Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h 30 min
Total time: 6 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (Thighs are recommended for tenderness.); 4 medium Yukon gold or red potatoes (Cut into larger chunks.); 2 medium Carrots (Chopped into larger pieces.); 2 stalks Celery (Diced.); 1 medium Onion (Diced.); 3 cloves Garlic (Minced.); 4 cups Low sodium chicken broth (To cover the ingredients.); 2 tablespoons Tomato paste (For depth of flavor.); 1 bay leaf Bay leaf; 1 teaspoon Dried thyme (Or to taste.); 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley (Chopped, added at the end.); 2 tablespoons Olive oil (For added richness.); 1 tablespoon Butter (For added richness.); 2 tablespoons Flour or cornstarch (For thickening.); to taste Salt and pepper (Season in layers.); 1 cup Frozen peas (Stirred in at the end.); optional Splash of milk or half-and-half (For extra creaminess at the end.)

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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is what I make when the day gets away from me and I still want dinner to feel like a hug in a bowl. It’s the no-stress, toss-it-in-and-go kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing for hours. If you love simple slow cooker meals, take a peek at my other favorites in these crockpot recipes for fresh ideas. Today I’m sharing exactly how I do it, with all my best tips to get tender chicken, chunky veggies, and a rich broth. Nothing fancy, just real comfort that tastes like home.

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Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Is the Perfect Cozy Dinner

On busy workdays or chilly weekends, a pot of stew simmering away is pure relief. This version is creamy without heavy cream, veggie-forward without tasting “healthy,” and hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table. It reheats like a dream for lunches, and the flavor only gets better the next day. If you like classic comfort, try my cozy beef stew in a crock pot too. Either way, you’re set for a warm, low-effort meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe Ingredients

Chicken: Boneless skinless thighs are best for tenderness, but breasts work too.
Potatoes: Yukon gold or red potatoes hold shape and have great texture.
Carrots and celery: For that classic stew base.
Onion and garlic: Flavor foundations.
Peas: Stir in at the end for sweetness and color.
Chicken broth: Low sodium lets you control the salt.
Tomato paste: Adds depth and a subtle tang.
Bay leaf, thyme, parsley: Go-to herbs for stew.
Olive oil and butter: A little fat helps richness and mouthfeel.
Flour or cornstarch: For thickening.
Salt and pepper: Season in layers for best flavor.

Optional: a splash of milk or half-and-half at the end for extra creaminess. Keep it light or make it silky — your call.

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

Want a little twist? A dash of Worcestershire, a spoon of Dijon, or a bit of smoked paprika gives a deeper, savory vibe. A handful of mushrooms adds umami. A squeeze of lemon brightens everything right before serving. Little moves, big payoff.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew (Step-by-Step)

Prep

Cut chicken into bite-size chunks. Chop your potatoes and carrots into larger pieces so they keep their shape. Dice onion and celery, mince garlic.

Layer

To the slow cooker, add onion, celery, carrots, potatoes, garlic, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Nestle in the chicken. Pour in broth to just cover the ingredients.

Cook

Cook on Low 6 to 7 hours or on High 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and veggies are soft but not falling apart.

Finish

Stir in peas in the last 15 minutes. Thicken with a quick slurry of flour or cornstarch and water, or mash a few potatoes right in the pot. Add a small knob of butter and chopped parsley to finish.

That’s it. Minimal fuss, maximum comfort.

Expert Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Stew

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Easy Recipe serving

Brown the chicken in a skillet if you’ve got five extra minutes; it builds flavor. Keep potato and carrot chunks large to avoid mush. Season once at the start and again at the end after tasting. A little acid at the finish, like lemon juice, balances richness beautifully.

How to Keep the Stew Thick and Hearty

Use less broth than soup. You can always add more later. For thickening, I like a cornstarch slurry for a glossy finish or a bit of flour for a more rustic, velvety feel. Mashing a few potato cubes works like magic and keeps it gluten-free if you’re using cornstarch.

How to Avoid Mushy Vegetables

Cut the carrots and potatoes into larger pieces and place them at the bottom so they cook evenly. Avoid frozen veggies until the last 15 to 20 minutes. If your slow cooker runs hot, consider Low instead of High, especially for longer cooks.

How to Get Tender, Fall-Apart Chicken

Thighs are more forgiving than breasts and stay juicy. Don’t overcook; aim for the lower end of the timing window and check. If using breasts, pull them a bit earlier and shred, then return to the pot to soak in flavor.

Cooking Times (Low and High Settings)

Low: 6 to 7 hours for thighs, 5 to 6 for breasts. High: 3 to 4 hours for thighs, 2.5 to 3.5 for breasts. Each slow cooker is a little different, so use these as a guide and adjust for your machine.

