The moment you lift the lid of your slow cooker, a warm, hearty aroma fills the kitchen—it’s the kind of smell that makes you want to pull up a chair and dig in right then and there. That rich blend of tender chicken, earthy potatoes, and savory herbs? It’s nothing short of comfort in a bowl. What I love most about this stew is how every ingredient gets a chance to shine. The chicken practically melts in your mouth, and the vegetables soak up all that delicious broth, making each bite more satisfying than the last. It’s the kind of meal you can’t rush. Let it simmer slowly, and you’ll see the magic happen—flavors deepen and meld together in the most delightful way.
One of the best parts of making this stew is how easy it is to personalize. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some extra veggies, like carrots or parsnips, or throw in a handful of frozen peas right before serving. And don’t forget to adjust the seasoning to your taste. A little extra garlic, a pinch of thyme, or even a dash of hot sauce can take this stew to the next level. Plus, it only gets better the next day, which makes leftovers a dream come true. You can serve it with crusty bread or a side of rice, but I love pairing it with a simple green salad to balance out all that richness.
Key Ingredients in Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
The beauty of this slow cooker chicken stew lies in its simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each one contributes to the depth and richness of the dish, transforming the humble components into a comforting, soul-warming meal.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show. These tender chicken breasts cook to perfection in the slow cooker, becoming so juicy and flavorful that they practically fall apart with the touch of a fork. They absorb all the savory goodness of the broth, making every bite satisfying.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon to sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. It adds a rich base flavor to the stew and helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Large Onion, Chopped: The backbone of flavor. Onions provide a sweet and savory foundation that enhances the broth. Their soft texture after slow cooking makes them melt into the stew, blending with the other ingredients beautifully.
Garlic, Minced: A must for any hearty dish! Garlic infuses the stew with its rich, aromatic flavor, balancing the richness of the chicken and vegetables. A little goes a long way, and it deepens the stew’s overall taste.
Medium Carrots, Peeled and Sliced: Sweet and earthy, carrots add a subtle natural sweetness and a pop of color to the stew. Their texture holds up well when slow-cooked, providing a satisfying bite.
Medium Potatoes, Peeled and Diced: Potatoes are perfect for this stew. As they cook, they soak up the flavorful broth, becoming tender and creamy, while also helping to thicken the stew as they break down slightly.
Chicken Broth: The base liquid for this stew, chicken broth brings richness and depth of flavor. It’s what ties all the ingredients together and makes every spoonful taste like home.
Dried Thyme: This herb adds a warm, earthy note to the stew. Its subtle piney flavor complements the chicken and potatoes, creating a comforting and aromatic base.
Dried Rosemary: With its slightly minty and woodsy flavor, rosemary pairs beautifully with thyme, adding an extra layer of complexity to the stew without overpowering the other ingredients.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making everything pop. Salt is crucial in balancing the sweetness of the carrots and the richness of the chicken broth, so don’t skip this!
Black Pepper: Just a touch of pepper adds a hint of spice and warmth, enhancing the savory profile of the stew without stealing the show.
Paprika: This smoky, slightly sweet spice gives the stew a subtle depth and a little extra warmth. It also helps to bring out the other flavors in the dish.
Frozen Peas: A last-minute addition, these peas add a burst of freshness and color, balancing the richness of the stew. Plus, they’re quick to cook, making them perfect for the final stages of the slow cooker process.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the stew just a bit, cornstarch ensures the broth has that perfect consistency—neither too runny nor too thick, but just right to coat your spoon.
Water: Combined with the cornstarch, water helps to form a smooth slurry that thickens the broth slightly, making it just the right texture for a hearty stew.
These ingredients work together like a team, each one playing an important role in creating a stew that’s comforting, rich, and full of flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- STEP 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. This step helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the onion and the aromatic depth of the garlic.
- STEP 2: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker. Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the pot, placing them on top of the onions and garlic.
- STEP 3: Add the peeled and sliced carrots, peeled and diced potatoes, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, black pepper, paprika, and stir everything gently to combine. The broth should cover most of the ingredients, but if it doesn’t, don’t worry—it’ll cook down nicely.
- STEP 4: Set the slow cooker to low heat and let it cook for 6-7 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender, falling apart easily when you shred it with a fork.
- STEP 5: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it back into the broth and vegetables.
- STEP 6: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together to form a smooth slurry. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well to combine. This will help thicken the broth to that perfect, hearty consistency.
- STEP 7: Add the frozen peas to the slow cooker and stir to incorporate. Let the stew cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the peas to heat through and the broth to thicken slightly.
- STEP 8: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning, if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika to suit your preferences.
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Crusty Bread: There’s something about dipping a warm, crispy slice of bread into a hearty stew that just feels right. The bread soaks up the flavorful broth, making each bite even more satisfying. Whether it’s a rustic baguette or a thick sourdough, it’s the perfect companion to soak up all that deliciousness.
Light Green Salad: To balance out the richness of the stew, a simple salad is a great choice. Think fresh greens like arugula or spinach, tossed with a light vinaigrette. The crunch of the veggies and the tang of the dressing will give you a nice contrast to the warm, comforting stew.
Mashed Potatoes or Rice: If you want to take your stew experience to the next level, serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. The potatoes or rice will soak up the flavorful broth, creating an even heartier meal that’s sure to keep you full and satisfied.
How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Storing your leftover slow cooker chicken stew is a breeze, and it’ll keep those comforting flavors ready for when you need them most. To store it properly, let the stew cool down to room temperature before placing it in the fridge or freezer. This prevents condensation from forming inside your storage container and keeps the stew tasting fresh.
For short-term storage, simply transfer the stew to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just heat it up on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. If you find that the stew has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to its perfect consistency.
If you want to save the stew for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure you leave some room at the top of the container for the stew to expand as it freezes. When reheating, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it up on the stove, just like you would with refrigerated leftovers. The flavors will still be as comforting as ever, making for an easy and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A comforting, hearty slow cooker chicken stew that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. From the tender chicken to the rich, savory broth and perfectly cooked veggies, each bite will leave you feeling cozy and content. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or looking for something that tastes even better the next day, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
I really hope you give this recipe a try! It’s one of those dishes that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, or just curling up with on your own after a long day. If you’ve made the recipe or have any questions, I’d love to hear your thoughts—did you add any extra veggies or tweak the seasoning? Or if you need any help along the way, I’m always here to chat!
So go ahead, dive into this stew and enjoy the flavors. Let me know how it turns out!
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Description
A hearty and comforting bowl of slow-cooked chicken stew, brimming with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and rich, savory broth. The flavors meld beautifully over time, creating a cozy, satisfying meal that's perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened.
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Add the minced garlic to the onion and sauté for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
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Transfer the onion and garlic mixture into the slow cooker.
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Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker on top of the onion and garlic mixture.
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Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and chopped celery into the slow cooker.
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Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
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Place the bay leaf on top of the mixture in the slow cooker.
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Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, ensuring all ingredients are covered with liquid.
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Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
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Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board.
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Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the slow cooker.
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Add the frozen peas to the slow cooker and stir everything together.
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In a small bowl, mix the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth and fully combined.
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Pour the cream and cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and stir it into the stew.
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Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken.
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Remove the bay leaf from the stew and discard it.
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Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
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Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Note
- Searing the chicken breasts before adding them to the slow cooker can enhance the flavor of the stew.
- For a richer flavor, try using bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, then remove the skin and bones after cooking.
- Add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra depth in the broth.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons.
- Feel free to swap the vegetables with your favorites, like parsnips or sweet potatoes.
