If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with tender chicken thighs, hearty potatoes, sweet carrots, and fragrant herbs, it melds rich flavors and textures into one soul-warming bowl of goodness. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this stew’s ease and depth of flavor will win over your heart and your appetite every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully to create layers of flavor. Each element—whether it’s the velvety potatoes or the fragrant dried thyme—plays an essential role in making this stew irresistibly good.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, thighs stay moist and flavorful during the slow cooking process.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: These add heartiness and create a creamy texture as they gently cook down.
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced: For a subtle sweetness and vibrant color that brightens every spoonful.
- 1 onion, chopped: Builds a savory base with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a barely-there spicy zing.
- 3 cups chicken broth: The liquid base that brings everything together and infuses flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the stew.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb lends an earthy, slightly floral note.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds piney complexity that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Used for thickening the stew to a perfect, cozy consistency.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the flour for a smooth thickening slurry.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Stirred in at the end for a burst of color and sweet freshness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker
Begin by placing your boneless, skinless chicken thighs right into the slow cooker’s pot. This forms the hearty protein foundation that will cook gently and soak up all the delicious flavors.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Next, sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and paprika over the chicken. These spices and herbs will infuse the meat with wonderful aromas and subtle complexity.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Now, layer in the chopped onion, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and a cup of frozen peas. These veggies provide both nutrition and texture, softening in the broth while adding sweet and earthy notes.
Step 4: Pour in the Chicken Broth
Pour three cups of chicken broth over everything, making sure the ingredients are fully submerged. This flavorful liquid will slowly meld all components into a tender stew.
Step 5: Slow Cook on Low or High
Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooker will work its magic, breaking down the chicken to tender perfection while softening the vegetables.
Step 6: Prepare the Thickening Slurry
About thirty minutes before the stew finishes, mix flour and water together in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. This step is crucial for giving your stew that luxurious, thick broth.
Step 7: Thicken the Stew
Stir the slurry into the stew, then cover and continue cooking on high for another 30 minutes. This allows the broth to thicken and develop a rich, velvety texture that coats every spoonful.
Step 8: Serve While Hot
Finally, ladle the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe into bowls and enjoy it hot. The melding of tender chicken, perfectly cooked veggies, and the thickened herbal broth is downright irresistible.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of cracked black pepper on top adds a fresh, vibrant touch. If you like a bit of zest, a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the stew’s rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stew shines on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or warm biscuits helps soak up every last bit of that delicious broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a perfect contrast to the stew’s hearty nature.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stew over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. You can also spoon it into rustic bread bowls for a charming presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making leftover stew even more comforting.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing its hearty goodness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the stew thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work, but note that thighs tend to stay moister and more tender during slow cooking, making the stew extra flavorful and juicy.
Is it necessary to thicken the stew with flour?
While not mandatory, thickening the broth with flour slurry gives the stew a richer, more satisfying texture, transforming the broth into a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken and veggies.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in celery, parsnips, or green beans depending on your preferences and what’s in season. Just adjust cooking times slightly if you choose harder or quicker-cooking veggies.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can make this recipe on the stovetop in a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Brown the chicken first, then simmer gently on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours until everything is tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Be sure to check that your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free too.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is just the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside out. It’s effortless, flexible, and deeply satisfying—ideal for busy days when you want a homemade meal with minimal fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your go-to comfort foods. Happy cooking!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 4h 0m
- Total Time: 4h 20m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for busy days. Tender chicken thighs, potatoes, carrots, peas, and aromatic herbs simmer together in a rich chicken broth, slowly cooked to perfection. The stew is thickened with a cornstarch slurry for a satisfying, velvety texture, making it an ideal wholesome meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Vegetables
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
Liquids and Thickener
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Add the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the slow cooker as the base of your stew.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and paprika to build deep flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, peeled and sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and frozen peas on top of the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Pour in Broth: Pour 3 cups of chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring everything is fully covered for even cooking.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup water until smooth, preparing the thickening agent.
- Thicken the Stew: About 30 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch slurry into the stew to thicken the broth.
- Final Cooking: Cover and cook the stew on high heat for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the broth to thicken to a velvety consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the hot, flavorful chicken stew into bowls and enjoy your comforting homemade meal!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, though thighs are more tender and flavorful in slow cooking.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute cornstarch with a gluten-free thickener and ensure chicken broth is gluten-free.
- Add celery slices along with other vegetables for extra crunch and flavor if desired.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, before serving.
- This stew can be made a day ahead and reheated; flavors intensify after resting overnight.
