There’s something timeless about a bowl of hearty chicken stew—especially when it’s made in the slow cooker, filling the house with savory aromas as it simmers gently throughout the day. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon, a cold winter night, or even just a lazy weekend when you crave something warm and filling, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the perfect answer.
Inspired by home-cooked meals from childhood, this recipe combines tender chicken, rustic vegetables, and a thick, savory broth that brings comfort with every spoonful. Growing up, this dish often made appearances on Sundays or during family gatherings—always simple, always satisfying. Today, we’re sharing a modern version made easier with the magic of the crock pot. No fuss, no complicated techniques—just wholesome ingredients and deep, rich flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stew Recipe
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Effortless Preparation: Just chop, drop, and let the slow cooker do the work.
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Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes generous portions and tastes even better the next day.
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Wholesome and Filling: Packed with lean protein, root vegetables, and a thick, comforting broth.
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Customizable: Easy to adjust with your favorite veggies or seasonings.
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Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike—mild, hearty, and familiar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into making this rich, satisfying stew. Each ingredient is selected to balance flavor and nutrition:
Main Ingredients
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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
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4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
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3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
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2 stalks celery, sliced
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup frozen peas (added at the end for freshness and color)
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried rosemary
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1 bay leaf
For Thickening the Stew
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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¼ cup water (to create a slurry)
Optional: Use cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free version.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
This is a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that rewards your patience with deep, homey flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Chop all the vegetables and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This step takes about 10-15 minutes and sets you up for a no-fuss cooking process.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
In the base of a 6-quart slow cooker, layer the chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the tomato paste, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and the bay leaf.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Stew
About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the flour and water to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew, cover again, and cook on high for the remaining 30 minutes until the broth thickens.
Step 5: Add Peas
Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5–10 minutes of cooking for a burst of color and sweetness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy warm, ideally with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice.
Tips for Success
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Sear the Chicken First (Optional): For even more flavor, you can quickly brown the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This adds depth but is totally optional for busy days.
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Cut Evenly: Try to cut all your vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
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Use Thighs for More Flavor: While chicken breasts are leaner, thighs add more richness and are less likely to dry out.
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Don’t Overcook: If using breasts and cooking on high, check for doneness around the 3.5–4 hour mark to avoid dryness.
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Variations
One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is how easily it adapts to your pantry, preferences, and dietary needs. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, following a specific eating plan, or just love switching things up from time to time, this stew is a perfect canvas. Below are several delicious and practical variations you can try to customize this recipe to your liking.
1. Add Whole Grains for Heartiness and Texture
If you’re looking to make the stew even more filling or to add a bit of chewy texture, consider stirring in cooked grains at the end of cooking. Options like barley, brown rice, farro, or even quinoa blend beautifully into the stew’s rich broth. These grains absorb some of the flavor while adding bulk, making your meal even more satisfying.
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Tip: Don’t add uncooked grains directly into the slow cooker, as they may soak up too much liquid or overcook. Instead, prepare them separately and stir them in about 10–15 minutes before serving.
2. Make It Creamy for Extra Comfort
If you love creamy stews, this variation is a must. Once the stew has thickened with the flour slurry, stir in a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. The added creaminess makes the stew feel even more indulgent without a lot of extra effort.
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Best pairings: Creamy versions of this stew pair perfectly with fresh herbs like parsley or dill and a squeeze of lemon to brighten the richness.
3. Swap Out the Vegetables Based on the Season
Don’t feel locked into carrots, celery, and potatoes. This chicken stew is highly adaptable and works with nearly any vegetable you enjoy.
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Sweet potatoes offer a slightly sweet, earthy twist and add a vibrant orange hue.
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Parsnips give the stew a rustic, nutty flavor that complements root vegetables beautifully.
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Green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers work well if you’re making this during warmer months or prefer lighter vegetables.
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Corn kernels, whether fresh or frozen, bring a pop of color and sweetness that kids especially enjoy.
This flexibility means you can make this stew year-round, using whatever produce is in season or on hand.
4. Spice It Up for Bolder Flavor
If you enjoy a bit of heat or depth in your stew, spice it up with a few pantry staples. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne pepper can bring a subtle warmth without overwhelming the dish.
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Want more depth without too much heat? Smoked paprika adds a slightly smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the slow-cooked chicken and vegetables.
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Like it hot? Toss in a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
This is a great way to personalize the stew and match your family’s taste preferences.
5. Make It Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free
If you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions or simply prefer a cleaner stew, it’s easy to adjust this recipe.
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Gluten-free version: Instead of flour, use cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the stew. Just mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
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Dairy-free version: Make sure to use dairy-free chicken broth (some store-bought versions may contain hidden dairy additives), and avoid adding cream or butter. For added creaminess without dairy, try stirring in unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk at the end.
These simple swaps make the dish accessible to a wide range of eaters without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How to Store and Reheat
One of the best parts about this chicken stew is how well it stores. It’s ideal for batch cooking and meal prep.
To Store:
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Let the stew cool completely.
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Transfer to airtight containers.
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Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
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Store in freezer-safe containers or bags (leave room for expansion).
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Freeze for up to 3 months.
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Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To Reheat:
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Microwave individual portions on high for 2–3 minutes.
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Or reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with any of the following for a complete, cozy meal:
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Rustic Bread or Biscuits: Perfect for dipping and soaking up every drop of broth.
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Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the stew right over a bed of creamy mash.
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Steamed Rice or Quinoa: Adds a nutritious base.
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Simple Side Salad: A fresh green salad balances the rich stew.
Health Benefits of This Chicken Stew
This stew isn’t just comforting—it’s also packed with nutritional benefits:
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High in Protein: Thanks to lean chicken, it’s satisfying and energizing.
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Rich in Fiber: The veggies provide fiber for digestive health.
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Low in Processed Ingredients: You control the salt, seasoning, and content.
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Low-Calorie Option: If you’re watching your intake, this stew is filling without being heavy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
While it may be tempting to toss frozen chicken directly into the slow cooker, it’s not recommended. The USDA advises against cooking meat from frozen in a slow cooker due to food safety concerns. The low cooking temperature may allow the chicken to remain in the “danger zone” (40°F–140°F) for too long, increasing the risk of bacteria growth. For best results and safety, always thaw chicken completely in the refrigerator before adding it to your slow cooker.
Can I cook this stew on high instead of low?
Yes, absolutely! If you’re short on time, this stew can be cooked on high for 4–5 hours instead of low for 7–8 hours. Just be sure to check the chicken for doneness after about 4 hours to prevent it from drying out, especially if you’re using chicken breasts instead of thighs. Keep in mind that slow, low heat tends to develop deeper flavors, but the high setting still delivers great results in less time.
Can I leave out certain vegetables or swap them?
Definitely. This recipe is very flexible and forgiving. If you’re not a fan of celery, out of potatoes, or just want to use what’s already in your kitchen, feel free to substitute. Try sweet potatoes, green beans, turnips, or corn. Almost any hearty vegetable will work well in this stew.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and replace it with white beans, chickpeas, or lentils. Swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth for a satisfying plant-based stew.
How can I thicken the stew naturally?
In addition to using a flour or cornstarch slurry, you can mash a few of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot near the end of cooking. This releases starch and thickens the stew without any additional ingredients.
