This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is pure comfort in a bowl! Imagine tender chunks of chicken, perfect nuggets of potato, and sweet carrots all mingling in a rich, creamy broth that’s loaded with rustic vegetables and subtle herbs. Everything melds together over hours of gentle cooking, creating flavors so warm and inviting, you’ll be racing back for seconds. Whether you need a cozy family dinner or want a meal that feels like a hug from the inside out, this dish nails it every time—hearty, satisfying, and so easy to toss together on a busy morning.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is how a handful of humble ingredients transform into something magical. Each component brings rustic flavor, creamy texture, or that pop of color every bowl of stew needs. Here’s what makes this recipe shine:

Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and rich after hours of slow cooking—chicken breasts work, but thighs are truly melt-in-your-mouth.
Carrots: Sliced fresh carrots add a subtle sweetness and gorgeous color as they soften and mingle with the broth.
Potatoes: Diced potatoes add creamy texture and help thicken the stew naturally—Yukon gold or russet work equally well.
Celery: Chopped celery brings earthiness and a satisfying bite that balances the stew.
Yellow Onion: A small, chopped onion forms the aromatic backbone of the flavor base.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses every spoonful with mellow, savory depth.
Frozen Peas: Vibrant and sweet, frozen peas add a pop of color and freshness right at the end.
Chicken Broth: The flavorful, steamy liquid that binds the whole stew together—get the best quality you can for maximum flavor.
Heavy Cream: Just half a cup stirred in at the end turns the broth silky and extra comforting.
Tomato Paste: A couple of tablespoons help enrich the stew and add a subtle tangy note.
Dried Thyme: This classic herb blends beautifully with chicken and vegetables, lending gentle warmth without overpowering.
Salt and Black Pepper: Basic but essential seasonings that pull all the flavors together.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, it layers in extra flavor and ensures nothing sticks.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the stew slightly for that perfect hearty texture—use a gluten-free blend if you prefer.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Grab a skillet and warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, stirring until they’re soft and fragrant—your kitchen starts to smell incredible at this stage! Next, stir in the tomato paste, letting it caramelize just a bit. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for about a minute; this step helps thicken the stew and brings a wonderful savory flavor that’s worth the extra pan.

Step 2: Mix Everything in the Slow Cooker

Scoop that aromatic onion mixture right into your slow cooker. Toss in the chicken chunks, carrots, potatoes, celery, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and pour in the chicken broth. Give the whole thing a gentle stir so everything is nestled together—don’t stress if it looks crowded, as the veggies will soften and meld with the chicken as it cooks.

Step 3: Let it Cook Low and Slow

Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. This is the magic step! The long, slow heat transforms the simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with ultra-tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables. Resist the urge to peek too often—you want all the warmth trapped inside, working its magic.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Peas

About 30 minutes before serving, open the lid and stir in the frozen peas and heavy cream. The peas brighten up the stew visually and flavor-wise, and the cream gives the broth that velvety, luscious finish. Taste and add extra salt or pepper if you like. For an even thicker texture, try mashing a few potato chunks directly in the pot.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Ladle this cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew into big bowls while it’s hot and steamy. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a slice of crusty bread for dipping takes it over the top!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Garnishes

Brighten each bowl with a finishing touch: a handful of chopped fresh parsley or thyme, a quick swirl of extra cream, or even a fine dusting of cracked black pepper. It adds visual flair and highlights the stew’s warm, rustic flavors.

Side Dishes

Nothing complements Slow Cooker Chicken Stew like a golden wedge of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop. For a lighter side, offer a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or fluffy biscuits would also be at home next to a hearty bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling your chicken stew over a baked sweet potato or spooning it into a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl for an extra-special touch. For a family-style meal, serve the stew straight from the slow cooker on the table, letting everyone help themselves. Individual oven-safe crocks topped with a sprinkle of cheese and run under the broiler for a minute are pure comfort-food magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Stew keeps beautifully! Once cooled, transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors mingle and deepen overnight, making future servings just as delicious (if not more so) than day one.

Freezing

If you want to store your stew even longer, it freezes like a dream. Portion cooled stew into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm portions gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual bowls in 1–2 minute bursts, stirring in between. If the stew looks a bit thick, add a splash of extra broth or a dash of cream to revive its silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a handy swap and will cook through just as well. Just be aware that thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender in the slow cooker, so the texture might be a little different—still delicious, though!

How do I thicken Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?

If you prefer a thicker stew, use a potato masher to mash a few potato chunks right in the pot during the last half hour of cooking. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in before adding the peas and cream.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can easily substitute a gluten-free blend (like Cup4Cup or Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1) without changing the outcome. Always double-check your broth and tomato paste labels, just in case.

Can I prep everything ahead of time?

Yes! You can chop all the veggies and measure out the ingredients the night before. If you want, brown the onions and garlic, then store in the fridge so you can just dump everything in the slow cooker in the morning—easy and stress-free.

What are some ways to add extra veggies or flavor?

Feel free to toss in diced bell pepper, mushrooms, or even a handful of baby spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Fresh herbs stirred in before serving or a splash of white wine sautéed with the onions will layer in beautiful extra flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for something nourishing and fuss-free, give this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew a try! It’s cozy, flavorful, and truly sets the bar for what comfort food should be. Gather your ingredients, let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting, and get ready to enjoy bowl after bowl of homemade goodness. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This slow cooker chicken stew is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. Tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a creamy broth come together in this easy-to-make dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Stew:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)
4 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
3 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
2 celery stalks (chopped)
1 small yellow onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup frozen peas
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

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Instructions

In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté the onions, garlic, and tomato paste for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute more.
Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. Add the chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, thyme, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the peas and heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.