Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Description
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a warm, hearty, and comforting meal filled with tender chicken, chunky vegetables, and a rich, herb-infused broth. Slow cooking allows the chicken to become incredibly juicy while potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and peas absorb all the savory flavors. Garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and a touch of tomato paste create a deliciously balanced broth that’s both light and satisfying. This one-pot recipe requires only a few minutes of preparation before the slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy family dinners. Serve it with warm crusty bread, biscuits, or dinner rolls for a complete meal. The leftovers taste even better the next day, making this stew an excellent make-ahead recipe. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome comfort food dinner or an easy slow cooker favorite, this Chicken Stew is guaranteed to become a regular on your family menu.
Ingredients For the Stew
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into large chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
For Thickening
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of a 6- or 7-quart slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Place the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Arrange the chicken pieces evenly over the vegetables.
Step 4: Season
Sprinkle the thyme, rosemary, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken.
Step 5: Add the Broth
Whisk together the chicken broth and tomato paste until smooth, then pour over the chicken and vegetables.
Step 6: Add Bay Leaves
Place the bay leaves on top of the stew.
Step 7: Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Step 8: Add the Peas
About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas.
Step 9: Thicken the Stew
Mix the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker.
Step 10: Finish Cooking
Cover and cook for another 15–20 minutes until the broth thickens slightly.
Step 11: Taste and Adjust
Remove the bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 12: Garnish and Serve
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread or biscuits.
Tips, Notes & Q&A
Tips
- Chicken thighs stay extra tender during slow cooking, but chicken breasts also work well.
- Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape beautifully in stews.
- Add mushrooms, green beans, or corn for extra vegetables.
- A splash of heavy cream at the end creates an even richer broth.
- Fresh herbs can be added before serving for extra flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the ingredients the night before and refrigerate them in the slow cooker insert if your manufacturer allows. Start cooking the next day.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze Chicken Stew?
Yes. Let the stew cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with Chicken Stew?
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread, buttery biscuits, dinner rolls, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad.
Servings
Serves 6–8
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich herb-seasoned broth. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy family dinners, this wholesome slow cooker recipe delivers classic homemade flavor with minimal effort while providing a satisfying meal everyone will love.