This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the perfect dish for chilly days. It’s packed with tender chicken, hearty veggies, and a flavorful broth that warms your soul!
I love how I can just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. It feels like a hug in a bowl, and leftovers are even better! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their rich flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breasts work well too. Consider using leftover roast chicken to save time!
Vegetables: Carrots and potatoes add heartiness to the stew. If you want, try sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different taste. Don’t have celery? Parsnips or green beans can step in.
Herbs and Spices: The thyme and rosemary are classic for stew, but feel free to switch it up! Bay leaves or Italian seasoning can add a nice flavor profile as well. If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Broth: Chicken broth is perfect for this stew, but vegetable broth or even water will work in a pinch. I like to add a splash of white wine for extra depth, too.
How Do You Get the Chicken Super Tender in a Slow Cooker?
Getting wonderfully tender chicken in a slow cooker is all about timing and moisture. Cook the chicken long enough to break down the proteins, but not so long that it turns mushy.
- Start on low for a longer cooking time (6-8 hours) for juicy results. If you’re in a hurry, high (3-4 hours) can also work.
- Make sure there’s enough liquid. A good broth-to-chicken ratio is key to creating tender meat.
- If browning the chicken beforehand, do it lightly—this adds flavor but shouldn’t cook the chicken through.
Remember, a good slow cooker stew is about letting all those flavors meld together, so patience pays off!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew for Cozy Meals
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 1.5 pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Thickening (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy stew takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then cooks on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a warm meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken (Optional):
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil or butter. Lightly brown the chicken pieces on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step is optional but adds extra flavor! Once browned, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
2. Add the Veggies:
In the slow cooker, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced celery over the chicken. These veggies will soak up all that delicious flavor as they cook!
3. Season It Up:
Sprinkle the dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken and vegetables. Give it a little stir to mix everything well!
4. Pour in the Broth:
Carefully pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. This will create a lovely, flavorful base for your stew.
5. Let It Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and the veggies cooked through when it’s done.
6. Add the Peas:
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the frozen peas. They’ll add a touch of color and sweetness to the stew!
7. Thicken the Stew (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker stew, mix the flour or cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the stew and cover it, letting it cook for another 15-30 minutes until thickened.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste your stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. It’s all about making it perfect for your palate!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm chicken stew hot with some crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a cozy meal that everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by an hour if cooking on low or about 30 minutes if cooking on high. There’s no need to thaw the chicken beforehand, and it will still turn out tender!
How Can I Make This Stew Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add more veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If it thickens too much, feel free to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your vegetables. You can add green beans, corn, or even some leafy greens like spinach. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for firmer veggies to ensure everything is tender!
