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    Home » Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

    Published: November 2, 2021 - Last updated: March 1, 2023 by Erika

    slow cooker chicken stew thumbnail picture.
    Jump to Recipe
    slow cooker chicken stew pin.

    This post contains affiliate links. I make a commission from sales. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, read my disclosure policy.

    This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the perfect meal for a cozy night in. With minimal prep time, this stew cooks all day, making it an easy and delicious dinner option. Add a side of crusty bread and you've got a complete meal that the whole family will love.

    chunky chicken stew in a bowl.
    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients You’ll Need
    • Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Variations
    • Storing
    • Recipe FAQ's
    • More Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

    Check out my Healthy Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup and my Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup for more delicious soup recipes!

    Slow cooker chicken stew is a hearty and comforting meal that can be easily prepared with minimal effort. Using a slow cooker to make chicken stew allows the flavors to meld together over time, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.

    It also frees up time to attend to other tasks since the slow cooker does all the work.

    close up view of chicken stew in a bowl.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Easy to make. This recipe requires minimal prep time and the slow cooker does all the work, making it a hassle-free meal to prepare.
    • Comforting and satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and savory broth make this dish a filling and satisfying comfort food.
    • Convenient. Using a slow cooker allows you to cook this dish all day while you attend to other tasks, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
    • Leftovers. This recipe makes enough for leftovers, which can be enjoyed the next day for lunch or dinner. The flavors may even develop and become more intense as they sit, making it even more delicious the next day.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    slow cooker chicken stew labeled ingredients.
    • All-Purpose Flour: Used to coat the chicken and thicken the stew. It also adds a slight thickness to the broth.
    • Garlic Powder: Adds a savory flavor to the stew.
    • Dried Thyme: An aromatic herb that adds a warm, earthy flavor.
    • Salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken and vegetables.
    • Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spicy note to the dish and complements the other flavors.
    • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: They hold up well to slow cooking without becoming tough or dry.
    • Chicken Broth: The base of the stew and adds a rich, savory flavor.
    • Baby Potatoes: Adds a mild, earthy flavor and a creamy texture to the dish.
    • Baby Carrots: Adds a vibrant orange color to the stew.
    • Celery: Adds a subtle, fresh flavor.
    • Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor.
    • Peas: Add a slightly sweet flavor and a pop of green color to the dish.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    four image process making slow cooker chicken stew.

    Step 1:

    In a small bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper.

    Step 2:

    Place the chicken in the flour mixture. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the flour mixture.

    Step 3:

    Add the chicken broth, potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion to the slow cooker. Stir everything together.

    Step 4:

    Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

    Step 5:

    During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas.

    Step 6:

    Once the chicken and vegetables are tender, serve the stew hot and enjoy!

    NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

    top view of chicken stew in a bowl next to the Crock Pot.

    Expert Tips

    • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts and they hold up well to slow cooking.
    • Coat the chicken in flour. Coating the chicken in flour helps to thicken the stew and adds a nice texture to the chicken. It also helps to seal in the moisture and flavor of the chicken.
    • Season to taste. The seasoning in this recipe is just a guide, so feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and thyme to suit your taste.
    • Serve with crusty bread. Slow cooker chicken stew is perfect served with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

    Variations

    • Add different vegetables: You can mix and match the vegetables in this recipe to suit your preferences. Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or butternut squash for a different flavor and texture.
    • Use a different protein: While chicken is the star of this recipe, you can use other meats like beef, pork, or lamb for a different flavor. You can also make this recipe vegetarian by using vegetable broth and adding more vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips.
    • Spice it up: If you like your food spicy, you can add chili powder, cumin, or red pepper flakes to the recipe. Be sure to adjust the amount of spice to suit your taste.
    • Add herbs: If you prefer a more herbaceous flavor, you can add fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or parsley to the stew.
    • Make it creamy: For a creamier stew, you can add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of the cooking time.

