This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is perfect for a chill day! With tender chicken, colorful veggies, and rich broth, it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Super simple to make, just toss everything in and let it cook!
I love coming home to the smell of this stew after a long day. It tastes even better the next day—if there’s any left! Grab some bread to soak up that delicious broth! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker. If you prefer, chicken breasts work too but might be slightly drier. For a different flavor, you could try turkey or use canned chickpeas for a vegetarian option!
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and potatoes are classic here. You can swap in parsnips or sweet potatoes if you like. For a little crunch, add bell peppers or green beans. Frozen veggies are fine too—just throw them in towards the end.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary add great flavor! You can use fresh herbs if preferred; just double the amount. If you have Italian seasoning on hand, that works in a pinch for a different twist!
How Do I Get Juicy Chicken in My Stew?
To ensure your chicken is juicy, browning it first is a helpful step—though optional! Here’s how to do it:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Add to your slow cooker with the veggies and broth. This extra step builds fantastic flavor and texture!
Remember, cooking on low for 6-8 hours gives you the best results. It allows the chicken to become tender and soak in all the delicious flavors from the broth and veggies.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe for Cozy Meals
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy chicken stew takes about 15 minutes of active prep time, plus it cooks in your slow cooker for either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, you can set it up early in the day and come back to a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken (Optional):
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step adds great flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time!
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
In your slow cooker, add the sliced carrots, celery, chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced potatoes. Give them a little stir to mix everything together.
3. Add the Chicken & Broth:
Place the browned chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Then, pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, some salt, and black pepper, and toss in the bay leaf. It’s smelling good already!
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and let it do its magic! Set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are nice and tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken easily shreds with a fork!
5. Add Peas:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. They add a nice pop of color and sweetness to the stew!
6. Optional – Thicken the Stew:
If you prefer a thicker stew, take 2 tablespoons of flour and mix it with a little cold water to make a slurry (it should be smooth). Stir this mix into the stew and let it cook for an additional 15-30 minutes until it thickens up.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s finished, be sure to remove the bay leaf. Give the stew a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it up hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, and enjoy with some crusty bread for dipping!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Stew?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just add it directly to the slow cooker without thawing. Make sure to extend the cooking time by about an hour to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space in the container for expansion during freezing.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or even water. For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or a bouillon cube.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices. Consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly based on the veg you choose, so adjust accordingly!
