Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the definition of cozy comfort food — a hearty blend of tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and rich, savory broth that cooks low and slow for maximum flavor. Perfect for busy days, this recipe lets you set it in the morning and return to a warm, home-cooked meal in the evening.
Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or serving guests on a chilly weekend, this stew is a reliable crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy & Convenient: Minimal prep with the magic of “set it and forget it.”
Full of Flavor: Slow cooking brings out deep, rich taste in every spoonful.
Nutritious & Filling: Packed with lean protein, hearty veggies, and wholesome broth.
Customizable: Swap vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.
Perfect Any Time of Year: Comforting in winter, but light enough for rainy or cool days in other seasons.
Time Needed
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6–8 hours (mostly hands-off)
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Stew
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled & cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ cup flour (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make It
1️⃣ Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken on both sides until golden brown. This step adds extra flavor.
2️⃣ Load the Slow Cooker
Place chicken, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, garlic, and bay leaves in the slow cooker.
3️⃣ Season
Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the mixture.
4️⃣ Add Liquids
Stir in tomato paste, then pour chicken broth over everything. If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk the flour with some broth first and stir it in now.
5️⃣ Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
6️⃣ Shred & Serve
Remove chicken, shred or cube it, then return it to the pot. Stir well, ladle into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
- With Bread: Serve with crusty bread, biscuits, or cornbread.
- Extra Veggies: Add peas, corn, or green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- For More Creaminess: Stir in a splash of cream before serving.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: ~300
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 9g
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is everything you want in a comfort meal — rich, savory, and deeply satisfying without being fussy. With just a little prep in the morning, you’ll have a hearty dinner ready by the time you’re home. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s a recipe you’ll make over and over again.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the definition of cozy comfort food — a hearty blend of tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and rich, savory broth that cooks low and slow for maximum flavor. Perfect for busy days, this recipe lets you set it in the morning and return to a warm, home-cooked meal in the evening.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled & cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ cup flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken on both sides until golden brown (optional step for added flavor).
- Place chicken, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, garlic, and bay leaves in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the mixture.
- Stir in tomato paste, then pour chicken broth over everything. For a thicker stew, whisk flour with some broth first and stir it in now.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Remove chicken, shred or cube it, then return it to the pot. Stir well, ladle into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Add peas, corn, or green beans during the last 30 minutes for extra veggies. For more creaminess, stir in a splash of cream before serving. Great with crusty bread or biscuits. Freeze in portions for easy weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken stew, slow cooker, comfort food, easy dinner, hearty