The Coziest Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe for Snug Evenings

Cozy winter nights call for a hearty slow cooker chicken stew that warms you from the inside out.

Aromas of herbs and tender meat will fill your kitchen with comfort.

Layers of vegetables and rich broth create a satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Each spoonful promises deep, soul-nourishing flavors that remind you of home-cooked goodness.

Simple ingredients blend together effortlessly in this no-fuss recipe designed for busy people who crave delicious meals.

Minimal preparation means maximum enjoyment, letting the slow cooker do all the hard work.

Pack your bowl with love and savor every delightful bite of this classic comfort dish.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Is So Loved

• Simplify Cooking: Transform complex meal preparation into a stress-free experience by using a slow cooker that does most of the work while you go about your day.
• Nutrition-Packed Comfort: Enjoy a hearty, wholesome meal loaded with protein-rich chicken, nutrient-dense vegetables, and warming herbs that nourish your body and soul.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe to suit dietary preferences by swapping ingredients or adjusting seasonings, making it a versatile dish for various taste buds and nutritional needs.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this stew in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer, providing a convenient solution for busy weeknights or unexpected dinner guests.

What’s Needed For Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that provides rich flavor and juiciness to the stew.

• Carrots, Potatoes, Onion, Garlic, Frozen Peas: Fresh vegetables that add depth, nutrition, and hearty texture to the slow cooker stew.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that boost the overall taste of the dish.
• Thyme, Rosemary: Aromatic herbs that bring warm and earthy undertones to the chicken stew.
• Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle herbal complexity to the broth.
• Flour: Helps thicken the stew and create a rich, smooth consistency.

• Chicken Broth, Milk: Provides moisture and creates a creamy, comforting base for the slow cooker chicken stew.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and adding a light, smooth cooking fat.

How To Cook Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks. Season generously with salt and pepper, ensuring every piece gets delicious flavor coverage.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Golden Brown

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sear for 4-5 minutes, creating a beautiful golden exterior that locks in juicy goodness.

Step 3: Coat Chicken With Herbs

• Flour
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Salt

Stir thoroughly to ensure even coating of herbs and flour.

Step 4: Add Vegetable Medley

• Garlic
• Onion
• Carrots
• Potatoes

Combine vegetables with seasoned chicken.

Step 5: Pour Liquid Base

Add chicken broth and bay leaf to the slow cooker. The liquid will help create a rich, comforting sauce during cooking.

Step 6: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover and cook on low setting for 7-8 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and vegetables are soft.

Step 7: Final Flavor Boost

Stir in frozen peas and milk. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes to warm peas and create a creamy texture.

Step 8: Adjust Consistency

If stew seems too thick, add chicken broth. If too thin, whisk in additional flour until desired thickness is reached.

Step 9: Season And Taste

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to match your preference.

Step 10: Serve And Store

Serve hot immediately. Store leftovers in refrigerator for 5 days or freeze up to 3 months for future enjoyment.

Helpful Tips For Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Sear Chicken Carefully: Brown the chicken pieces in a hot skillet to lock in rich, deep flavors and create a delicious golden exterior that adds complexity to the stew.
• Adjust Cooking Time Wisely: Slow cookers vary, so check chicken tenderness around the recommended cooking time and adjust high or low settings based on your specific appliance's performance.
• Prevent Watery Stew: If the liquid seems too thin, use a cornstarch slurry or whisk in a small amount of flour to achieve the perfect, hearty consistency without making the stew gluey.
• Enhance Flavor Layers: Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme just before serving to brighten the dish and introduce a fresh, aromatic element to the rich, slow-cooked stew.

Ways To Change Up Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Stew: Replace thyme and rosemary with oregano, basil, and za'atar. Add kalamata olives and diced bell peppers for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Chicken Stew: Incorporate chili powder, cumin, and diced green chilies. Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes and top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Stew: Add sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms during cooking. Replace milk with heavy cream and stir in a handful of chopped fresh parsley for extra richness.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chicken Stew: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets.

Perfect Sides With Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Pair Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Côtes du Rhône that complements the rich chicken stew's hearty flavors, cutting through the creamy texture while enhancing the herb-infused profile.
• Serve Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice a warm, artisan sourdough to soak up the delicious stew broth, providing a perfect textural contrast with its crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior.
• Match Fresh Garden Salad: Create a light, crisp green salad with mixed spring greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the stew's warm, comforting elements and add refreshing brightness to the meal.

How To Keep Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Fresh

• Transfer cooled stew to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for maximum freshness up to 5 days.
• Pack the stew in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months to preserve flavor and texture.
• Thaw frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight, then gently reheat in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.
• Pour stew into a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs For Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Why sear the chicken before slow cooking?

Searing locks in the juices and creates a deeper, richer flavor by caramelizing the meat’s surface, which enhances the overall taste of the stew.

• Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs are recommended because they’re more flavorful and tender, and less likely to dry out during the long, slow cooking process.

• Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs work well too. If using dried, use about one-third the amount of fresh herbs called for in the recipe.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Cook on low heat and avoid overcooking. Chicken thighs are more forgiving than chicken breasts and remain tender during slow cooking.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 7–8 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3–4 hours 10 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker chicken stew brings comfort from first spoonful to last, blending tender chicken, robust vegetables, and rich herbs into a soul-warming meal. Perfectly seasoned and effortlessly prepared, you’ll savor each delicious bite of this classic winter favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds chicken thighs

Vegetables:

• 1 onion
• 3 carrots
• 2 large potatoes
• 1 cup frozen green peas

Herbs, Spices, and Liquids:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 bay leaf
• Black pepper

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Instructions

1. Cut chicken thighs into uniform cubes, generously seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
2. Heat olive oil in skillet at medium-high temperature, quickly searing chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes until exterior develops rich golden-brown coloration.
3. Transfer seared chicken chunks into slow cooker, dusting thoroughly with flour, thyme, rosemary, and additional salt to create a delicate coating.
4. Layer aromatic vegetables including minced garlic, diced onions, chopped carrots, and cubed potatoes over seasoned chicken, ensuring even distribution.
5. Pour chicken broth into slow cooker, introducing bay leaf for subtle herbal undertones and depth of flavor.
6. Secure lid and allow stew to simmer on low setting for 7-8 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours, enabling ingredients to meld and tenderize.
7. During final cooking phase, incorporate frozen peas and milk, elevating stew’s creaminess and introducing bright color contrast.
8. Adjust liquid consistency by adding extra broth for thinner texture or whisking in additional flour for more robust thickness.
9. Conduct final seasoning assessment, incorporating salt and pepper to personal preference.
10. Serve immediately while piping hot, storing remaining portions in sealed container within refrigerator for maximum 5 days or freezing up to 3 months.

Notes

• Sear chicken carefully to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior that adds deep flavor complexity to the stew.
• Customize the thickness by adjusting liquid content, using flour as a natural thickening agent for perfect consistency.
• Experiment with herb substitutions like oregano or parsley for varied aromatic profiles while maintaining the dish’s comforting essence.
• Make this stew diet-friendly by using gluten-free flour for coating and choosing low-sodium chicken broth to accommodate different nutritional needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg