The Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

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If your week has been one long game of “what’s for dinner?”—I see you. And I’m here with a delicious solution: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew.

This cozy, hearty meal is a lifesaver for busy nights. Imagine tender chicken, soft veggies, and savory broth all simmering away while you go about your day. By the time dinner rolls around, your kitchen smells like a warm hug—and all you have to do is grab a ladle.

Let’s dive into why this stew deserves a spot in your weekly rotation

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

First off, Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is comfort food in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that makes you sigh with relief after a long day.

Here’s why you’ll adore it:

Set It and Forget It: No babysitting a pot on the stove for hours. Toss it all in the slow cooker and go live your life.
Budget-Friendly: Everyday ingredients—no fancy stuff required.
Kid and Adult Approved: Even picky eaters find it hard to say no to tender chicken and cozy potatoes.
Versatile: Perfect for meal prep, freezing, or feeding a crowd.

Honestly, it’s become my secret weapon for weeks when life feels like one giant to-do list.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need for your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew:

Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Vegetables: 3 carrots, 3 celery stalks, and 1 onion, all diced
Potatoes: 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Chicken Broth: 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Bay Leaves: 2 bay leaves
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Flour: ¼ cup for thickening (optional)
Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew will practically cook itself.

1. Sear the Chicken

Start by searing your chicken in a hot skillet until it’s golden brown on both sides. This quick step adds a delicious depth of flavor to the stew. (Trust me, it’s worth the extra dirty pan!)

2. Load Up the Slow Cooker

Transfer the seared chicken into your slow cooker. Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves.

3. Add Seasonings

Sprinkle in dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently so the flavors spread evenly.

4. Pour in the Chicken Broth

Pour the chicken broth over everything. Stir in the tomato paste until well combined.

Optional Thickening Tip: If you prefer a thicker stew, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well before cooking.

5. Set and Forget

Cover the slow cooker and cook:

Low: 6-8 hours
High: 3-4 hours

Your house will smell like Sunday dinner at Grandma’s by the time it’s done!

6. Serve and Enjoy

When the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaves. Ladle the stew into bowls and top with chopped fresh parsley.

Grab a crusty piece of bread and dig in!

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Don’t skip the searing. It might seem like a hassle, but it truly boosts flavor.
Make it your own: Toss in peas, corn, or even green beans during the last hour of cooking for extra veggies.
Potato variety: Yukon golds hold up beautifully without getting mushy.
Leftovers are gold: This stew tastes even better the next day. Perfect for meal prepping lunches.

One time, I made this stew before heading out for errands, and when I came home, my husband was practically hovering over the slow cooker with a spoon. It’s that good.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew featuring chunks of chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, and peas in a thick, savory broth. — Enjoy every spoonful of this hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew packed with tender chicken and flavorful veggies.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Can I substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work great in this recipe. They’re a bit leaner but still get wonderfully tender in the slow cooker.

How can I store leftovers?

Keep leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Or freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I make this stew gluten-free?

Yes! Just skip the flour or use a cornstarch slurry at the end if you’d like to thicken it.

Bring Comfort to Your Table

If you’re craving a meal that’s hearty, easy, and pure comfort, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew has your back. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet satisfying enough to serve guests.

So, dust off that slow cooker and let it work its magic—your future self will thank you when dinner time rolls around!

More Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re craving even more cozy, effortless dinners beyond this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew, here are some tasty ideas you might enjoy exploring next:

Discover another comforting classic with this Chicken Cacciatore Slow Cooker Recipe, perfect for busy nights when you still want big Italian flavors.
Switch things up with the zesty kick in this Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken—a must-try if you love Tex-Mex vibes in your slow cooker meals.
Need guidance on cooking poultry from frozen? Check out this thorough guide on How to Cook Frozen Chicken Breast in a Slow Cooker to keep your meals safe and delicious.
Or keep the comfort food train rolling with a cozy Slow Cooker Chicken with Rice and Mushroom Soup recipe that’s creamy, hearty, and pure comfort in a bowl.

There’s a whole world of slow cooker magic waiting for you—happy cooking!