5 Easy Variations of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

1. Creamy herb: Stir in a splash of half-and-half and extra thyme at the end. 2. Tuscan-ish: Add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. 3. Southwest: Use chili powder, corn, and black beans. 4. Lemon dill: Finish with lemon zest and fresh dill. 5. Mushroom lovers: Add sautéed mushrooms for a deeper flavor.

Add-In Ideas to Customize Your Stew

Think of this recipe like a base. Stir in kale near the end. Try sweet potatoes for a little sweetness. Add green beans or zucchini for more veggies. A handful of cooked bacon crumbles over bowls never hurts either.

Grains or Pasta

Keep grains and pasta separate so they don’t soak up all the broth. Serve stew over rice, egg noodles, or quinoa. Or toss in cooked small pasta right before serving if you want it all in one bowl.

Ways to Add Heat or Smokiness

A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne adds warmth. Smoked paprika gives a cozy campfire vibe. You can also stir in a spoon of chipotle in adobo for smoky heat. If you like gentle spice, try this lighter, flavorful white chicken chili on your next slow cooker night.

How to Make Chicken Stew Thicker or Thinner

To thicken, use more slurry or mash more potatoes. To thin, stir in warm broth a little at a time until it’s where you like it. Keep a gentle simmer when you adjust so you can see the final consistency.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Crusty bread or warm biscuits for dunking
Buttered noodles or fluffy rice as a base
Light salad with lemony dressing to balance richness
Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli on the side
A squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs right before eating

If you love classic comfort dinners, this cozy crockpot chicken and dumplings is another family favorite.

Best Sides to Serve With Chicken Stew

Warm cornbread, garlic bread, or cheddar biscuits all play nicely with stew. For something lighter, go with a simple arugula salad or roasted carrots. If you want cozy on cozy, buttery mashed potatoes will make everyone very happy.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Chicken Stew

Cool completely, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth if it thickened in storage.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Instructions

Chop all veggies and refrigerate in a container for up to 2 days. In the morning, add everything to the slow cooker and go. Or make the full stew on Sunday and portion into lunch containers. It’s a life saver on busy weeks.

Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Notes and Nutritional Fcats

This stew is balanced with lean protein, lots of veggies, and reasonable carbs from potatoes. Use low-sodium broth and control salt to taste. For dairy-light, skip the cream and finish with olive oil. For gluten-free, thicken with cornstarch or pureed cauliflower instead of flour. Simple swaps keep it wholesome and satisfying.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving
about 1½ cups

Calories	360
Total Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	3 g
Cholesterol	95 mg
Sodium	540 mg
Total Carbohydrates	32 g
Dietary Fiber	4 g
Total Sugars	5 g
Protein	31 g
Potassium	900 mg

Nutrition values are estimated for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew made with chicken thighs, potatoes, carrots, peas, and broth. Calculated using averages from USDA MyPlate, Simply Recipes, and Allrecipes. Actual values will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Troubleshooting Common Chicken Stew Mistakes

Too thin? Thicken with a slurry or mash a few potatoes. Too thick? Add warm broth and stir. Veggies too soft? Cut them bigger next time and cook on Low. Chicken dry? Switch to thighs or reduce cook time, and always check early.

Can I Make This Chicken Stew on the Stovetop or in an Instant Pot?

Yes. Stovetop: Simmer gently 35 to 45 minutes until everything is tender. Instant Pot: 8 to 10 minutes on High Pressure, quick release, then thicken. Either method works, but slow cooker gives that deeper all-day flavor.

Can I Add Noodles or Rice?

Absolutely. Cook them separately so they don’t over-soak the broth, then add to each bowl when serving. If you’re craving a totally different vibe with big saucy flavor, you might love my easy crockpot teriyaki chicken on rice too.

Common Questions

Do I have to brown the chicken first? Nope, but it adds nice flavor. If you have time, go for it. If not, the stew still turns out great.
Can I use rotisserie chicken? Yes. Add it in the last 30 minutes so it warms through without drying out.
What if I only have frozen chicken? Thaw it first for food safety and better texture. Then proceed as written.
Can I skip the tomato paste? You can, but it adds depth. If skipping, add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire for umami.
What herbs work best? Thyme and bay leaf are classic. Parsley for freshness at the end. Rosemary is nice, but use sparingly.

Cozy Bowls You Might Also Love

If you’re in a slow-cooked comfort mood, check out my bright and zesty slow cooker lemon herb chicken or the sweet and savory crock pot bourbon chicken. Both are simple, flavorful, and weeknight-friendly.

Ready to Ladle Up Comfort

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is simple, hearty, and exactly the kind of dinner that makes a long day fade a little. Keep the veggies chunky, season as you go, and finish with something bright to make every spoonful pop. I hope it becomes your go-to on busy nights like it has for me. Now go set that slow cooker and let it do the work while you do anything else at all.