Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 4 carrots, chopped; 3 potatoes, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Warm up your home with this comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Stew recipe. Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this stew simmers to perfection while you go about your day. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, this dish is sure to become a cozy favorite that warms the soul.

Created by

Talia Preston

Last updated on 2025-11-26T17:07:24.290Z

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a perfect way to enjoy a warm meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's made with fresh ingredients that combined create a hearty and delicious dish.

A Cozy Comfort Food

When the chill of autumn or winter creeps in, a warm bowl of chicken stew can do wonders for the soul. This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew offers not only comfort but also the nostalgic feeling of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones. The combination of tender chicken and earthy vegetables creates a satisfying dish that wraps you in warmth, both literally and figuratively.

This recipe is designed to be effortless and rewarding. With a simple preparation process and the magic of slow cooking, you can have a delicious stew ready by dinnertime, allowing you to focus on your day-to-day activities while it does the hard work for you. The enticing aroma that fills your home as it simmers will leave everyone eagerly anticipating mealtime.

Perfect for Family Gatherings

Whether it's a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is an excellent choice for family gatherings. Its generous yield is perfect for feeding a crowd, making it a hassle-free solution that appeals to both adults and children alike. Plus, you can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste.

Serving this stew is as simple as ladling it into bowls or over rice for a fulfilling meal. You might even find that it tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. Consider pairing it with crusty bread or a fresh salad to round out the meal, ensuring a delightful dining experience for everyone.

Make-Ahead Meal for Busy Days

One of the best things about this chicken stew is its make-ahead potential. You can prepare all the ingredients the night before, store them in the refrigerator, and just toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning. By dinner time, you'll be greeted with a steaming pot of stew, ready to serve without any last-minute cooking stress.

Moreover, slow-cooked meals like this stew offer enhanced flavors that come from allowing the ingredients to blend and develop over time. Not only does this dish save you time and energy, but it also ensures you’ll have a hearty meal that satisfies even the hungriest of appetites.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Chicken Stew

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

Ensure all ingredients are prepared before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your stew:

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by chopping the carrots, potatoes, and onion. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.

Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

In the slow cooker, add the chicken thighs, chopped vegetables, garlic, herbs, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.

Cook the Stew

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 with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the stew warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your homemade chicken stew with crusty bread or over rice!

Nutritional Benefits

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients. Chicken thighs provide ample protein, which is essential for muscle recovery and immune health. The addition of carrots and potatoes brings a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including beta carotene and potassium, contributing to a well-balanced meal.

Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the sodium content while still providing a rich flavor base. Overall, this stew is a wholesome option for those looking to enjoy comforting food without compromising on health.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, storing this stew is simple! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or can be frozen for long-term storage, where it will last for about 2-3 months. Just be sure to label the containers with the date for easy reference.

When reheating, you can use either the microwave or stovetop. If frozen, it's best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems too thick, ensuring it retains that comforting, stewy consistency.

Variations to Try

Feel free to personalize your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew by incorporating different vegetables like green beans, peas, or bell peppers. You can also experiment with spices, such as paprika or cumin, to add a unique twist. For a heartier version, consider adding white beans or lentils, which will enhance the dish's protein and fiber content.

If you prefer a creamier stew, stir in a bit of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last hour of cooking. This step will give your stew a luxurious texture and create a delightful flavor dimension that elevates the entire dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as green beans or peas.