Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an effortless, hearty stew packed with tender chicken, creamy Parmesan goodness, and a medley of comforting veggies—all cooked low and slow while you go about your day. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, and I can’t wait for you to give it a try and enjoy that rich, garlicky flavor that settles in your soul.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that combine perfectly for a rich, velvety stew. I always recommend fresh garlic for that punchy flavor, and using low sodium broth lets you control the saltiness.

• Red potatoes: Red potatoes hold their shape well, giving the stew lovely texture without falling apart.
• Carrots: They add a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the Parmesan.
• Celery: Provides a nice crunch and fresh flavor that cuts through the creamy broth.
• Onion: Finely chopped so it melds into the stew and adds savory depth.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is a must for the aroma and flavor punch.
• Salt and pepper: Season carefully; the slow cooker concentrates flavors, so start with less and adjust at the end.
• Dried parsley & Italian seasoning: These herbs bring an earthy, familiar flavor that ties everything together.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: Low sodium is best—you’ll have better control over the saltiness.
• Corn starch: Key for thickening the stew into that perfect creamy consistency.
• Heavy cream: Makes the broth luxuriously creamy without overpowering the other flavors.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They’ll slowly cook until tender and shred easily back into your stew.
• Frozen peas (optional): I love the pop of color and sweetness they add near the end of cooking.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded is best and gives the stew its signature garlicky, cheesy finish.

Variations

I love how versatile this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe can be — feel free to swap veggies or tweak seasonings to create your own favorite version. It’s a recipe that welcomes creativity!

• Vegetable swaps: I’ve switched carrots for butternut squash or sweet potatoes to give the stew a fall twist; it’s delicious and adds a natural sweetness.
• Herb changes: Replacing Italian seasoning with fresh thyme and rosemary gives it a fragrant, garden-fresh vibe that I’m obsessed with.
• Protein variations: If you prefer dark meat, thighs work wonderfully and stay extra juicy after slow cooking.
• Dairy-free option: I’ve used coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free stew, just skip the Parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Veggies and Spices

Start by cutting your red potatoes into half-inch pieces, peeling and slicing the carrots thinly, chopping your celery, and finely dicing the onion. Toss all these with minced garlic, salt, parsley, Italian seasoning, and black pepper right into your slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir so the flavors start mingling. This prep sets the flavorful base for your stew, and trust me—you want those veggies evenly coated for that perfect garlicky aroma.

Step 2: Whisk Together Your Broth and Thickener, Then Add Cream

In a small bowl, whisk the chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth—this combo helps thicken your stew as it simmers. Pour the mixture over the veggies, then add your heavy cream. When I first tried adding the cream this way, I was worried about curdling but it blends perfectly since it’s cooking gently with everything else.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Slow Cook on Low

Place the chicken breasts on top of the liquid and press them down just a bit so they’re partially submerged. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours—this slow, gentle cooking makes the chicken fall-apart tender, and the potatoes absorb all those garlicky Parmesan flavors. Heads up, every slow cooker varies, so if your potatoes aren’t tender after 7 hours, just give it a little more time. If you want to speed things up, smaller potato pieces help too.

Step 4: Shred Chicken, Add Peas and Parmesan, and Season

Take out the chicken and shred or chop it as you like. Stir it back into the slow cooker along with frozen peas if you’re using them—they add a lovely burst of color and sweetness! Toss in the shredded Parmesan cheese last so it melts into the creamy broth. Always taste at this point and adjust salt or pepper if needed; sometimes a small tweak makes all the difference.

Serve your stew piping hot—crusty bread is my favorite for dunking into that garlicky broth. Seriously, it’s the best way to enjoy every last drop.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this stew, a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or chopped chives brightens up the creamy richness perfectly. Sometimes I’ll add just a dusting of more Parmesan on top for that cheesy finish and a few cracks of black pepper to complement the garlic flavor.

Side Dishes

I always recommend crusty bread or a baguette for dunking—there’s nothing like soaking up that savory broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works well too, cutting through the richness and balancing this cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For chilly evenings or special occasions, I like serving this stew in individual bowls with a swirl of cream on top and fresh herbs scattered around to make it look pretty. You could also ladle it over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta for a fancier twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge — this stew holds up really well for up to 3 days. I find the flavors even deepen overnight, so sometimes it tastes better the next day.

Freezing

Freezing leftovers works too! Just leave out the peas and Parmesan when you freeze, then add fresh ones when you reheat. I portion into freezer-safe containers and it lasts for up to 2 months without losing any flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the stew over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of broth or cream if it seems too thick, and stir in fresh Parmesan and peas at the end to keep their texture and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s so reliable and fills the kitchen with that irresistible garlicky aroma that just feels like home. I hope you enjoy making it as much as my family and I do—it’s perfect for those busy days when you want a wholesome meal waiting for you with minimal effort. Trust me, once you’ve had a bowl, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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