If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfect for those cozy days when you want to come home to a deliciously tender, flavorful stew without spending hours cooking, this recipe combines juicy chicken thighs, tender vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth all cooked low and slow to perfection. The blend of herbs, garlic, and fresh veggies makes each bite supremely satisfying and packed with homey charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe calls for simple, honest ingredients that come together beautifully. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s bringing depth to the broth, tenderizing the chicken, or adding vibrant colors and textures that make every spoonful a delight.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and bring out rich, savory flavors before slow cooking.
- Chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, perfect for slow cooking without drying out.
- All-purpose flour: Coats the chicken to create a subtle thickness in the stew.
- Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Dried rosemary: Offers a pine-like fragrance that pairs well with the slow-cooked flavors.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for a pungent, warming foundation in the stew.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once it softens in the slow cooker.
- Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and a satisfying bite.
- Potatoes: Give the stew hearty body and soak up all those luscious flavors.
- Chicken broth: The stew’s savory base that brings everything together.
- Bay leaf: Imparts subtle complexity and warmth while simmering.
- Milk: Added at the end for a creamy finish without overwhelming the dish.
- Frozen green peas: A pop of color and sweetness right before serving.
- Black pepper: For a gentle kick and final seasoning touch.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken thigh pieces with salt and black pepper. This simple step ensures every bite of chicken is flavorful from the inside out, setting the foundation for a rich stew.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken pieces until they develop a lovely golden crust. This browning step adds depth and a slightly caramelized flavor to your stew, making it taste as amazing as it looks.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
In a large bowl, toss the browned chicken with flour, dried thyme, rosemary, and salt. The flour not only adds a light coating to lock in moisture but also helps thicken the stew as it cooks. The herbs coat the chicken for an extra layer of fragrant flavor.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the coated chicken to your slow cooker, then add minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and tuck in a bay leaf. This combination of ingredients is the hearty heart of the stew, creating layers of taste and texture that meld beautifully during the long, slow cook.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to low and let the stew cook for 7 to 8 hours, or alternatively, use the high setting for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken and vegetables while allowing all the flavors to mingle and intensify, resulting in a bowl full of soul-warming goodness.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
About 10 to 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen green peas and milk. The peas add a bright pop of color and a gentle sweetness, while the milk gives the stew a subtle creaminess that rounds out the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Give one last gentle stir, remove the bay leaf, and your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is ready to serve. It’s comforting, filling, and absolutely delicious straight from the slow cooker to your bowl.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe, consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of chopped chives on top just before serving. This adds a fresh, vibrant note and a lovely contrast against the rich stew. A dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt can also enhance the creaminess and add a bit of tartness.
Side Dishes
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread like a rustic baguette or soft dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of the savory broth. A side salad with bright, crisp greens tossed in a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the warm stew. For a heartier pairing, buttery mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf can make the meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stew in hollowed-out bread bowls to impress guests while keeping things casual and cozy. Alternatively, spoon the stew over creamy polenta or fluffy couscous for a different texture and flavor experience. Layering the peas and fresh herbs as a finishing touch right on top keeps the presentation colorful and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator in an airtight container, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it an easy, go-to meal for busy days.
Freezing
This stew freezes quite well, making it perfect for batch cooking. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its delicious flavor or texture. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating. If the stew has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it back up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind they tend to dry out more easily during slow cooking. To prevent this, cook on low and monitor the cooking time closely, or add them later into the cooking process.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
While not absolutely required, browning the chicken adds a depth of flavor and richer color to the stew. It’s worth the extra step if you have a few minutes to spare.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Definitely! Vegetables like celery, parsnips, or mushrooms work well in this recipe and can be added along with the other veggies to create your own personal twist.
What if I don’t have dried thyme or rosemary on hand?
If you don’t have those herbs, you can use Italian seasoning or fresh herbs if available. Just reduce fresh herbs by a third since they are more potent than dried.
How thick will the stew be? Can I make it thicker?
The stew will have a moderately thick, comforting broth thanks to the flour coating on the chicken. If you want a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes in the broth or add a cornstarch slurry during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is everything you want in a cozy, satisfying meal—easy to prepare, packed with nurturing flavors, and perfectly tender. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a reliable go-to that welcomes you home with warmth and deliciousness. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite slow cooker dishes too!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting and hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew featuring tender chicken thighs, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth, perfect for an easy, hands-off meal with rich homemade taste.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to season
- Black pepper, to season
Vegetables and Broth
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 large potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 1 pound)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup green peas, frozen
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper evenly to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken pieces briefly on all sides to lock in juices and develop flavor.
- Coat Chicken: In a bowl, toss the seared chicken with flour, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and salt, ensuring each piece is coated to help thicken the stew later.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the coated chicken, minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes into the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf for aroma.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken and vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Final Touches: Stir in the frozen peas and milk into the stew. Continue cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to warm through and finish the stew. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf, give the stew a final stir, adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve hot to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Brown the chicken well to enhance flavor and texture before slow cooking.
- Adjust the amount of broth for a thicker or thinner stew based on preference.
- Use full-fat milk or creamier alternatives for a richer stew.
- Frozen peas can be substituted with fresh peas if in season.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
