What if your slow cooker could deliver a home-cooked meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl? This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is everything comfort food should be: hearty, savory, filled with tender chicken and vegetables, and incredibly easy to make. No standing over the stove for hours—just simple prep, then let your crockpot do all the heavy lifting. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner, cold weather meal, or Sunday batch cook recipe that tastes even better the next day.
Ingredient
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup flour (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Layer the Base
Add chicken to the bottom of your slow cooker. Then layer in the chopped carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, and garlic.
Step 2: Add Broth & Flavor
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
Step 3: Add Bay Leaves
Tuck in the bay leaves for deep, aromatic flavor. Cover with the slow cooker lid.
Step 4: Set & Forget
Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken shreds easily and the vegetables are fork-tender.
Step 5: Thicken (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1/4 cup flour with 1/2 cup cold water and stir it into the stew 15 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Shred & Serve
Remove the bay leaves. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir well and garnish with chopped parsley.
Variations
- Creamy Version: Add 1/2 cup of cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamy stew.
- Add Greens: Stir in spinach or kale in the last 10 minutes for extra nutrients.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Grain Boost: Serve over quinoa or brown rice for added fiber.
Cooking Notes
- Cut vegetables evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Chicken thighs give a richer flavor and stay juicy.
- Don’t skip the tomato paste—it deepens the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast.
- A side of steamed green beans or simple salad makes a balanced meal.
- Top with parmesan cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Storing Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen.
Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours (low) / 5 hours (high)
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 620mg
Healthier Alternatives
- Use cauliflower instead of potatoes to reduce carbs.
- Replace flour with arrowroot starch for gluten-free thickening.
- Lower sodium by using homemade broth or no-salt-added versions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not searing chicken (optional but adds flavor)
- Adding greens too early (they’ll overcook)
- Overfilling the slow cooker (leave 1 inch from the top)
- Not seasoning enough (taste before serving and adjust!)
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew to end a long day. It’s cozy, satisfying, and so simple to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. From busy weeknights to lazy Sundays, this recipe is your go-to for warm, flavorful comfort food. Give it a try and tag us in your creations!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but thaw it first for food safety and even cooking.
Q: Can I make this stew vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Use chickpeas or lentils in place of chicken and vegetable broth.
Q: How do I make it thicker?
A: Use the optional flour slurry or blend a small portion of the stew and stir it back in.
Q: Can I cook it on the stovetop?
A: Yes, just simmer gently for 60–90 minutes until everything is tender.
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is full of tender chicken, potatoes, and vegetables simmered to cozy perfection—set it and forget it!
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
3 carrots, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
1 onion, diced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup flour (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
1. Place chicken, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, and garlic into the slow cooker.
2. Add tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir gently to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until chicken and vegetables are tender.
5. Remove bay leaves and shred the chicken inside the pot using two forks.
6. (Optional) Mix flour with 1/2 cup of water and stir into the stew for a thicker consistency. Let cook an additional 15 minutes.
7. Serve hot and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
Add a handful of frozen peas in the last 10 minutes for extra color and sweetness.
Great with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg