If you’ve been craving a hearty, comforting meal that fills your home with irresistible aromas all day, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a medley of herbs, it’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. What makes this stew truly special is how effortlessly it comes together—simply toss all your wholesome ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and enjoy a fulfilling dinner without the fuss. Whether for a cozy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a satisfying, homemade comfort food experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe lies in its simple, yet essential ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in layering flavors, balancing textures, and bringing vibrant colors to your bowl for a visually and tastefully delightful stew.
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: These tender chunks offer juicy, flavorful protein that pulls apart beautifully after slow cooking.
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced: Add a natural sweetness and lovely orange pop to the stew.
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: Provide hearty body and a creamy texture as they cook down.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Bring a subtle crunch and fresh, aromatic notes.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds depth and a touch of savory sweetness when cooked.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Essential for a fragrant, savory backbone.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice: Infuses the stew with acidity and a rich, tomatoey warmth.
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that ties everything together perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy, herbal touch that complements chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a piney, robust flavor for depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- 1 bay leaf: Imparts gentle complexity as it simmers slowly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just enough heat and sharpness.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional): For thickening, if you prefer a heartier broth.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, bright finish to each serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Layer Your Ingredients
Start by chopping all your fresh vegetables and cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Layer the chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes (with juice) into your slow cooker. This layering helps the ingredients cook evenly and mingles their flavors beautifully.
Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour the 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth over the layered ingredients. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Giving everything a gentle stir ensures the seasoning is well distributed but keeps the layers mostly intact for structured cooking.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, which allows the chicken to become melt-in-your-mouth tender and the vegetables to soften perfectly. Alternatively, you can cook on high for 4 to 5 hours if you need the stew sooner. Either way, your kitchen will soon be filled with wonderful savory aromas.
Step 4: Optional Thickening
If you prefer a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends. This will give the stew a luscious, stew-like consistency without overpowering the flavors.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the bay leaf and give the stew a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh and colorful finish before serving.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens the presentation but also adds a refreshing herbal note that balances the richness of the stew. For extra flair, a dollop of sour cream or a handful of grated Parmesan can elevate the dish with creamy or cheesy accents.
Side Dishes
This classic Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is delightful on its own, but pairing it with warm, crusty bread is a match made in heaven—the bread soaks up all the savory juices perfectly. Alternatively, serving it over a bed of fluffy rice makes for a filling and comforting combination that satisfies every appetite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic, comforting feel, serve the stew in deep bowls with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture contrast. You can also ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls for an edible serving vessel, making mealtime fun and cozy. Adding a side of roasted veggies or a crisp side salad brings brightness and crunch alongside the warm stew.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and moisture. The stew tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a future meal, this stew freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making it an excellent option for quick, comforting dinners later on.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or reheat slowly from frozen on low heat until piping hot. Adding a splash of broth or water can help restore the perfect consistency if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs tend to stay more tender and moist during slow cooking, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well too. Just be mindful they can dry out slightly if overcooked, so checking earlier is a good idea.
Is it possible to make this stew in an instant pot?
Yes, you can adapt this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe to an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to brown the chicken and veggies first, then cooking on high pressure for about 15 minutes with a quick release. The result is just as delicious and much faster.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some diced sweet potatoes, green beans, peas, or mushrooms to customize your stew. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if adding particularly delicate vegetables.
How do I make this stew gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free chicken broth and cornstarch. Always double-check labels if you have dietary restrictions to keep the dish safe for your needs.
What’s the best way to thicken the stew without cornstarch?
Besides cornstarch, you can simmer the stew uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce liquid or mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the stew to naturally thicken it. Alternatively, a flour slurry or arrowroot powder can work as gluten-free thickeners.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about settling in with a bowl of this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe—it’s like a warm hug after a long day. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant herbs comes together with minimal effort but maximum flavor, making it a staple for busy cooks who crave heartwarming meals. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again, sharing it with loved ones, and creating comforting memories around the table.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting meal featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs all simmered to perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy days, this gluten-free stew offers a delicious home-cooked dinner that can be served with crusty bread or over rice.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken chunks, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, celery, chopped onion, minced garlic, and canned diced tomatoes (with their juice) into the slow cooker.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Cook Stew: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the vegetables to cook through thoroughly.
- Thicken Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker consistency, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking to help the stew thicken nicely.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the stew before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the stew hot alongside crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, brown the chicken pieces and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes to add a subtle sweetness to the stew.
- This stew freezes well, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers.
