Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Introduction

A hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the answer when you crave comfort food that’s both nutritious and hands-off. This dish warms you from the inside out, boasting tender chicken, rustic vegetables, and a perfectly seasoned broth—all developed over hours in your slow cooker with very little effort. It’s an ideal meal for busy families, batch cooks, or anyone in need of a satisfyingly simple dinner.

Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Is a Must-Try

What sets this stew apart is how it transforms everyday ingredients into a deeply flavorful, one-pot wonder. Slow cooking allows the chicken to become fork-tender, while the medley of potatoes, carrots, and herbs absorb every nuance of the savory broth. Each spoonful is filling, balanced, and packed with wholesome goodness, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser at any table.

Building Flavor: Prepping Your Ingredients

For a stew with real depth, start with quality vegetables, hearty potatoes, and boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Uniform chopping ensures even cooking—a tool like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can dramatically speed up prepping carrots, celery, and onions into perfect bite-sized pieces.

Brown the chicken pieces briefly in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker to lock in flavor, using a sturdy pan like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet. This optional step gives your stew that savory, “slow-simmered all day” richness.

The Secret to Perfect Slow Cooker Stew Consistency

A key advantage of a slow cooker is its ability to meld flavors and thicken the stew naturally as potatoes release their starch. If you prefer a heartier stew, mash a few potato cubes near the end of cooking with a tool such as the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher. Stirring in a couple tablespoons of flour or cornstarch slurry will give you a creamy, luscious broth.

Tasting and adjusting for seasoning before serving ensures a balanced, comforting flavor profile.

Serving and Storing Your Chicken Stew

Ladle the finished stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or warm biscuits on the side. If preparing meals in advance, divide leftovers into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy, flavor-packed lunches or future dinners.

This slow cooker chicken stew keeps well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it a practical choice for family meal prep.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 6 hearty servings. Each portion is packed with lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables, clocking in at roughly 350–400 calories, depending on your choice of ingredients and any optional add-ins. It’s the perfect warming meal that satisfies without feeling too heavy.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe (Recap)

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew blends classic flavors and textures for a meal that’s both inviting and nourishing. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it stands out as both a weeknight lifesaver and a comforting centerpiece for cozy gatherings.

Instructions

1. Prep veggies: Dice onion, carrots, and celery into uniform pieces. Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick, even cuts.
2. Optional: In a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and brown chicken pieces on all sides, 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Transfer browned chicken, veggies, potatoes, garlic, chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to your slow cooker. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken and vegetables are tender.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, remove bay leaf and stir in peas. For thicker stew, mash some potatoes directly in the cooker with the Farberware Meat and Potato Masher or whisk, and stir in a flour or cornstarch slurry if desired.
6. Taste and season with additional salt or pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
7. Store any leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, refrigerate or freeze as preferred.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6.5–7.5 hours

Enjoy the ease and flavor of this classic Slow Cooker Chicken Stew—a wholesome, hands-off meal that delivers robust, home-cooked comfort with every spoonful.