull-apart meat while the vegetables become soft and infused with the broth’s savory goodness. Patience here is rewarded with a stew that feels like it simmered for hours on the stove.
Step 4: Thicken and Season
About 15 to 20 minutes before it’s ready to serve, mix the cornstarch with around a cup of the hot liquid from the stew to avoid clumps, then stir this slurry back in. Increase the heat to high to activate the thickening power of the cornstarch. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, rounding out and enhancing the stew’s complex profile.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme work wonderfully sprinkled on top. They add a burst of color and fresh flavor that brightens each spoonful. If you want an extra cozy touch, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese can make the dish feel even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
This stew stands beautifully on its own but pairs exceptionally well with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping into the savory sauce. For a lighter balance, a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast to the stew’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stew in rustic bowls to showcase its homey charm. For a fun twist, consider hollowing out small round loaves of bread to use as edible bowls—perfect for impressing guests while soaking up every last drop. Another idea is to spoon the stew over creamy mashed potatoes for an extra layer of comfort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crockpot Chicken Stew Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week. The flavors often deepen as it rests, making the next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some room for expansion. Frozen portions can last up to 3 months, so you’ll have a comforting meal ready whenever you need it in the future.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to keep the chicken tender and avoid breaking down the vegetables too much. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results. Stir occasionally until warmed through, and feel free to add a splash of broth if the stew has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can use chicken breasts, but thighs hold up better during long cooking, staying moist and tender. Breasts may become a bit stringy or dry if cooked too long in the crockpot.
Is it okay to use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian seasoning?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano can lend a vibrant flavor. Add them at the beginning for slow infusion or sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs on top just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Can I make this stew in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot using the slow cook or pressure cook settings. On the stovetop, simmer on low heat for about 2 hours until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld together.
How thick should the stew be after adding cornstarch?
After adding the cornstarch slurry, the stew should have a slightly thickened, saucy consistency that coats the ingredients without being too gloopy. Adjust the cornstarch amount if you prefer it thicker or thinner.
Can I add other vegetables to this Crockpot Chicken Stew Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorites like celery, green beans, or peas in the last hour of cooking to keep them crisp and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken Stew Recipe is such a joy to make and enjoy, especially when you want something simple that fills your home with inviting aromas and fills your belly with pure comfort. Trust me, once you try it, it will become one of those go-to recipes you reach for whenever life calls for a little extra love in a bowl. So, dust off your crockpot and dive into this slow-simmered delight—you won’t regret it!
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Crockpot Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Crockpot Chicken Stew is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken thighs cook slowly with baby carrots, little potatoes, and mushrooms in a savory broth infused with white wine, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Thickened with cornstarch toward the end for a luscious stew consistency, this dish is simple to prepare and yields six satisfying servings, ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Liquids & Seasonings
- 2 (10 fluid ounce) cans chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Produce
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1.5 pounds little potatoes
- 1 pound baby cut carrots
- 7 ounces pearl button mushrooms
Protein
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Thickener
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In the slow cooker, combine chicken broth, olive oil, white wine, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly to incorporate the seasonings evenly throughout the liquid.
- Add main ingredients: Add the chopped onion, little potatoes, baby cut carrots, pearl button mushrooms, and boneless skinless chicken thighs to the slow cooker. Mix gently to ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the liquid.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Thicken the stew: About 15 to 20 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with approximately 1 cup of the stew liquid to create a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture back into the stew and increase the heat setting to high to thicken the stew during the remaining cooking time.
- Season and serve: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve the stew immediately while hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- For a deeper flavor, sear the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- White wine enhances flavor but can be substituted with additional chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- This stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or green beans according to preference.
