If you’re searching for a comforting meal that wraps you in warmth and hearty flavor, Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is your answer. This nourishing stew stars tender chicken thighs, colorful vegetables, and a fragrant blend of herbs, all simmered together until rich and utterly satisfying. It’s the kind of dish you want simmering away on a lazy day, rewarding you with wholesome goodness that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. Whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight or looking for a crowd-pleaser on a cozy evening, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew never disappoints.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this stew is in its simplicity—each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to lend a special something to the dish. From perfectly tender chicken to sweet aromatic vegetables and savory broth, every item brings color, depth, and home-style comfort you can taste in every bite.

Chicken Thighs: The star of the show—juicy, tender, and full of flavor that only gets better as it cooks low and slow.
Carrots: These add a touch of natural sweetness and a burst of welcoming orange color.
Potatoes: Hearty and satisfying, they soak up the stew’s flavors and help thicken the overall texture.
Celery: Offers a fresh crunch and deepens the stew’s aroma with a hint of earthiness.
Onion: Essential for that savory, home-cooked backbone every great stew needs.
Garlic: Aromatic and punchy, it infuses the stew with layers of rich flavor.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: The liquid gold that ties everything together and keeps the stew nourishing and light.
Frozen Peas: Stirred in at the end for a pop of sweetness and vibrant green color.
Tomato Paste: Adds depth and a gentle tang, ensuring a rich stew base.
Dried Thyme: Brings woodsy, herbal notes that make the stew cozy and inviting.
Dried Rosemary: Gives an aromatic, slightly piney flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.
Paprika: Introduces gentle warmth and beautiful color to the pot.
Bay Leaf: A traditional stew essential, infusing subtle complexity as it simmers.
Salt: Enhances every flavor and ties all the components together.
Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and savory brightness.
Cornstarch Slurry: Optional, but a quick way to thicken the stew to your liking during the final stretch.
Fresh Parsley: The perfect finishing touch, lending vibrant color and grassy freshness just before serving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Step 1: Gather and Prep the Ingredients

Take a few extra minutes to chop your veggies and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces; this not only helps everything cook evenly, but also makes serving easier. Peel those carrots and potatoes, chop your onion, and set out all your spices so you’re ready for easy assembly.

Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Add the chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper directly to your slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir so the seasonings and tomato paste are distributed, making sure each ingredient gets to know its neighbor for maximum flavor melding.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. As it simmers, the chicken turns wonderfully tender and the vegetables become melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting—just let it work its cozy magic.

Step 4: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

If you like your stew on the heartier side, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a smooth slurry. Stir this into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking, then switch to high. This step thickens the sauce into a rich, velvety consistency.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

Once everything is beautifully tender, fish out the bay leaf and stir in the frozen peas. Give the stew another 5 minutes—the peas will cook quickly and maintain their vibrant color. Right before serving, sprinkle generous amounts of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of freshness.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Garnishes

A generous handful of bright green parsley not only makes your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew pop but also adds a lift of freshness after those rich, slow-cooked flavors. Try a finishing sprinkle of cracked black pepper or even a squeeze of lemon for brightness if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats serving this stew with slices of warm, crusty bread to mop up every delicious bit of broth. You can also pair it with simple steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes for an extra-hearty meal. For something lighter, a crisp green salad makes a perfect, refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew into a stunning dinner party option by serving it in bread bowls or over fluffy grains like farro or quinoa. If you’re hosting, ladle it into individual soup crocks and top with extra herbs for a beautiful, personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Stew keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Let it cool slightly before storing, and give it a gentle stir before reheating to redistribute all the veggies and tender chicken.

Freezing

This stew freezes like a dream! Portion cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving a little room for expansion. It will keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat straight from the freezer with a splash of broth.

Reheating

To bring your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew back to life, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot. If the stew seems a bit thick after chilling, add a touch of chicken broth or water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast will work if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember it tends to be a bit leaner and less forgiving, so keep an eye out to avoid overcooking. The stew will still be delicious—just a touch lighter.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is endlessly flexible. Try adding parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even a handful of green beans in the last hour of cooking to boost color and nutrients.

Is it possible to make this stew creamy?

Definitely—after cooking, stir in half a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy, luscious version. It transforms the stew into something luxuriously comforting while still keeping that wholesome, homey feel.

What if I don’t have tomato paste?

If you’re out of tomato paste, a few tablespoons of tomato sauce or even ketchup will add a similar tang and depth. You can also skip it for a lighter-flavored broth—no rules, just tasty results!

Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew ahead of time?

Yes! This stew is the ultimate make-ahead wonder. It tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight, so feel free to cook it a day in advance and reheat when needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a pot of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew bubbling away, infusing your home with delicious, comforting scents. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down and enjoy every spoonful. I hope you give it a try soon—your family and tastebuds are in for a real treat!

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for chilly days. Tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs come together in a rich broth, creating a satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Stew:

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Place the chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cook the Stew: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Thicken the Stew: If a thicker stew is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking and continue on high until thickened.
Finish the Dish: Discard the bay leaf, stir in the peas, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.