This easy slow cooker chicken stew is perfect for chilly days. Just toss in chicken, veggies, and broth, and let your slow cooker do the work for you!
I love how warm and comforting this stew is. It’s like a hug in a bowl! Plus, you can enjoy it all week long—just heat and eat! Yum! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but you can use chicken breasts if that’s what you have. They’re leaner, and both work great in this stew!
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and potatoes are classics! If you’re missing any, you can add other veggies like parsnips or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is ideal, but feel free to substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter option or even water, though you might need extra seasoning. Homemade broth is always a bonus!
Herbs and spices: Dried thyme and rosemary give great flavor. If you don’t have those, Italian seasoning works too! Fresh herbs are awesome if you want a brighter flavor.
Tomato paste: This is optional but adds depth. You can skip it if you want, or use crushed tomatoes for a different twist.
How Do I Make Sure My Stew is Extra Flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your chicken stew, start by sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. This simple step brings out their natural sweetness and richness.
- Heat your skillet over medium heat with olive oil or butter.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant (3-4 minutes).
- Transfer them to the slow cooker with other ingredients.
Additionally, let the stew simmer for the full time to deepen the flavors. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning at the end! A little salt and pepper can make a big difference.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew for Cozy Meals
Ingredients:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon gold or russet)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delicious chicken stew will take you about 15 minutes to prep. Then, depending on your slow cooker setting, it will cook for either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. A little waiting, but it’s totally worth it!
Instructions:
1. Prep the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft and fragrant. This step builds a yummy base for your stew!
2. Transfer to the Slow Cooker:
Once your onion and garlic are ready, transfer them to your slow cooker. It’s time to pack in all that goodness!
3. Add the Chicken and Veggies:
Now, add the chicken chunks, sliced carrots, celery, diced potatoes, frozen peas, low-sodium chicken broth, dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, paprika, and salt and pepper to the slow cooker. If you’re using tomato paste, go ahead and add that, too! Stir everything together gently to combine.
4. Let It Cook:
Cover your slow cooker, then let it work its magic. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the veggies are nice and soft.
5. Add Peas & Thicken (if desired):
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 3 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, remove the bay leaf. Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Your cozy chicken stew is ready! Serve it hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Enjoy every spoonful!
This recipe yields a hearty, flavorful stew that’s perfect for cozy meals on chilly days. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to add about 30 minutes to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender. You can also thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Can I Make This Stew Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stew a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. The flavors will have even more time to meld together!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! Just remember to cool it completely before freezing, and thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
What Can I Serve with Chicken Stew?
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or even a fresh garden salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it over mashed potatoes for a comforting twist!
