Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 4 medium carrots, sliced; 3 medium potatoes, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup frozen peas; 2 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 bay leaf

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a comforting meal packed with flavor and nutrition. Perfect for busy days, it simmers to perfection while you go about your day.

Created by

Avery Hayes

Last updated on 2025-12-09T22:12:40.515Z

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a family favorite that brings warmth and comfort to the table. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth, it’s perfect for chilly evenings.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty and satisfying with tender chicken and vegetables
Set it and forget it – perfect for busy schedules
Full of wholesome ingredients and packed with flavor

      

The Benefits of Slow Cooking

Slow cooking is not just a convenient method; it's a technique that enhances the flavors of your ingredients. As the stew simmers, the herbs and spices meld together, creating a rich and robust taste that’s hard to achieve with traditional cooking methods. The low and slow process allows the collagen in the chicken to break down, resulting in tender, juicy meat that practically melts in your mouth.

Moreover, slow cooking is a fantastic way to make the most out of your ingredients. You can use inexpensive cuts of meat and seasonal vegetables, making this stew an economical choice. It’s the perfect opportunity to reduce food waste too, as you can throw in any leftover veggies you have on hand.

Customizing Your Stew

One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is its versatility. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute the chicken with turkey or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require varying amounts of time to become tender.

You can also customize the vegetables based on what you have available. Zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers are excellent additions that can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your stew. Don't hesitate to experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary or paprika, to give it a unique twist that suits your palate.

Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, but you can elevate the meal by pairing it with a crusty loaf of bread or a fresh garden salad. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth, while the salad adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the stew.

For an extra touch, consider topping your stew with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall flavor with a fresh burst. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish that complements the savory notes of the dish.

Ingredients

For the Stew

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
4 medium carrots, sliced
3 medium potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas
2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 bay leaf

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by chopping the vegetables and mincing the garlic. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Combine in Slow Cooker

Add the chicken, carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth.

Cook the Stew

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and vegetables are cooked through.

Add Peas and Serve

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Serve hot with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, this stew stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheating is easy; simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the stew for up to three months. Divide it into meal-sized portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, allowing some space for expansion. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.

Nutritional Information

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is not only a comforting meal but also a nutritious one. Each serving is packed with protein from the chicken, along with essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Carrots and potatoes provide fiber and nutrients that are vital for good health, making this stew a balanced option for your family.

The use of homemade or low-sodium chicken broth ensures that you can control the sodium content, making it heart-healthier. Additionally, the inclusion of peas adds a pop of color and a boost of plant-based protein. This stew is a great way to incorporate wholesome ingredients into your diet without sacrificing flavor.

Tips for Perfect Stew

For the best results, it's important to avoid lifting the lid of your slow cooker during cooking. Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes, which can prolong cooking time and affect the final result. Trust the cooking process and let your stew simmer undisturbed for the recommended time.

Additionally, for a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes against the sides of the slow cooker before serving. This will help thicken the broth without the need for additional thickeners, providing a comforting and hearty texture that will be sure to satisfy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used, but it may be less tender.

→ Can this recipe be frozen?

Absolutely! Just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add bell peppers, green beans, or any other vegetables you enjoy.

→ How can I thicken the stew?

You can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.