Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

If you’re after a comfort food classic that basically cooks itself while you get on with life, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew will quickly become your new weeknight favorite. Imagine a savory, creamy broth packed with tender chunks of chicken, hearty potatoes, sweet carrots, and pops of green peas—all kissed with the flavor of garlic, herbs, and the kind of slow-cooked depth that just can’t be rushed. It’s deeply satisfying, effortlessly simple, and the sort of recipe that’ll have you looking forward to leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

• Olive Oil: For browning the chicken pieces and unlocking those delicious, rich flavors before slow cooking.
• Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs give unbeatable tenderness and flavor. Breast works in a pinch, but thighs really shine in slow-cooked dishes.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a lightly thickened, luscious stew base as it cooks.
• Dried Thyme & Rosemary: The herbs that bring classic, rustic, soothing aroma and depth. Essential for that homey flavor.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Not just for seasoning—these help all the other flavors pop.
• Garlic: For undeniable aroma and savory note. Don’t skimp!
• Onion: Brings rounded sweetness and depth to the broth.
• Carrots: Essential for sweetness, color, and classic stew texture.
• Potatoes: Potatoes add body, substance, and a silky bite. Russets or Yukon golds are perfect.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the savory backbone of your stew. Use a low-sodium version to control saltiness.
• Bay Leaf: Adds subtle, earthy complexity. Remove before serving!
• Milk: Creams things up just before serving, making the stew silky but not heavy.
• Frozen Green Peas: Added at the end for their pop of color and sweet snap. Fresh is also fine, but frozen is reliably perfect here.
• Cook Mode (Optional): For those who use digital recipes, enables easy cooking without screen interruptions.

Variations

Feeling a little adventurous or catering to picky eaters? Here are some easy swaps and tweaks:

• Protein Options: Use chicken breast if you prefer it leaner, or even try boneless turkey thighs.
• Veggie Power: Add parsnips, celery, butternut squash, or even mushrooms for more flavor and texture.
• Creamy Upgrade: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese instead of milk for a richer finish.
• Herb Experimentation: Swap rosemary and thyme for Italian seasoning, tarragon, or herbes de Provence.
• Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower chunks instead of potatoes for a lighter stew.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle kick and smoky depth.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

Dice the chicken thighs into bite-size chunks and season them well with salt and black pepper. This step locks in flavor from the get-go.

Step 2: Sear for Flavour

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces for 4–5 minutes, just until browned on all sides. No need to cook them through; just enough to get some delicious golden color. If your slow cooker pot is stovetop-safe, use it here for fewer dishes!

Step 3: Build the Stew Base

Transfer the browned chicken into your slow cooker. Sprinkle over the flour, thyme, rosemary, and a little more salt. Toss until the chicken is nicely coated.

Step 4: Pile In The Veggies

Add minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes. Stir gently to combine—it’ll look hearty and colorful already.

Step 5: Add Broth and Bay

Pour in the chicken broth, drop in the bay leaf, and give everything a careful mix.

Step 6: Let It Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours (or high for 3–4 hours). The flavors meld, the chicken goes silky-tender, and the vegetables become perfectly cooked.

Step 7: Final Touches

About 10–15 minutes before serving, stir in the milk and frozen peas. Turn the slow cooker to high if you’d been using low. Let it all warm through, and adjust thickness—add more broth if it’s too thick, or a sprinkle of flour if it’s thin.

Step 8: Taste & Serve

Taste and add extra salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy every comfort-filled spoonful.

How to Serve

This chicken stew is hearty enough to stand on its own, but there are plenty of ways to take it to the next level:

• With Crusty Bread: Mop up the last bits of broth with a thick slice of sourdough or a warm biscuit. Trust me, you want something to soak up every drop!
• Over Rice or Egg Noodles: Stretch the stew further by ladling it over steamed white rice or buttered noodles.
• Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or even a swirl of plain Greek yogurt lends a vibrant finish.

Note: This stew is equally wonderful served family-style from the pot or spooned into individual bowls for cozy comfort food flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop leftover stew into an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days. The flavors only get better overnight!

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-friendly containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. For single servings, the microwave does the trick—just add a splash of broth or water if it seems thicker than you’d like.

Note: The potatoes may soften a bit on freezing and reheating but will still taste delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about serving up a bowl of homemade chicken stew—especially one that’s simmered all day with zero fuss. With its rich, creamy broth and perfect balance of tender chicken and veggies, this slow cooker chicken stew is pure comfort in every bite. Give it a try soon—there’s a good chance it’ll become one of your repeat recipes for busy days, chilly evenings, or any time you need a little extra warmth and nourishment. Happy cooking!

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