Looking for the ultimate comforting meal to warm up your whole family? This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is pure cozy-in-a-bowl bliss! It’s filled with tender chunks of chicken, a medley of hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker—delivering all the nourishing flavors you crave, with barely any hands-on time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Perfection: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let the magic happen—minimal prep and cleanup, major flavor rewards.
- Hearty & Filling: Loaded with chicken, potatoes, carrots, and more, this stew is genuinely satisfying and makes a fabulous one-pot meal.
- Rich, Cozy Flavor: Slow cooking lets all the savory spices, tender vegetables, and juicy chicken mingle into a crave-worthy, soul-soothing stew.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew just gets better with time—and leftovers taste incredible, whether reheated for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is refreshingly simple—every single element serves a delicious purpose. You’ll find bright veggies, cozy herbs, rich broth, and juicy chicken that work together for a stew that’s comforting, colorful, and brimming with flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 lbs): The chicken cooks up juicy but lean, making every bite protein-packed and tender.
- Yellow onion (1 ½ cups, diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the base of the stew.
- Carrots (5, cut into bite-sized pieces): Bring pop of color and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Baby Yukon gold potatoes (1 lb): These little golden potatoes hold their shape and become delightfully creamy as they cook.
- Celery (3 sticks, chopped): Lends great aromatic flavor and satisfying crunch.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (3 cups): Creates a rich, savory foundation without making the stew salty.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): Just a touch adds that irresistible umami undertone.
- Tomato paste (½ tbsp): Thickens and slightly sweetens the broth while adding beautiful color.
- Garlic (4 tsp, minced): Fresh garlic gives the stew wonderful lift and warmth.
- Poultry seasoning (1 tsp): A classic blend that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Black pepper (1 tsp) & Salt (1 tsp): Essential for seasoning every layer of flavor.
- Dried rosemary (½ tsp) & Dried thyme (½ tsp): These herbs infuse the stew with comforting, woodsy aromas.
- Bay leaves (2): Add subtle herbal depth as the stew simmers.
- Milk (½ cup) & Cornstarch (¼ cup): Whisked together as a slurry to thicken the final stew without any lumps.
- Frozen peas (1 ¼ cups): Stirred in at the end for gorgeous color and a sweet finish.
Variations
The beauty of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is just how easy it is to adapt! Don’t hesitate to get creative with what you have on hand, or tweak the recipe to suit your preferences—it always turns out delicious.
- Swap the Veggies: Add sweet potatoes, mushrooms, parsnips, or green beans for a twist on the classic veggie blend.
- Try Different Proteins: Sub boneless thighs for extra-juicy chicken, or even use cooked turkey after the holidays.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for the cornstarch slurry in place of dairy milk.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Veggies
Start by placing the chicken chunks in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pile on the diced onion, carrots, chopped celery, and baby Yukon potatoes. This layering keeps the chicken juicy and lets the veggies soak up maximum flavor as they cook together.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Flavorful Broth
In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, garlic, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Whisk until everything is well blended, then pour the mixture over your chicken and vegetables. Don’t forget to tuck the bay leaves in on top!
Step 3: Slow Cook to Cozy Deliciousness
Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fork-tender and the veggies are perfectly soft but not mushy. This gentle simmer builds layers of flavor you won’t get on the stovetop!
Step 4: Thicken and Finish
About 20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, whisk the milk and cornstarch together until completely smooth, then stir this slurry (along with the peas) into the stew. Return the lid and let everything finish cooking; the sauce will thicken beautifully and the peas stay vibrant and tender.
Step 5: Stir and Serve
Fish out the bay leaves, give your chicken stew a good stir, and get ready to serve it piping hot. Every bowl is hearty, veggie-packed comfort—the ultimate reward for letting your slow cooker do the work!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- Sear the Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you have five extra minutes, quickly brown the chicken in a hot skillet before adding to the slow cooker—this little trick locks in moisture and amps up the taste.
- Uniform Veggie Chopping: Cut your carrots and potatoes in similarly sized pieces so they cook evenly and every spoonful has the perfect balance of tender veggies.
- Slurry Success: Be sure to fully whisk the milk and cornstarch before adding, so your stew thickens smoothly without any lumps or clumps.
- Prep Ahead Power: Dice your veggies, trim your chicken, and whisk up your broth the night before to make morning assembly a total breeze.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme right before serving brings a lovely burst of color and freshness to each bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. For extra coziness, try a little cracked black pepper or grated Parmesan cheese for a savory touch.
Side Dishes
This stew is truly satisfying all on its own, but it’s absolutely dreamy with a slice of crusty bread, soft dinner rolls, or a side of fluffy rice. A simple green salad with a zingy vinaigrette also makes a lovely, fresh contrast to the hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew in hollowed-out bread bowls, ladle it over creamy mashed potatoes, or top with a golden puff pastry “crust” for a stew-meets-pot-pie dinner experience. It looks as impressive as it tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Stew keeps remarkably well in the fridge—just transfer it to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen even more, making each reheat taste even more delicious.
Freezing
To freeze, let the stew cool fully, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for an easy weeknight dinner.
Reheating
Gently reheat small batches on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary. For larger quantities, the microwave works well too—just be sure to stir occasionally for even warming.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this stew. They’re a bit juicier and add richer flavor, so feel free to swap them in—it won’t change the cooking time.
-
Can I make this chicken stew ahead of time?
Yes—this is a fantastic make-ahead recipe! The flavors only get more delicious after a day in the fridge. The stew thickens as it sits, so thin leftovers with a splash of broth if you like.
-
What’s the best way to thicken Slow Cooker Chicken Stew if I want it extra hearty?
If you prefer a thicker stew, increase the amount of cornstarch to 1/3 cup or reduce the broth by ½ cup. The thickening step with the milk and cornstarch is very flexible—add more if needed!
-
Can I add noodles or rice to this stew?
While you can stir in cooked noodles or rice just before serving for a heartier meal, it’s best not to cook them directly in the slow cooker stew as they can become mushy. Try ladling the stew over freshly cooked grains for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s pure comfort, unforgettable flavor, and practically cooks itself, make this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew as soon as possible. It’s a heartwarming favorite in my kitchen, and I know it’ll find a cozy spot at your table, too—enjoy every delicious spoonful!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and savory herbs, this stew is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
Chicken Stew:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fat trimmed and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 1/2 cups yellow onion, diced
- 5 carrots, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 pound baby Yukon gold potatoes
- 3 celery sticks, chopped
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/4 cups frozen peas
Instructions
- Add chicken, onion, carrots, potatoes, and celery to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- In a small bowl, whisk milk and cornstarch together until there are no lumps.
- Remove bay leaves and stir before serving.
In a medium bowl, add chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, garlic, poultry seasoning, black pepper, salt, rosemary, and thyme. Whisk until well combined and pour over chicken and vegetables. Then place bay leaves on top.
Add cornstarch slurry and peas into the slow cooker. Cook for 20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Dice all your vegetables ahead of time, cut the fat off the chicken, and mix up the cooking liquid. This way all you need to do is add everything to the Crock Pot and plug it in!
- Sear the Chicken: If you have the time, lightly brown all sides of the diced chicken in a pan with olive oil before adding to the slow cooker. This extra step adds some color to the chicken and will lock in the moisture of the breasts.
- Meal Prep: This stew is easy to freeze and reheat so I highly recommend making extras if you can. The flavors in this stew get better over time and become more packed with spice the longer wait!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 648mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 98mg
