Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Want a dinner that cooks while you chill? This slow cooker chicken stew is cozy and easy. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!

You get tender chicken, soft veggies, and a rich, hearty broth. Everything simmers low and slow for big flavor with little work.

Perfect for busy days, chilly nights, or anytime you need cozy comfort. Just toss it all in and let the slow cooker do the magic.

Let’s grab the ingredients and start the slow cooker. A cozy stew is just a few hours away!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in a Bowl: The tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and sweet carrots create a stew that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
• Effortless Cooking: Prep in just 20 minutes, then let your slow cooker do all the work.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, making it a smart choice for lunches and dinners throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: Simple, wholesome ingredients that even picky eaters will enjoy.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze some for later — it tastes just as good after thawing.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: About 6.5–7.5 hours

Servings:
This recipe makes about 6 hearty servings. Perfect for feeding the family or saving for later.

Difficulty:
Very easy — beginner-friendly and almost impossible to mess up.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Slow Cooker (6-quart recommended)
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Chef’s Knife
• Vegetable Peeler
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Wooden Spoon
• Ladle for serving

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Here’s everything you’ll need to create a delicious, comforting stew (exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below):

• Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken and enhance the flavors.
• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and tender after slow cooking.
• All-Purpose Flour: Lightly coats the chicken for better browning and a slightly thicker stew.
• Dried Thyme and Dried Rosemary: Add earthy, cozy flavors that deepen as they simmer.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning at every layer.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the stew a rich, savory base.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth after hours of slow cooking.
• Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and a bit of texture.
• Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape and add heartiness.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful base of the stew — use low-sodium if possible.
• Bay Leaf: Adds subtle herbal notes during cooking.
• Milk: A splash at the end creates a silky, creamy finish.
• Frozen Green Peas: Stirred in at the end for a pop of color and a little sweetness.

Variations for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Use Chicken Breasts: Swap thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Be careful not to overcook, as they can dry out more quickly.
• Add Other Vegetables: Try adding parsnips, celery, corn, or sweet potatoes for extra variety and flavor.
• Make It Creamier: Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream at the end instead of milk for a richer, silkier stew.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
• Herb Swap: Replace thyme and rosemary with Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Toss the chicken pieces in flour, shaking off any excess.
Sear the chicken in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.

2. Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed.
Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Scrape up any browned bits from the pan — that’s pure flavor!
Transfer the garlic and onion mixture into the slow cooker.

3. Load the Slow Cooker

Add the carrots, potatoes, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
Pour in the chicken broth until everything is just covered.
Give everything a gentle stir to combine.

4. Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken and vegetables are tender.

5. Finish the Stew

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the milk and frozen peas.
Continue cooking until the peas are warmed through and the stew is slightly thickened.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• With Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
• Over Rice: For a heartier meal, serve the stew over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice.
• With a Side Salad: Balance the richness with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh chopped parsley
• A sprinkle of black pepper
• A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Storing Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• In the Refrigerator:
  Store cooled stew in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
• In the Freezer:
  Let the stew cool completely. Transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating Tips:
  When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk if the stew seems too thick. Warm slowly over medium heat until steaming hot.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Brown the Chicken:
  Taking a few extra minutes to sear the chicken adds a rich, deep flavor that you just can’t get from raw slow cooking.
• Cut Evenly:
  Chop your carrots and potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Don’t Skip the Bay Leaf:
  It adds subtle depth. Just remember to remove it before serving.
• Season Layer by Layer:
  Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to make sure all the flavors shine.
• Use a Good Broth:
  A high-quality chicken broth makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber	Sugar
1 Bowl (about 1½ cups)	320	28g	12g	22g	4g	4g

(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s not recommended to put frozen chicken directly into the slow cooker for food safety reasons. Always thaw the chicken completely in the refrigerator before using.

Can I make this stew dairy-free?

Yes. Simply skip the milk or substitute it with a plant-based option like unsweetened almond milk or oat milk.

How can I make the stew thicker?

If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few of the cooked potatoes right into the broth before serving. You can also mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

What are the best potatoes to use?

Yukon Gold and red potatoes work best because they hold their shape without becoming mushy.

Can I add pasta or rice?

You can, but cook them separately. Adding them directly into the slow cooker can cause them to overcook and become too soft.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. With its tender chicken, cozy vegetables, and creamy broth, it’s hearty enough for dinner and simple enough for meal prepping.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family, stocking up your freezer, or just craving something comforting, this stew is a timeless go-to. Serve it with a hunk of crusty bread, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal with hardly any effort.

Slow cooking makes life a little easier — and a lot more delicious.
Enjoy every spoonful.