    Storing

    Storing: Allow the stew to cool to room temperature. Transfer the stew to an airtight container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal the container tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

    Recipe FAQ's

    Can I freeze the chicken stew?

    It's not recommended to freeze the stew with potatoes as they can become mushy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the stew without the potatoes for up to 3 months. To thaw the stew, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat the stew on the stovetop or in the microwave.

    Can I add wine to the stew?

    Yes, you can add wine to the stew for additional flavor. Use a dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, and add it in place of some of the chicken broth.

    Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of in a slow cooker?

    Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop. Follow the recipe as written, but instead of adding everything to the slow cooker, add the ingredients to a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring the stew to a simmer over medium-low heat and let it cook for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.

    Can I use canned vegetables instead of fresh?

    While fresh vegetables will give you the best flavor and texture, you can use canned vegetables in a pinch. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the stew.

    How do I thicken the stew?

    If you want to thicken the stew, you can mix some cornstarch with cold water and add it to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can remove some of the vegetables and puree them in a blender, then stir the puree back into the stew.

    More Healthy Soup Recipes

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      Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
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      Instant Pot Chicken Barley Soup
    • easy chicken noodle soup thumbnail picture.
      Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
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      Instant Pot Sausage And Spinach Soup

    If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to signup for my newsletter.

    slow cooker chicken stew thumbnail picture.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

    Erika
    This slow cooker chicken stew is the perfect meal for a cozy night in. With minimal prep time, this stew cooks all day, making it an easy and delicious dinner option. Add a side of crusty bread and you've got a complete meal that the whole family will love.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 8 hrs
    Total Time 8 hrs 20 mins
    Course Slow Cooker
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 Servings
    Calories 266 kcal

    Equipment

    • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 6)
    • Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups
    • Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cooker

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
    • 1 tablespoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-2” pieces
    • 4 cups chicken broth
    • 1 pound baby red potatoes cut into quarters
    • 12 ounces baby carrots
    • 4 stalks celery cut into 1” pieces
    • 1 large onion chopped
    • 1 ½ cups frozen peas
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    Instructions
     

    • In a small bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
    • Place the chicken in the flour mixture. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the flour mixture.
    • Add the chicken broth, potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion to the slow cooker. Stir everything together.
    • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
    • During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas.
    • Once the chicken and vegetables are tender, serve the stew hot and enjoy!

    Notes

    • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts and they hold up well to slow cooking.
    • Coat the chicken in flour. Coating the chicken in flour helps to thicken the stew and adds a nice texture to the chicken. It also helps to seal in the moisture and flavor of the chicken.
    • Season to taste. The seasoning in this recipe is just a guide, so feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and thyme to suit your taste.
    • Serve with crusty bread. Slow cooker chicken stew is perfect served with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
    • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts and they hold up well to slow cooking.
    • Coat the chicken in flour. Coating the chicken in flour helps to thicken the stew and adds a nice texture to the chicken. It also helps to seal in the moisture and flavor of the chicken.
    • Season to taste. The seasoning in this recipe is just a guide, so feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and thyme to suit your taste.
      Serve with crusty bread. Slow cooker chicken stew is perfect served with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
    • Storing: Allow the stew to cool to room temperature. Transfer the stew to an airtight container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal the container tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 266kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 24gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 1512mgFiber: 6gSugar: 7g

    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Keyword Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Biana

      November 04, 2021 at 8:11 pm

      This Chicken Stew looks delicious! A great supper for winter.

      Reply
    2. Kristen

      November 04, 2021 at 8:28 pm

      This stew was super tasty and easy to make. Will make it again!

      Reply
    3. Jen

      November 04, 2021 at 8:54 pm

      Interesting that you coat the chicken before putting in rather than thickening after. Love this idea!

      Reply

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    Hi and welcome! My name is Erika and I’m a huge foodie with an appetite for almost anything. I love all foods, especially desserts! I try to cook things that are simple, practical, and delicious. Read More…

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