Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 4 cups diced potatoes; 2 cups chopped carrots; 1 cup chopped celery; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the perfect hearty meal for busy days, packed with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables.

Created by

Hayley Morton

Last updated on 2025-12-19T14:35:56.197Z

This delightful Slow Cooker Chicken Stew combines the comforting flavors of chicken, vegetables, and herbs, making it a family favorite. Perfect for chilly evenings, simply set it and forget it!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Aromatic blend of spices and herbs infuses the chicken with flavor
Convenient one-pot meal that's easy to prepare
Rich, hearty texture that warms you from the inside out

      

The Heart of Comfort Food

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival a hearty chicken stew. This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew not only nourishes the body but also warms the soul. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a symphony of flavors that is perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. Each bowlful is a reminder of home-cooked goodness, making it an ideal choice for families looking to reconnect over a delicious meal.

The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that is rich and satisfying. The chicken becomes succulent, almost falling apart with a gentle touch, while the vegetables maintain their integrity, providing a delightful contrast in texture. This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a comforting masterpiece that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Meal Prep Made Easy

One of the best aspects of this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is its convenience. Perfect for meal prepping, you can whip it up in just a few minutes before heading out for the day. Simply chop your ingredients, toss them into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. When you return home, the enticing aroma will greet you, and dinner will be ready without any fuss.

This recipe also offers flexibility. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or grains. Whether you prefer adding peas, corn, or even some leafy greens, the base recipe allows for creativity while still delivering the comforting taste you crave. It’s also an excellent way to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance your dining experience, consider pairing this chicken stew with freshly baked bread or warm biscuits. The crusty texture of the bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth, while biscuits add an extra layer of comfort to your meal. A simple side salad can also complement the stew, providing a refreshing crunch and balancing the richness of the dish.

For those who enjoy a little heat, serving the stew with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavors even further. Don't hesitate to experiment with different toppings like fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a dollop of sour cream to personalize your dish and make it your own.

Ingredients

Stew Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
4 cups diced potatoes
2 cups chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

Gather all ingredients before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients

Dice the potatoes, chop the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic and onion.

Add to slow cooker

Place the chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker.

Season and add broth

Sprinkle the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the ingredients, then pour in the chicken broth.

Cook on low

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Shred the chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the slow cooker. Stir well and serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious chicken stew with some crusty bread!

Storing and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them is a breeze. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When freezing, consider portioning it out so you can easily reheat just the amount you need.

To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then heat it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help restore the original consistency, ensuring that each serving is just as delicious as the first.

Nutritional Benefits

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is not only comforting but also packed with nutritional benefits. Chicken thighs provide a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, while the array of vegetables adds vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are vital for overall health. Potatoes offer complex carbohydrates, giving you energy to fuel your day.

Moreover, using fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary not only enhances flavor but also contributes antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporating this stew into your weekly meal plan can help you maintain a balanced diet while enjoying a hearty and satisfying dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may become drier than thighs during cooking.

→ Can I freeze the leftover stew?

Absolutely! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add peas, green beans, or bell peppers based on your preference.

→ How can I thicken the stew?

You can thicken the stew by adding a cornstarch slurry or by mashing some of the potatoes.