Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how easy and hands-off this recipe is! With the slow cooker doing most of the work, I can just set it and forget it. The combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth creates a meal that’s both filling and satisfying. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting dinner with minimal effort, and the leftovers taste just as good, making it perfect for meal prepping. Plus, this stew is easily customizable with your favorite veggies or seasonings!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Stew:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

3 carrots, diced

3 celery stalks, diced

1 onion, diced

4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried thyme

2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup flour (optional, for thickening)

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken (Optional)

Start by searing the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the stew, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip it and add the chicken directly to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Load Up the Slow Cooker

Place the seared chicken (or raw chicken if skipping the searing step) into your slow cooker. Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle the dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir the mixture to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth

Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. If you want a thicker stew, sprinkle in the flour and stir until it’s well combined. This will give the stew a nice creamy texture.

Step 5: Set and Forget

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking method allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich, comforting stew.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaves and discard them. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 6-8 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)

Total time: 6-8 hours (depending on cooking setting)

Variations

Add More Vegetables: Feel free to toss in additional veggies like peas, green beans, or corn to make the stew even heartier.

Spicy Twist: For a little heat, I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the stew.

Creamy Version: To make the stew creamier, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover chicken stew can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat the stew on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little more broth or water if it thickens too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! You can use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just be cautious not to overcook them, as they can become dry.

Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Absolutely! This stew is very customizable. Feel free to add peas, green beans, or corn to the mix. You can also use frozen vegetables if fresh isn’t available.

Can I make this stew in advance and reheat it?

Yes, this stew stores well and can be made ahead. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop when ready to eat.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?

Searing the chicken is optional, but it adds a deeper flavor to the stew. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and just add the chicken directly to the slow cooker.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, chicken stew freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight and heat it on the stovetop.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a comforting and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy days or when I just want a hearty, wholesome dinner without much effort. The slow-cooked chicken, vegetables, and savory broth make for a delicious and satisfying stew that everyone in the family will love. Plus, it’s customizable and can be made with whatever vegetables or seasonings you have on hand. Set it, forget it, and enjoy a bowl of warmth and goodness!

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