Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe: A Hearty Comfort Food Delight

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

There’s so much to love about this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Simply add the ingredients into your slow cooker, let it cook, and you’ll have a flavorful stew without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables in a savory broth makes each bite comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s the perfect meal to feed a family or share with friends. It’s hearty, nourishing, and perfect for any time of the year—whether you’re seeking comfort in the winter or a hearty meal during cooler days.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 3 medium carrots, sliced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup celery, chopped

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 2 teaspoons dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped celery on top of the chicken.

2. Add the Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, and add the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

3. Cook the Stew: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken and vegetables are tender. You can also cook on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time.

4. Shred the Chicken: Once the stew is done cooking, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken using two forks, then return the shredded chicken back into the stew.

5. Add the Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the peas are heated through.

6. Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into the stew and let it cook for another 10 minutes until thickened.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the bay leaf and serve the stew hot. Enjoy your hearty chicken stew!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Variations

• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or green beans to make the stew even heartier.

• Use chicken thighs: For a richer, more flavorful stew, you can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs, which add more moisture and depth.

• Creamy version: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking to make the stew creamier.

• Spicy twist: For a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the stew.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months for future meals.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the stew in a pot over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you’re thickening it with cornstarch, be sure to check that the cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this stew a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld and improve after sitting for a while.

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but it will take longer to cook, and you’ll need to remove the bones before serving.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?

Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried (e.g., 2 teaspoons of dried thyme equals 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme).

What can I serve with this stew?

This stew is great on its own, but you can pair it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

How can I make this stew spicier?

To add spice, you can incorporate some chopped fresh chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other seasonings.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version of this stew, but be mindful of adjusting the seasoning since vegetable broth tends to be milder than chicken broth.

How do I make the stew thicker without cornstarch?

If you don’t want to use cornstarch, you can mash some of the potatoes in the stew to naturally thicken the broth.

Can I freeze this chicken stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for freezing. When reheating, make sure to stir occasionally for an even texture.

Can I cook this stew on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this stew on the stovetop. Simply simmer the ingredients in a large pot over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken and vegetables are tender.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a warm, comforting dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth, it’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights in. Its simplicity, flavor, and versatility make it a true comfort food classic. Whether you enjoy it as is or experiment with different variations, this stew will quickly become a go-to recipe in your meal rotation.