If you’re after a soul-warming meal that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is about to become your new home-cooked favorite. Imagine tender chicken, sweet carrots, hearty potatoes, and a fragrant broth—all melding together in your slow cooker, filling the kitchen with unbelievable aromas. Every bite is comfort food at its finest: wholesome, flavorful, and so incredibly easy. This recipe delivers on cozy vibes, big flavor, and pure convenience. Whether you’re juggling a busy weeknight, prepping for family dinner, or just craving something hearty, this stew is truly everything you want in one bowl.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is how simple the ingredients are. Each one plays an important role—either adding robust taste, deepening the texture, or offering beautiful colors that make the stew irresistible.

Chicken thighs or breasts: Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and richness, but chicken breasts work if you prefer leaner meat.
Carrots: Sliced carrots lend a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange color.
Celery: Chopped celery brings a mild herbal backbone and gentle crunch to the broth.
Onion: Diced onion softens and blends into the base, creating savory depth.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the stew with irresistible aroma and warmth.
Baby potatoes: Halved or quartered, they soak up the flavors and add hearty structure.
Frozen peas: Stirred in at the end, peas provide pops of green and gentle sweetness.
Canned diced tomatoes: These add acidity and complexity along with a beautiful reddish hue.
Chicken broth: The essential liquid base that pulls all the flavors together.
Tomato paste: Just a tablespoon deepens the stew and thickens the sauce.
Dried thyme: Herby and aromatic, it infuses the broth with classic stew flavor.
Dried rosemary: Earthy rosemary rounds out the herbal notes and makes the stew extra cozy.
Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and a hint of color.
Salt and pepper: Don’t forget these to tie it all together and enhance every ingredient.
Cornstarch and water (optional): This little thickener gives the stew a luscious, velvety finish.
Fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish, it brings brightness and a fresh finish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Load Up the Slow Cooker

Add the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, potatoes, diced tomatoes (including their juice), chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper straight into your slow cooker. Give everything a quick stir to make sure the flavors start mingling right from the beginning.

Step 2: Let It Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. As the day passes, your kitchen will fill with the happiest, coziest aroma. The chicken will become fall-apart tender, and the vegetables will be fork-soft, soaking up all those delicious herbal notes.

Step 3: Add Frozen Peas

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the frozen peas. They only need a short time to cook, so they’ll stay vivid green and sweet, providing a cheerful pop of color in your stew.

Step 4: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

If you love a thicker stew, mix together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Stir this slurry into the stew and cook uncovered for the final 20 to 30 minutes. This will naturally thicken everything into a more luxurious, spoon-coating consistency.

Step 5: Taste and Finish

Give your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe a final taste, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Then, ladle it hot into bowls and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of flavor and color.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling fresh parsley over each bowl right before serving makes every spoonful sing. For an extra-special touch, try a light shower of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil—these tiny upgrades make your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe feel downright restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This stew shines all on its own, but it absolutely loves company. Serve with hunks of crusty bread for dunking, a scoop of fluffy rice to soak up the broth, or a simple green salad for a crunchy contrast. If you’re feeling extra cozy, some creamy mashed potatoes or warm, flaky biscuits take things to another level.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling the stew into individual mini bread bowls for fun, edible vessels that soak up the flavors. Or serve it family-style in a large soup tureen with a big spoon, inviting everyone to help themselves. For a casual lunch, pour the stew into thermos jars for an easy and heartwarming meal on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe keeps beautifully! Simply transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only get deeper and cozier as it sits—making it a perfect meal prep option.

Freezing

This stew is freezer-friendly, too. Let it cool completely, then pour individual portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (lay them flat for easy stacking). Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftover stew gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If the stew thickens up overnight or after freezing, just add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will create a slightly leaner stew but still absorb plenty of the stew’s flavors. Just be careful not to overcook, as breasts can sometimes become a bit drier than thighs.

Can I prep this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe the night before?

Yes! You can chop all the vegetables and chicken, combine them in the slow cooker insert, and cover with the broth and seasonings. Refrigerate overnight, then pop the insert into the cooker and start it in the morning—so easy!

Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?

It sure is! This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe doesn’t use any flour or dairy, making it perfect for anyone who eats gluten-free or dairy-free.

Do I need to sear the chicken and veggies first?

It’s totally optional. Searing the chicken and vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker can add extra depth and complexity to the stew, but you’ll still end up with a delicious, comforting dish if you skip this step.

How can I make the stew even thicker?

You can use more cornstarch slurry towards the end, or simply let the stew cook uncovered for the last part of cooking so some of the liquid evaporates. Both tricks will give your stew a heartier texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to make this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe part of your comfort food lineup. The recipe is simple, deeply flavorful, and brings people together like only a big bowl of stew can. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen—you truly can’t beat a meal this easy and satisfying!

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner. Packed with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and flavorful herbs, this easy recipe is a family favorite. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the delicious aromas wafting through your kitchen!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Stew:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into chunks
3 medium carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered
1 cup frozen peas
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Add the Ingredients: Combine chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, potatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through.
Add Peas: In the last 30 minutes, stir in frozen peas.
Thicken (Optional): For a thicker stew, mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the stew and cook uncovered for 20–30 minutes.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.