A hearty and comforting dish, slow cooker chicken stew combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs for a meal that’s satisfying and easy to prepare. This stew is perfect for cozy dinners, delivering warm flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s incredibly easy to prepare – just chop, mix, and let the slow cooker do its magic.
Packed with wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors.
Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
A versatile recipe that can be adjusted to your taste preferences.
It’s a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with crusty bread or rice.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup frozen peas (optional, added in the last 30 minutes)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
I place the chicken pieces, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, I whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, paprika, salt, and pepper. Then, I pour this mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
After giving everything a good stir to combine, I cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
In a small bowl, I mix the flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the broth. At this time, I add the frozen peas if I’m using them.
Once the stew is ready, I remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
I serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside crusty bread or over rice if desired.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
Total Time: 7-8 hours 15 minutes
Calories: Approximately 290 kcal per serving
Variations
Vegetables: I like swapping or adding veggies like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or green beans for variety.
Protein: You can use turkey or beef instead of chicken for a different twist.
Spices: For a bit of heat, I sometimes add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne.
Thickener: Cornstarch can replace flour for a gluten-free option.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: I reheat the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
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FAQs
How can I make this stew gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or another gluten-free thickener.
Can I use chicken with the bone in?
Yes, but I remove the bones before serving to make it easier to eat. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
What can I serve with this stew?
I love serving it with crusty bread, over rice, or alongside a fresh green salad.
Can I prepare this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors develop even more after sitting, making it ideal for meal prep.
How do I make the broth richer?
For a deeper flavor, I use homemade chicken broth or add a splash of heavy cream for creaminess.
Conclusion
Slow cooker chicken stew is a simple, nourishing dish that warms both the body and soul. With its hearty vegetables, tender chicken, and flavorful broth, it’s a recipe I turn to for comfort and convenience. Try it today, and enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying as it is effortless.
📖 Recipe:
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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- Total Time: 7-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew – A hearty, comforting, and easy-to-prepare dish featuring tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this flavorful stew is a complete meal in itself, ideal for busy days.
Ingredients
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup frozen peas (optional, added in the last 30 minutes)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the chicken pieces, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Whisk together chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine, cover, and cook:
- Low heat: 7–8 hours
- High heat: 4–5 hours
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew. Add frozen peas if using.
- Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside crusty bread or over rice if desired.
Notes
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch.
Protein Variations: Swap chicken for turkey or beef.
Vegetables: Try parsnips, sweet potatoes, or green beans for variety.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 290 kcal per serving
