Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

There’s nothing like coming home to the aroma of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew simmering away—early prep in the day, and by dinnertime you’re greeted with cozy, thick, and incredibly flavorful comfort food. This timeless stew is brimming with tender chicken, classic vegetables, and a savory, herby broth—absolutely no fuss, just pure, delicious satisfaction!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew brings its own magic: tender chicken for heartiness, vegetables for sweetness and color, herbs for warmth, and a creamy broth to marry it all together. These kitchen staples work in harmony to create a satisfying and balanced meal with very little effort.

• Olive oil: A quick sear in oil gives the chicken beautiful color and a flavorful base.
• Chicken thighs: Thigh meat becomes juicy and tender after a long cook, holding up better than breasts.
• All-purpose flour: Tossed with the chicken, it thickens the stew for that perfect, spoon-coating consistency.
• Dried thyme & rosemary: The backbone of the stew’s herbal flavor—rosemary adds piney depth, and thyme lends earthiness.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish—taste and adjust as you go!
• Garlic: Six cloves may sound like a lot, but they mellow and sweeten after slow cooking.
• Onion: Brings a mellow background flavor that’s key in hearty stews.
• Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances out the savory notes.
• Potatoes: They soak up all the delicious juices, making every bite extra comforting.
• Chicken broth: Forms the savory, sippable base of your stew—use good quality for best results.
• Bay leaf: Infuses subtle aromatic notes throughout the dish.
• Milk: Stirred in at the end, it brings a touch of creaminess and rounds out the flavors.
• Frozen green peas: Tossed in just before serving for a pop of color, sweetness, and freshness.
• Black pepper: Add to taste at the end for a little kick that brightens the whole bowl.

Variations

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew recipe is infinitely customizable. You can adjust ingredients to fit your mood, clean out the fridge, or suit dietary needs, so feel free to mix things up as you go!

• Swap the Veggies: Try adding parsnips, celery, sweet potato, or butternut squash for a different twist and even more color.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk instead of regular milk for a creamy finish without the dairy.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce at the end for some heat.
• Protein Boost: Stir in a can of drained white beans during the last hour for an even heartier stew.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken

Start by dicing your chicken thighs into hearty, bite-sized pieces—this helps them cook evenly and ensures every bowl is loaded with chunks of tender meat. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in a large skillet (or use your stovetop-safe slow cooker insert if you have one). Sear the chicken on all sides just until it’s golden, about 4–5 minutes. This step is totally worth it for all the extra flavor those caramelized bits add!

Step 2: Coat with Flour and Herbs

Transfer the browned chicken into your slow cooker and sprinkle it with flour, dried thyme, rosemary, and a little extra salt. Give everything a good stir so the chicken pieces are nicely coated—the flour will work its magic and thicken the stew as it slowly simmers.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Broth

Next, toss in your minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes. Pour the chicken broth over the top, tuck in the bay leaf, and gently mix everything together. At this stage, your slow cooker is doing all the hard work for you!

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Pop on the lid and set your slow cooker to low for 7–8 hours (or high for 3–4 hours if you’re in a hurry). Your house will smell amazing as everything melds into the ultimate comfort stew. Don’t peek too often—letting the heat stay trapped is key!

Step 5: Finish with Peas and Milk

Once your stew is cooked and the vegetables are melt-in-your-mouth tender, stir in the frozen peas and milk. Let everything heat through for 10–15 minutes more. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a little more flour (mix with water first to avoid lumps), or thin it with a splash of broth if it’s too thick. Don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasonings with more salt and pepper.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley wakes up each bowl with a pop of color and garden-fresh brightness. A crack of extra black pepper, or even a grating of sharp Parmesan, lends a little something special to every serving of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew.

Side Dishes

This stew loves a good crusty bread for dunking—think big hunks of sourdough, garlic bread, or soft dinner rolls. For something lighter, try a simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette, or pile the stew atop buttery mashed potatoes for the ultimate double comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic cozy touch, ladle your chicken stew into wide bowls and top with fresh herbs or microgreens. You can even bake up some mini puff pastry rounds and float them on top for a stew-meets-pot-pie experience! And don’t forget a hearty mug version for lunchboxes or Thermoses on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Stew to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it stays fresh, hearty, and flavorful for up to five days, so it’s perfect for meal prep!

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully—just skip adding the milk and peas until after you thaw and reheat (they taste fresher that way). Place completely cooled stew in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the stew gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to bring everything back to that luscious, silky texture. Add a splash of broth or milk as needed to loosen if it thickens up in the fridge.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you love cozy, soul-warming meals, you’re going to fall hard for this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. It’s rich, hearty, and incredibly easy—just the kind of dish that gathers everyone around the table. Give it a try, and let it become a new favorite in your kitchen!

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