If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe. It’s packed with tender chicken, hearty veggies, and a rich, creamy broth that’s infused with garlic and Parmesan — all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. I absolutely love how this stew comes together with minimal hands-on time but maximum flavor. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to cozy dinners.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: You just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work – perfect for busy days.
Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy, garlicky, and cheesy – every spoonful feels like a little celebration.
Family Favorite: My family always asks for seconds, and I bet yours will too.
Versatile Ingredients: Easy-to-find veggies and staples you likely already have make this stew a pantry-friendly win.

A deep white bowl filled with creamy soup showing three main layers: a white thick broth base with a smooth texture, scattered bright green peas and thinly sliced orange carrots floating throughout, and chunks of white shredded chicken and potato pieces with a light brown skin visible. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side, with some soup on it. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some fresh green parsley leaves and shredded cheese in small white bowls nearby, and a piece of bread on a wooden board at the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe works beautifully together to create layers of flavor and texture. I recommend using fresh veggies and quality chicken breasts for the best result, but don’t worry if you’re substituting anything — I’ll share tips to help you.

Red Potatoes: They hold their shape well during the slow cooking and give the stew a nice, hearty texture.
Carrots: Adds sweetness and color — peeling them makes for a smoother bite.
Celery: Offers a subtle crunch and classic stew flavor.
Onion: Finely chopped so it blends seamlessly into the broth, adding depth.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is non-negotiable here for that aromatic garlic punch.
Salt: Helps bring out all the flavors – just the right amount makes a difference.
Dried Parsley: Adds an herby note without overpowering the stew.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs that complements the Parmesan perfectly.
Black Pepper: For just the right touch of heat.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Low sodium lets you control the saltiness and keeps the broth flavorful.
Corn Starch: This is the secret to thickening the stew and giving it that luscious consistency.
Heavy Cream: Brings richness and smoothness to the sauce.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and mild-flavored, shredding them after cooking creates the perfect texture.
Frozen Peas: Optional but a lovely pop of sweetness and color that freshens things up.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds that irresistible cheesy finish—shred it yourself for maximum flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe welcomes you to make it your own. Whether you want to make it lighter, vegan, or add your favorite veggies, here are some ways I like to switch things up.

Use Thighs Instead of Breasts: I tried boneless skinless chicken thighs once, and the stew was even juicier and more flavorful—perfect if you want a richer taste.
Swap the Cream: For a lighter version, I sometimes use half-and-half or even coconut milk, which adds a subtle sweetness and keeps it dairy-free.
Add Mushrooms: My kids aren’t huge fans, but when I add sliced mushrooms, it elevates the earthiness of the stew beautifully.
Skip the Cheese for Dairy-Free: Leaving out Parmesan still makes this stew satisfying if you need to avoid dairy, but adding nutritional yeast can mimic that cheesy flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Seasonings

Start by cutting your red potatoes into ½ inch pieces — this size helps them cook evenly without turning to mush. Peel and thinly slice your carrots so they soften just right. Chop the celery and finely dice the onion so everything blends well in the stew. Toss in the minced garlic along with salt, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, and black pepper directly into your slow cooker. This step is all about layering flavors, and I love to give it a little stir here to mix everything together.

Step 2: Mix Broth and Thickeners, Then Add Cream

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken or vegetable broth with cornstarch until smooth — this combo is what thickens your stew beautifully without any lumps. Pour that mixture over your veggies in the slow cooker, then add the heavy cream on top. I discovered this trick of mixing the broth and cornstarch first to keep everything silky and avoid clumps. Give a gentle stir to combine but don’t overmix to keep the stew nice and creamy.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Start Slow Cooking

Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts on top of the veggies and liquid, pressing them down just a bit so they’re partially submerged. Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 7 hours. Depending on your slow cooker’s temperature, cooking time may vary — I’ve learned keeping it on low ensures tender potatoes and juicy chicken without drying anything out. If you’re short on time, try cutting potatoes smaller to speed things up.

Step 4: Shred Chicken and Finish the Stew

When the potatoes are tender, remove the chicken breasts carefully and shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces. Stir the chicken back in along with the frozen peas and shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring gently but thoroughly. This adds that final burst of cheesy richness and bright veggie color that makes the stew irresistible. Taste and adjust your seasonings as needed — sometimes I add a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper here. Serve immediately, ideally with crusty bread for dunking; it’s hands-down the best part!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

Even Potato Sizes: I learned that cutting potatoes uniformly helps them cook evenly and avoid some pieces turning to mush while others stay firm.
Layer Flavors: Adding garlic, herbs, and seasoning before the liquids ensures every bite is rich and well-seasoned.
Thicken Carefully: Mixing broth and cornstarch before adding prevents lumps and gives the broth a silky, luscious texture.
Don’t Skip the Parmesan: Stirring it in right at the end adds a fresh, cheesy flavor that brightens the whole dish—avoid cooking it too long or it loses its charm.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

A white bowl filled with a thick creamy soup showing three main layers: on the top, bright green peas and orange carrot slices, in the middle, chunks of white shredded chicken, and at the bottom, small pieces of light brown potato with skin in a creamy pale yellow broth mixed with herbs, a silver spoon lifting a scoop of the soup showing all layers close up, the background is a white marbled surface with a bit of green leafy decoration blurred above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra shredded Parmesan on top when serving and add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme if I have it on hand. It adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that complements the creamy garlic base beautifully. Sometimes a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick works wonders if you prefer a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

One of my favorite things to serve alongside this stew is warm, crusty French bread or garlic bread for dipping. It soaks up the rich broth and makes every bite even more comforting. Steamed green beans or a crisp side salad with a zingy vinaigrette add a refreshing contrast to the creamy stew as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I serve the stew in rustic bread bowls — hollowed-out round loaves make it fun and festive. It’s always a hit at dinner parties! I’ve also layered it over buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to switch things up and impress guests with something unexpected but totally cozy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying dinner, I let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them into airtight containers. They keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making reheated portions taste even better the next day.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing this stew — just make sure it’s cooled and stored in freezer-safe bags or containers. When freezing, I usually leave out the cream and cheese initially, adding them after thawing and reheating to keep the texture smooth and creamy.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of broth or cream helps restore the stew’s silky texture. Microwaving works too—just reheat in short intervals and stir in between to keep it evenly warm.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this stew and offer a bit more flavor and tenderness. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, as thighs may cook slightly faster than breasts.
How can I thicken the stew if it’s too watery after cooking?

If your stew isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can mix a little more cornstarch with cold water and stir it in, then cook on high for an extra 15–20 minutes to thicken up. Alternatively, remove the lid for the last half hour to allow some liquid to evaporate.
Is it okay to add frozen peas directly to the slow cooker at the start?

I recommend adding frozen peas near the end of cooking to keep their bright color and texture. Adding them at the start can make them mushy and dull the overall appearance.
Can I make this stew without dairy?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and leave out the Parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How long can leftovers be kept in the fridge?

Leftovers will stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days if stored properly in airtight containers.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for those busy evenings when you want a hearty meal without fuss. It’s such a joy to come home to the comforting aroma of garlic and Parmesan wafting through the house, knowing dinner is waiting for you. I’m excited for you to try it because it feels special but never complicated. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a weekend family dinner, this stew will warm you up and fill you up. Give it a go, and I bet it’ll become one of your kitchen staples just like it is for me!