Oh, friends, let me tell you – there’s just nothing quite like coming home on a chilly evening to the smell of a slow-cooked meal wafting through the house. And when that meal is a hearty, flavorful chicken stew? Forget about it! Seriously, my slow cooker is my best friend during the week, and this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is one of my absolute go-to’s. It’s just so easy to throw everything in before I head to work, and BAM! Dinner is ready when I walk in the door.

I remember one particularly blustery winter day; the wind was howling, and I was so not in the mood to cook. But then I remembered I had this glorious stew bubbling away in the slow cooker! Seriously, that first bite? It was like a warm hug from the inside out. This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is seriously the best comfort food, and the fact that it’s packed with veggies makes me feel a little less guilty about indulging. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up whatever veggies I have wilting in the fridge. Trust me; you’re going to LOVE this!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Easy to Make

Seriously, dump and go! That’s basically it. My favorite part? No fancy techniques, no babysitting. Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do its thing. You’ve got this!

Hearty and Flavorful

This isn’t some wimpy, watery stew, folks. We’re talking rich, savory, and packed with goodness. The chicken gets so tender, and the veggies just melt in your mouth. Mmm!

Perfect for Meal Prep

Make a big batch on Sunday, and you’re set for lunches all week! It keeps like a dream in the fridge, and honestly, it tastes even better the next day. Talk about a win-win!

Customizable

Don’t like peas? Swap ’em for green beans! Wanna add some spice? Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes. This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is super forgiving, so make it your own!

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Meats and Proteins

Alright, let’s talk chicken! You’ll want about 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Trust me, thighs are the way to go here – they stay SO juicy and tender in the slow cooker. Cut ’em into 1-inch pieces, roughly. Don’t stress about perfection, we’re going for rustic here!

Vegetables

Veggies are where it’s at! You’ll need 1 large onion, chopped (yellow or white, whatever you’ve got!), 2 carrots, peeled and chopped, and 2 celery stalks, also chopped. Then, 4 cloves of garlic, minced – or more if you’re a garlic fiend like me! And don’t forget 1 lb of Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed. These get wonderfully creamy. Finally, 1 cup of frozen peas – throw ’em in at the end for a pop of sweetness.

Liquids

Liquid gold, that is! We’re using 4 cups of chicken broth as the base for our stew. I usually go for low-sodium so I can control the saltiness myself. But hey, use what you like!

Spices and Seasonings

Here’s where the magic happens! You’ll need 1 tsp of dried thyme, ½ tsp of dried rosemary (these give it that cozy, herby flavor), and 1 bay leaf (don’t forget to take it out before serving!). Of course, salt and pepper to taste. And, to get things started, 2 tbsp of olive oil for browning the chicken. Can’t forget that!

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

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables

Okay, first things first! Grab a large skillet and heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Now, this is important: we’re gonna brown the chicken in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or it’ll steam instead of brown. Season those chicken pieces with salt and pepper before they even hit the pan – that’s key! Brown ’em on all sides, just for a few minutes per batch. You’re not trying to cook them through, just get a nice golden crust. Trust me, this step adds SO much flavor to the final stew!

Once the chicken’s browned, set it aside. Now, in that same skillet (don’t wash it – all those browned bits are flavor gold!), add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook ’em until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. Then, toss in your minced garlic and cook for another minute or so, until it’s fragrant. Careful, don’t let that garlic burn! Burnt garlic is NOT our friend.

Assembling the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Alright, time to get that slow cooker working! Transfer the browned chicken to the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, pour those sautéed veggies right on top. Now, grab that skillet again and pour in your 4 cups of chicken broth. Scrape up all those yummy browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s where the real magic is! Pour that broth mixture over the chicken and veggies in the slow cooker.

Next, add your cubed potatoes, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and that one lonely bay leaf. Give everything a good stir to make sure the spices are evenly distributed. Almost there!

Slow Cooking the Chicken Stew

Now for the easy part! Cover that slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. Honestly, I usually go for low because I think it gives the flavors more time to meld together. But hey, if you’re in a hurry, high works just fine! You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is super tender and the vegetables are easily pierced with a fork. If the chicken isn’t shredding easily, give it a bit more time.

Finishing Touches for Your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Almost chow time! During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in your frozen peas. This gives them just enough time to thaw and heat through without getting mushy. Before serving, fish out that bay leaf – we don’t want anyone accidentally chomping down on that! Give the stew a taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Remember, taste as you go! And that’s it! You’ve got yourself a delicious, comforting slow cooker chicken stew. Get ready for some serious yum!

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Browning the Chicken

Seriously, don’t skip this step! I know it’s tempting to just toss the raw chicken in, but browning adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get otherwise. Those little browned bits? They’re pure magic!

Don’t Overcook

Trust me on this one, overcooked chicken is sad chicken. Start checking for doneness around the 6-hour mark on low, or 3-hour mark on high. You want it to be tender, but not dry and stringy. Nobody wants that!

Thickening the Stew

Want a thicker stew? Easy peasy! Just mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir that into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It’ll thicken right up!

Use Fresh Herbs

If you’ve got ’em, flaunt ’em! Fresh thyme and rosemary will take this stew to the next level. I usually add them during the last hour of cooking to really let their flavor shine. Wow!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Chicken Variations

Okay, so you’re not a fan of chicken thighs? No worries! You can totally use chicken breasts instead. Just keep in mind that they might not be quite as juicy as thighs, so keep an eye on ’em and don’t overcook!

Vegetable Swaps

This stew is super versatile, so feel free to get creative with your veggies! Parsnips or sweet potatoes would be delicious substitutes for the Yukon golds. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, throw in some chopped mushrooms. Yum!

Broth Options

Want to make this a vegetarian delight? Easy! Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. It’ll still be packed with flavor, I promise! And hey, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies, right?

Serving Suggestions for Your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Bread

Gotta have something to soak up all that delicious broth, right? My go-to is a crusty loaf of sourdough. Perfect for dipping and getting every last drop!

Salad

Keep things light and fresh with a simple green salad. A little vinaigrette on some mixed greens? Perfection! It’s the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the stew.

Biscuits

Oh man, warm, fluffy biscuits… now we’re talking! Seriously, is there anything better than a biscuit dipped in chicken stew? I think not!

Storing and Reheating Your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Storage

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just let the stew cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two, you’ve got options! You can gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Or, if you’re in a hurry, zap it in the microwave until it’s heated through. Just be careful not to boil it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Can I use frozen chicken in this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe?

Okay, so you might be tempted to just toss in frozen chicken, but trust me, you’ll get way better results if you thaw it first! Frozen chicken can release a lot of water as it cooks, which can make your stew watery. Plus, it won’t brown as nicely. So, plan ahead and thaw that chicken!

Can I add other vegetables to this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe?

Absolutely! Seriously, this recipe is like a blank canvas for veggies. Feel free to throw in your favorites! Green beans, corn, bell peppers… the possibilities are endless. Just keep in mind that some veggies cook faster than others, so you might want to add them later in the cooking process.

How long does this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe last in the refrigerator?

Good question! If you store it properly in an airtight container, your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe should last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. But honestly, it’s usually gone way before then in my house!

Can I freeze this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe?

Yes, you can! This stew freezes like a dream. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat. Easy peasy!

Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Disclaimer

Okay, friends, just a heads-up: the nutrition info can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use (brands, cuts of chicken, etc.). So, consider this just a general estimate, okay?

Enjoy Your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe!

Alright, you made it! Time to dig in and enjoy this amazing stew. And hey, if you loved it, don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your experience – I wanna hear all about it!