Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for any day of the week. It’s easy to prepare, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. This stew is great for busy families, as you can put all the ingredients in the pot in the morning and come home to a warm, delicious meal. Plus, it’s packed with vegetables and protein, making it a healthy choice for dinner.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make dish packed with tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for busy families, this slow cooker recipe lets you come home to a warm, satisfying meal ready to enjoy.
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 cloves garlic, 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 all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil.
2. Sear chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Transfer seared chicken to the slow cooker.
4. Add diced carrots, celery, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves.
5. Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients and stir gently.
6. Whisk flour with a little broth if using, then pour all the broth into the slow cooker.
7. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken and vegetables are tender.
8. Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
Use rosemary or oregano along with thyme for more flavor.
Add peas or green beans during the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrients.
For a thicker stew, add flour or let it simmer uncovered for a bit.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
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 cloves garlic, 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 all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Directions
Sear the Chicken: Begin by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil to the skillet and place the chicken in it. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side or until it turns a beautiful golden brown.
Place Ingredients in Slow Cooker: After searing, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker. Add the diced carrots, celery, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves to the cooker.
Season the Mixture: Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir everything gently.
Add Chicken Broth and Optional Flour: Slowly pour in the chicken broth. If using flour for thickening, whisk it with a little broth first to prevent clumps.
Cook the Stew: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
Final Touches: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and serve with parsley on top if desired.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Serve the stew hot in bowls. You can enjoy it with crusty bread on the side for dipping. Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch. This stew can also be served over rice or noodles if you prefer.
How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Let the stew cool completely before placing it in airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving again.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- For added flavor, feel free to use herbs like rosemary or oregano along with thyme.
- If you have other vegetables, like peas or green beans, feel free to toss them in during the last hour of cooking.
- Adjust the thickness of the stew by adding more or less flour, or simply allow it to cook longer without the lid.
Variation
You can easily add beans or lentils to make the stew even heartier. For a low-carb option, replace potatoes with cauliflower.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may take longer to cook. Make sure it reaches a safe temperature before serving.
Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, you can cook this stew on the stovetop. Simply bring to a boil and simmer until the chicken and vegetables are tender, about 1–2 hours.
Can I omit the flour?
Yes, you can skip the flour for thickening. The stew will still be delicious and flavorful without it.