If you’re craving comfort food in a bowl, look no further than this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. With melt-in-your-mouth chicken, tender vegetables, and hearty flavors all kissed by herbs and a rich broth, you get an incredibly nourishing meal with almost no fuss. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so you’ll come home to a house filled with the coziest aroma imaginable. Whether you’re feeding your family on a chilly evening or meal-prepping ahead for a busy week, this stew is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and will quickly earn a place in your regular dinner rotation.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things beautifully simple and lets each ingredient shine. Every vegetable adds its own pop of color and depth, while the chicken and seasonings bring undeniable heartiness and warmth. Here’s what you’ll need to create this classic Slow Cooker Chicken Stew:

Chicken thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless thighs for unbeatable tenderness and rich flavor; they easily absorb the wonderful herbs and broth while slow cooking.
Potatoes: These peeled and cubed beauties break down just enough to thicken the stew and provide a satisfying bite.
Carrots: Sliced carrots add a lovely sweetness and color contrast—plus, they soak up all those delicious juices.
Celery: Chopped celery brings a subtle aromatic quality and helps balance the savory notes.
Onion: Diced onion delivers loads of background flavor and helps build the stew’s irresistible aroma.
Garlic: Minced garlic provides a savory punch and melds seamlessly with the vegetables and chicken.
Chicken broth: Choose low-sodium to control salt levels, allowing the other flavors to shine through.
Diced tomatoes: A can with its juices adds gentle acidity and body to the broth, making the stew deeply flavorful.
Tomato paste: Just two tablespoons helps intensify the tomato flavor and deepens the color of the stew.
Dried thyme: This classic herb pairs perfectly with poultry and vegetables for a savory, earthy undertone.
Dried rosemary: Rosemary’s piney notes blossom through long cooking, creating that signature stew aroma.
Bay leaves: Don’t skip these—bay leaves quietly elevate the overall flavor as the stew simmers away.
Salt: Seasoning is key; adjust as needed to suit your taste toward the end of cooking.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Frozen peas: Their burst of green and sweetness is added at the end to maintain freshness and color.
Cornstarch slurry (optional): For those who love a thick stew, cornstarch mixed with water creates a silky consistency without any lumps.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Step 1: Prepare and Layer Your Ingredients

Start by cutting the chicken thighs into chunky, hearty pieces—they’ll become perfectly tender after a day-long simmer. Add your chopped potatoes, sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic straight into the slow cooker. There’s no need to sauté first. Simply layering everything right into the pot saves time and still yields maximum flavor.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Next, pour in the chicken broth, then add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato paste. Sprinkle over the dried thyme and rosemary, tuck in the bay leaves, and season with salt and black pepper. Gently stir to distribute everything without breaking up the vegetables too much. This combination creates the foundation for your delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Stew.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low for 7 to 8 hours, or high for 4 to 5 hours. The long cook ensures the chicken turns irresistibly tender while the vegetables soak up all the savory goodness. Try not to peek too often—each time you lift the lid, precious heat escapes!

Step 4: Add Peas and Thicken (Optional)

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the frozen peas to give the stew a pop of green freshness. If you prefer a heartier consistency, mix together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then stir it into the stew. Let it bubble away uncovered for those last 30 minutes to work its thickening magic.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

When you’re ready, fish out those bay leaves (no one wants to bite into one!). Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or pepper, if needed. Now, ladle the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew into bowls and bask in the coziness!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Garnishes

Though Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is rustic and hearty all on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a dusting of grated Parmesan, or even a few grinds of black pepper really make each bowl look and taste even more inviting. If you want something extra cozy, a dollop of Greek yogurt gives an irresistible tang and creaminess.

Side Dishes

The best side dish for this stew? Crusty, buttered bread—perfect for dipping and scooping up every last bit. If you want to switch things up, serve your stew alongside a crisp green salad, or spoon it over fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes for a serious comfort food experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew into a showstopper by serving it in baked bread bowls, or ladle it into oversized mugs for a grab-and-go meal. For a festive gathering, set up a “stew bar” with toppings like shredded cheese, fresh herbs, and croutons so everyone can customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover stew to airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The flavors deepen overnight, making next-day leftovers taste even better! Stored properly, your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew will keep for up to four days in the fridge.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully—just let it cool completely before dividing into freezer-safe containers. For best results, freeze without the peas and add them when reheating, so they stay vibrant. Frozen stew keeps its flavor and texture for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your stew gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat slowly. You can also use the microwave in a pinch—just keep it covered to prevent splatters and stir every couple of minutes.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep in mind they can be less juicy than thighs, but they’ll still result in a delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Stew.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This stew is naturally gluten-free—just be sure to use cornstarch or your favorite gluten-free thickener if you want to thicken it, and always double-check the labels on your broth and tomato products.

What vegetables can I add to switch things up?

You can add chopped parsnips, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, or even leafy greens like kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Make this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew your own by mixing in your favorite veggies!

Is it okay to cook the stew overnight?

Absolutely! Set your slow cooker to low before you go to bed and wake up to the wonderful aroma of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew ready for lunch or a quick weeknight dinner—just remember food safety guidelines and refrigerate promptly.

How do I thicken the stew if I don’t have cornstarch?

If you’re out of cornstarch, mash some of the cooked potatoes or carrots directly into the stew—they’ll naturally thicken the broth and add even more flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as soul-warming as a bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew, and now you have everything you need to bring this favorite to your own table. Give it a try, play around with the veggies and seasonings, and share the coziness with those you love—you’ll be amazed how quickly it disappears!

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This slow cooker chicken stew is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, and peas simmer in a flavorful broth seasoned with herbs, creating a delicious and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Stew:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into chunks
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 medium carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

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Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Place the chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker.
Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Cook the Stew: Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
Final Touches: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the peas. For a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it cook for the final 30 minutes. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Notes

You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, though thighs stay more tender in long cooking.
Add parsnips or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American