This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is perfect for those chilly evenings! With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a warm broth, it’s a stew that feels like a hug in a bowl.
I love how I can throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work while I relax. Plus, my home smells amazing! What’s not to love about a cozy meal like this? 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor. However, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Rotisserie chicken works too—just add it near the end to heat through!
Vegetables: Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or green beans can add a nice twist. If you’re low on fresh veggies, frozen veggies can work great too!
Broth: Chicken broth is essential for flavor. If you’re looking for something heartier, you could use vegetable broth, but make sure to adjust the seasoning to taste.
Herbs and Spices: Thyme and rosemary are classic, but don’t hesitate to try other herbs like parsley or oregano. A bay leaf adds depth, but if you don’t have any, it’s okay to leave it out.
How Do I Ensure My Stew Turns Out Perfectly Cooked?
Timing and temperature are key to making great slow cooker stew. Always follow the recommended cooking times based on the temperature setting.
- Start on LOW for the best flavor development, cooking 6-8 hours. For a quicker meal, you can use HIGH but aim for 3-4 hours.
- Don’t open the lid too often while cooking; every time you do, heat escapes!
- Adding peas at the end helps retain their color and texture, so they’re sweet and bright.
- If you choose to thicken with flour, make sure to mix it well into cold water before adding it to avoid lumps. This works best as the last step!
Enjoy your cozy stew, and feel free to customize and make it your own! Happy cooking!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Stew:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas (added near the end)
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy slow cooker chicken stew takes about 15 minutes to prep and then cooks for 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH. Just set it and forget it while you enjoy your day or get cozy on the couch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken (Optional):
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. If you have the time, add the chicken chunks and lightly brown them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes. This step is optional but adds flavor!
2. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker:
Transfer the browned (or uncooked) chicken to the slow cooker. Then, add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, potatoes, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in the Broth:
Carefully pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Make sure everything is covered.
4. Set It to Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through, and the vegetables should be tender when it’s done.
5. Add Peas:
Around 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the frozen peas. This keeps them nice and vibrant!
6. Thicken the Stew (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker stew, mix the flour with about 1/2 cup of cold water to make a slurry, then slowly stir it into the stew. Let it cook for the remaining time until it thickens slightly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color, and enjoy your warm stew with crusty bread or over rice!
Enjoy your comforting, easy slow cooker chicken stew! Perfect for cozy meals any day of the week!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker without thawing it first. Just increase the cooking time by about an hour on LOW or 30 minutes on HIGH to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
What If I Don’t Have All the Vegetables on Hand?
No worries! You can swap in any vegetables you have available, like bell peppers, green beans, or corn. Just remember that the cooking time might vary slightly based on the type of veggies you choose.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, simply add them to the slow cooker with the broth and set it to cook while you’re away.
