This easy slow cooker chicken stew is perfect for cozy meals! With tender chicken, hearty veggies, and a rich broth, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
I love how I can toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the work. When it’s done, my house smells amazing and dinner is ready with minimal fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tender texture. However, chicken breasts work fine too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey could also be a good replacement.
Vegetables: Carrots and celery add excellent flavor, but you can swap out or add different veggies like bell peppers, green beans, or zucchini, depending on what you have on hand.
Potatoes: I usually go for russets or Yukon gold, but you can use red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a different twist. If you’re watching carbs, cauliflower chunks can be a great substitute.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth lets you control the salt level. If you’re vegetarian or want a lighter taste, use vegetable broth instead.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary are classics for chicken stew, but fresh herbs can bring an extra pop of flavor. If you have them, use 3 times the amount of fresh herbs as dried.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from the Vegetables?
Sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil or butter is an optional but highly recommended step. This brings out their sweetness and deepens the flavor of your stew. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Transfer them to the slow cooker as the first step. This adds a lovely base flavor to your stew.
This little tip can make a big difference in the end result, so give it a try!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe for Cozy Meals
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
- 1 cup frozen peas (added near the end)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (optional, for sautéing onion and garlic)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy slow cooker chicken stew takes about 15 minutes to prep, and then you can let it cook in your slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just set it and forget it, and enjoy the delicious aroma filling your home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics (Optional):
If you want extra flavor, start by heating olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are softened and fragrant. This step is optional but highly recommended! Once done, transfer them to your slow cooker.
2. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Next, add the chicken chunks, sliced carrots, celery, cubed potatoes, and the sautéed onion and garlic into your slow cooker. This colorful mix is about to turn into a cozy stew!
3. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
Pour in the chicken broth, and if you like, add the tomato paste for an extra depth of flavor. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
4. Set the Slow Cooker:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender, and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. Add Peas and Thicken if Desired:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the frozen peas. If you want a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew. Allow it to cook for the remaining time until it thickens up.
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf! Taste your stew and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm, hearty chicken stew hot! It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or over a bed of cooked rice for a filling meal. Enjoy your cozy dinner!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or safely by placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a few hours.
How Do I Adjust the Seasonings?
Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices according to your taste! If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add extra thyme or rosemary. You can also incorporate additional spices like paprika or garlic powder for a different twist.
Can I Make This Stew Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything and store the ingredients in the fridge until you are ready to cook. Alternatively, you can cook the stew a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat or use the microwave, stirring occasionally.
