ULTIMATE COZY CHICKEN STEW

I’ll never forget the first time my grandmother made a big pot of chicken stew on a chilly autumn day. The aroma filled her entire house, wrapping us all in a warm, comforting hug. I knew then that I needed to learn how to recreate that magic. The amazing thing is, you don’t need to be a professional chef to get that level of heartwarming flavor at home; that’s why I love this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew recipe so much. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most delicious and effortless Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew you’ll ever make!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Let’s be honest, life gets busy. We’re all juggling work, family, and everything in between. That’s where the magic of the slow cooker comes in! This isn’t just any chicken stew recipe; it’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy to prepare, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.

This SLOW COOKER BUTTER CHICKEN recipe is a family favorite, but sometimes you need something with veggies!

Here’s why I’m completely obsessed with this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew:

• Effortless Prep: Seriously, it takes about 15 minutes to throw everything into the slow cooker.
• Flavor Explosion: The long, slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of flavor you just can’t achieve on the stovetop.
• Healthy and Hearty: Packed with protein and vegetables, this stew is a complete and satisfying meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: It’s even better the next day! Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.
• Budget-Friendly: Chicken thighs and root vegetables are affordable and readily available.

The Ultimate Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Alright, let’s get cooking! I’m going to walk you through each step to ensure your Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew turns out perfectly every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (trust me, thighs are the way to go for maximum flavor and tenderness!)
• Potatoes: 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (they hold their shape beautifully)
• Carrots: 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
• Celery: 2 stalks celery, chopped
• Onion: 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you’re a garlic lover like me!)
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (the base of our delicious stew)
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons tomato paste (adds richness and depth)
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried thyme (essential for that classic stew flavor)
• Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (adds a touch of warmth)
• Bay Leaf: 1 bay leaf (don’t skip this! It adds subtle complexity)
• Salt and Pepper: To taste (season generously!)
• Optional: 1 cup frozen peas (added during the last 30 minutes of cooking)
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, combine the chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
3. Add Flavor Boosters: Stir in the chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Make sure everything is well combined. The tomato paste should be fully dissolved into the broth.
4. Season Generously: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy! The flavors will mellow out during the long cooking process.
5. Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shreddable with a fork.
6. Add Peas (Optional): If using frozen peas, stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. They’ll add a pop of color and freshness.
7. Shred the Chicken (Optional): If you prefer shredded chicken, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
8. Remove Bay Leaf: Before serving, remove the bay leaf. You don’t want anyone accidentally biting into it!
9. Taste and Adjust: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
10. Serve and Enjoy! Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Success Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Here are my top tips to guarantee your Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a resounding success:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Make sure there’s enough room for all the ingredients to cook evenly. If your slow cooker is too full, the stew may take longer to cook and the flavors won’t meld together as well. If needed, use a larger slow cooker or divide the recipe into two batches.
• Brown the Chicken (Optional): For an even deeper flavor, consider browning the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This step isn’t essential, but it adds a lovely caramelized note. Simply sear the chicken in a little olive oil over medium-high heat until browned on all sides, then transfer it to the slow cooker.
• Use High-Quality Chicken Broth: The quality of your chicken broth will directly impact the flavor of your stew. Opt for a low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness. You can also use homemade chicken broth for an even richer flavor.
• Don’t Open the Lid Too Often: Resist the urge to peek inside the slow cooker while it’s cooking. Each time you open the lid, you release heat and extend the cooking time. Trust the process and let the slow cooker do its magic!
• Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Variations to Make It Your Own

The beauty of this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is that it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to your liking with these fun variations:

• Add Different Vegetables: Get creative with your vegetable selection! Try adding mushrooms, green beans, corn, or sweet potatoes.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the slow cooker.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like sage, oregano, or marjoram.
• Add Creaminess: For a creamier stew, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving.
• Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of your chicken broth and tomato paste to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

If you’re looking for another comforting and delicious soup recipe, be sure to try my MARRY ME CHICKEN SOUP. It’s another crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for chilly evenings!

I’m also a huge fan of CHICKEN POT PIE ORZO on a night when I want something creamy and comforting.

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, my CREAMY POTATO SOUP is always a hit!

If you are craving something with a bit of a kick, CREAMY CHICKEN CHILI is the perfect choice.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prepare the entire stew up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop until heated through.

To freeze the stew, let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers to allow for expansion. The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious broth.
• Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits are another great accompaniment.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.
• Mashed Potatoes: For an extra-comforting meal, serve the stew over a bed of mashed potatoes.
• Grated Cheese: Sprinkle with grated cheese for added flavor and richness.

Why Slow Cooking is the Way to Go

I’m a huge advocate for slow cooking because it’s such a convenient and flavorful way to prepare meals. Slow cookers are perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Simply toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

Slow cooking also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of flavor that you just can’t achieve with other cooking methods. The long, slow cooking process tenderizes tough cuts of meat and infuses the vegetables with flavor. Plus, slow cookers are energy-efficient and easy to clean!

For another easy chicken recipe for your slow cooker, give CROCK POT CHICKEN PERFECTION a try.

My Final Thoughts

I hope you love this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew as much as I do! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply looking for a delicious weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize it to your liking. Most importantly, have fun in the kitchen and enjoy the process!

Lady Maria

Ultimate Cozy Chicken Stew

This slow cooker chicken stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful herbs, this easy recipe requires minimal prep and delivers a delicious, satisfying meal the whole family will love.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas optional
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, for browning chicken

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• measuring cups and spoons
• mixing spoon
• Ladle

Method

 

1. Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces.
2. In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, combine the chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
3. Stir in the chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Make sure everything is well combined. The tomato paste should be fully dissolved into the broth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy! The flavors will mellow out during the long cooking process.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shreddable with a fork.
6. If using frozen peas, stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. They’ll add a pop of color and freshness.
7. If you prefer shredded chicken, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
8. Before serving, remove the bay leaf.
9. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
10. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

For a richer flavor, brown the chicken in olive oil before adding it to the slow cooker. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, or corn. To thicken the stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.