Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Introduction

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of hearty chicken stew, especially when it’s been simmering all day in a slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe delivers rich flavor and tender, fall-apart chicken with minimal effort—just set it and forget it! It’s the perfect way to fill your home with inviting aromas while making a wholesome, crowd-pleasing meal ideal for busy weeknights.

Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a Must-Try

What makes this chicken stew recipe shine is its blend of classic vegetables, aromatic herbs, and perfectly cooked chicken. The low and slow cooking process infuses every bite with rich flavors, and the tender texture makes it a hit for all appetites. With just a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a delicious, warming meal ready to go—no hovering over the stove required.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors

Get ready to enjoy a balanced medley of carrots, potatoes, celery, and herbs, all slow-cooked with juicy chicken. The result is a stew that’s both filling and nutritious. Choose bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for the best texture and flavor. For extra richness, a splash of chicken broth and a touch of tomato paste bring this stew to life.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side (optional but adds flavor). Transfer chicken to the slow cooker.
2. Add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
3. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour in chicken broth, making sure all ingredients are slightly submerged. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken and vegetables are tender.
5. For a thicker stew: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water, then stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Remove bay leaf. Shred chicken with a fork if desired and stir in chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Serve this cozy stew in deep bowls with crusty bread, a side salad, or over steamed rice for hearty comfort. The leftovers taste even better the next day and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutritional Info & Serving Size

This recipe makes 6 generous servings. Each serving is approximately 320 calories, depending on choice of chicken cuts and whether the stew is thickened. It’s a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and plenty of vegetables.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe Should Be On Your Table (Recap)

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew packs a flavorful punch with minimal hassle—just prep, set, and enjoy. Its wholesome ingredients make it a go-to for family dinners and meal prep alike.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is an excellent fit for busy weeknights or family meals. Save and schedule this recipe to streamline your weekly meal prep and automatically create a smart, consolidated shopping list with quantities calculated for every recipe you plan.

Planning Benefits:

• Quickly generate grocery lists that sort ingredients by store section
• Prevent duplicate purchases with smart consolidation across all your planned meals
• Save time on shopping trips and ensure you never forget a key ingredient
• Reduce wasted food and stretch your grocery dollar further

Pro tip: When you use CookifyAI to plan multiple recipes, overlapping ingredients get auto-calculated. For instance, if you need carrots for this stew and another side dish, your shopping list will show the exact total needed.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes