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 warm, filling, and easy to make, which makes it a favorite for busy families and individuals. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender chicken and vibrant vegetables. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze!

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 in a hot skillet until golden brown.
Place the seared chicken, diced vegetables, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves into the slow cooker.
Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients and stir to distribute the flavors.
Pour in the chicken broth. If using flour, whisk it with a little broth or water before adding, or sprinkle over and stir to thicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken and vegetables are tender.
Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning, and serve garnished with fresh parsley.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Serve the chicken stew hot, straight from the slow cooker. It pairs well with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. For added freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley on top just before serving.

How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

To store leftovers, let the stew cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth before cooking.
If you like a thicker stew, add the flour as instructed, or let the stew cool a bit and then blend some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker.
Feel free to add other vegetables such as green beans, peas, or corn for variety.

Variation

You can easily turn this stew into a spicy version by adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Another variation is to replace chicken with beef for a hearty beef stew.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just add extra cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.

2. Can I cook this on high heat?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3–4 hours instead of low for 6–8 hours.

3. Is it possible to make this stew vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew