ULTIMATE SLOW COOKER STEW

Picture this: a chilly evening, the aroma of savory chicken and tender vegetables wafting through your home, and a warm, comforting bowl of stew waiting for you. Forget slaving over the stove – with my Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe, you can enjoy all the goodness of homemade stew with minimal effort. I promise, this recipe is a total game-changer, delivering incredible flavor and a hearty meal the whole family will adore.

Gathering Your Stew-pendous Ingredients

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty straightforward list!

For the Chicken and Veggies:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: 2 pounds, cut into 1-inch pieces. (Trust me, thighs are the key to maximum flavor and tenderness in the slow cooker!)
• Carrots: 2 cups, peeled and chopped.
• Celery: 1 cup, chopped.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: 2 pounds, peeled and cubed (about 1-inch cubes).
• Frozen Peas: 1 cup. (Added at the very end for a pop of freshness!)

For the Flavor Boost:

• Chicken Broth: 4 cups. (Low sodium is always a good idea so you can control the salt level.)
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon.
• Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon.
• Bay Leaf: 1.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

Optional Thickening Agent:

• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons.
• Cold Water: 2 tablespoons.

Step-by-Step to Slow Cooker Stew Perfection

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is the easy part – the slow cooker does most of the work.

Getting Started:

1. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. This helps season them evenly before they hit the slow cooker.

Building the Flavor Base:

2. Place the carrots, celery, and onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a nice bed for the chicken and prevents it from sticking.

Layering the Goodness:

3. Add the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables.
4. Scatter the potatoes and minced garlic over the chicken.

Adding the Liquid and Spices:

4. Pour the chicken broth over everything.
5. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf.
6. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more later!

Slow Cooking Magic:

5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shreddable with a fork.

Final Touches:

6. Remove the bay leaf. It’s done its job!
7. Stir in the frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This ensures they stay bright green and don’t get mushy.

Thickening (Optional):

7. If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
8. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This will help thicken the stew as it simmers.

Serve and Enjoy!

8. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream if you’re feeling fancy!

Why This Recipe is a Winner

Okay, so there are a million chicken stew recipes out there. What makes this one special? It’s all about the simplicity and the flavor payoff. Here’s what I love about it:

• Easy Prep: Seriously, it takes minutes to throw everything in the slow cooker.
• Flavorful Chicken: Using chicken thighs ensures the chicken stays incredibly moist and tender. No dry, stringy chicken here!
• Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with veggies and protein, this stew is a complete and satisfying meal.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking. Add different vegetables, spices, or herbs to create your own signature stew.
• Makes Great Leftovers: The flavors meld together even more overnight, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying the next day.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Stew Ever

Want to take your slow cooker chicken stew to the next level? Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Make sure the ingredients aren’t packed too tightly. This will ensure even cooking.
• Sear the Chicken (Optional): If you have a few extra minutes, searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker will add even more depth of flavor.
• Use Fresh Herbs (If Available): While dried herbs work perfectly fine, fresh herbs will add a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Adjust the Broth: If you prefer a thicker stew, use less broth. If you like it more soupy, add more.
• Add a Splash of Acid: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar at the end can brighten up the flavors and add a nice zing.
• Don’t Skip the Peas! They add a lovely sweetness and freshness that really balances out the savory flavors.

Substitutions and Variations – Make it Your Own!

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Chicken: You can substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs, but be aware that they may not be as tender. Reduce the cooking time if using chicken breasts.
• Vegetables: Add any vegetables you like! Sweet potatoes, parsnips, mushrooms, or green beans would all be delicious additions.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Beans: Great Northern Beans or Cannellini Beans would be a nice addition

Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings

This slow cooker chicken stew is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm slice of crusty bread for dipping.
• Biscuits: Fluffy, homemade biscuits are the perfect accompaniment to a hearty stew.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.
• Mashed Potatoes or Rice: For an even heartier meal, serve over mashed potatoes or rice.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This stew tastes even better the next day.

• Storing: Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the stew in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Beyond Stew: Chicken Recipe Inspirations

If you’re in a chicken mood after making this stew, I have some other amazing chicken recipes for you to try! Have you ever made MARRY ME CHICKEN? It’s a creamy, dreamy dish that everyone raves about. For something with a bit of a kick, you could try WHITE CHICKEN CHILI, perfect for game day! Looking for a similar comfort food experience? COMFORT CHICKEN STEW is a classic for a reason. Or maybe you want something a little more exotic; SLOW COOKER BUTTER CHICKEN is always a crowd-pleaser. And if you’re craving a creamy, comforting soup, you definitely should try CREAMY CHICKEN SOUP. And you also can’t go wrong with White Chicken Chili.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Chicken Stew

I hope you love this Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe as much as I do! It’s a simple, satisfying, and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food. Give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!

ULTIMATE SLOW COOKER STEW

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This slow cooker chicken stew recipe is a game-changer, offering incredible flavor and a hearty meal with minimal effort. Packed with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening or a satisfying family dinner. Customize it with your favorite vegetables and spices for a personalized twist.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
• Large bowl
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry, optional)
• Whisk (for cornstarch slurry, optional)
• Ladle

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed about 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 4 cups chicken broth low sodium
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch optional
• 2 tablespoons cold water optional
• Fresh parsley, for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
• Place the carrots, celery, and onion in the bottom of your slow cooker.
• Add the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables.
• Scatter the potatoes and minced garlic over the chicken.
• Pour the chicken broth over everything.
• Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf.
• Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shreddable with a fork.
• Remove the bay leaf.
• Stir in the frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
• Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For richer flavor, sear the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. Use fresh herbs for a brighter taste, adding them during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Adjust the broth to your desired consistency. A squeeze of lemon juice or vinegar at the end can brighten the flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months. Serve with crusty bread, biscuits, mashed potatoes, or rice.