Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, hands-off meal that fills your whole kitchen with irresistible aromas, you’ve got to try my Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe. This stew is the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Creamy, hearty, and loaded with tender chicken and veggies, it’s perfect for those busy days when you want something nourishing without fuss. Keep reading—I’m sharing all my tips and secrets so yours turns out perfect every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I love this combination of ingredients because it strikes a perfect balance between hearty and creamy, with just the right touch of herbs and seasoning. When picking veggies, fresh red potatoes and crispy carrots add texture and sweetness that shine through in this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe.

• Red potatoes: Their waxy texture holds up well during slow cooking, so you get tender chunks that don’t turn mushy.
• Carrots: Thin slices cook evenly and add natural sweetness that complements the savory broth.
• Celery: Adds a subtle depth of flavor and a little crunch to the stew.
• Onion: Finely chopped so it melts into the broth without being overpowering.
• Garlic: Minced to infuse the whole stew with warm, fragrant flavor.
• Salt: I use a moderate amount so the flavors brighten without overpowering.
• Dried parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note without needing fresh herbs on hand.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that rounds out the stew’s flavor profile.
• Black pepper: Ground freshly for a touch of gentle heat.
• Chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium): Using low sodium lets you control the saltiness and enhances the stew’s flavor.
• Corn starch: Helps thicken the broth so it’s creamy but not heavy.
• Heavy cream: Richens the stew and gives that luscious silky texture I love.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They cook tenderly in the slow cooker and shred beautifully into the stew.
• Frozen peas (optional): Toss in at the end for a pop of color and sweet freshness.
• Shredded Parmesan cheese: The star of the dish—melts into the broth for that signature taste.

Variations

One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe is how easy it is to adjust to your family’s tastes or what’s in your pantry. I often tweak the veggies or swap cream for a lighter alternative when I want to lighten things up.

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs: I switched to thighs once and loved the extra juiciness and flavor they add to the stew.
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers: For extra veggies and a little earthiness, these work beautifully if you have them on hand.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half: I did this when I wanted something a bit lighter but still creamy—it worked just fine.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the broth without worry.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Load up your slow cooker with veggies and seasonings

This is where the magic starts. Toss the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, salt, parsley, Italian seasoning, and black pepper into your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine so the flavors start mingling right from the get-go. I often peel the carrots thinly to help them cook evenly and become tender by the time the stew is done.

Step 2: Mix broth and cornstarch, then add cream

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth so it thickens nicely as it cooks. Pour this mixture over the vegetables in the slow cooker, then stir in the heavy cream. This combo creates the rich and velvety base that’s so essential to this dish.

Step 3: Add chicken breasts and start slow cooking

Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts right on top, gently pressing them into the liquid. I like to spread them out a bit for even cooking. Cover, set your slow cooker to low, and let it go for 6 to 7 hours. Patience is key here—the slow cooking lets the chicken get tender and the potatoes soften up perfectly. If you’re pressed for time, cutting the potatoes smaller can speed things up, but I find the longer cook yields the best texture.

Step 4: Shred chicken and finish the stew

When the veggies are tender and the chicken is cooked through, scoop the chicken out onto a cutting board. Shred it with two forks or chop it into bite-sized chunks, then stir it back into the slow cooker. If you like, add frozen peas now—they’ll cook gently in the stew’s residual heat. Finally, stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts, creating that irresistible garlic Parmesan flavor. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper will perfect it.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy!

I absolutely love serving this with crusty bread to soak up all that creamy goodness. It’s the perfect cozy meal for any day, especially when you want something hearty without standing over the stove.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little more shredded Parmesan and a touch of freshly chopped parsley on top. It brightens up the dish visually and adds a fresh bite that cuts through the richness of the stew. A dash of cracked black pepper also gives it a nice finishing kick.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette or warm rolls for dunking. Sometimes I serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy stew’s richness. For a heartier meal, roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans make lovely complements.

Creative Ways to Present

For special family dinners, I like ladling the stew into wide, shallow bowls and topping each serving with a Parmesan tuile—a crispy cheese crisp you can make quickly in the oven. It adds a fun crunch and upscale feel without too much work. Garnishing with a sprig of fresh thyme also makes it feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and find the stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating. It keeps well for up to 3 days, which is perfect for planned leftovers.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stew successfully in freezer-safe containers. For best texture, avoid adding peas before freezing; instead, stir them in fresh after thawing and reheating. Frozen stew is best used within 2 to 3 months to maintain its flavor and creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to even out the heat. If the stew thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. I avoid microwaving if possible because slow stovetop reheating helps keep that creamy texture intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe enough—it’s truly one of those dishes that brings everyone together at the table. Every time I make it, my family goes crazy over the creamy, garlicky broth and tender chicken. It’s got that perfect “just like homemade” feel but with way less effort because the slow cooker does most of the work. So go ahead, give it a try—you’ll love how it makes your kitchen smell and how deeply satisfying it tastes. Plus, you’ll have plenty of leftovers to enjoy for days after!

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