Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is my go-to recipe when I want a hearty, soul-warming meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This comforting dish combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and rich savory broth that fills your home with the most amazing aroma. It’s the perfect dinner solution for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday afternoons.

I’ll never forget the first time I made this chicken stew in my slow cooker on a chilly autumn evening. I tossed everything into the pot before heading out for errands, and when I came home, my kitchen smelled like pure comfort. The chicken was fall-apart tender, the vegetables were perfectly cooked, and the broth had transformed into something magical. Now, this easy slow cooker chicken stew has become a regular in my meal rotation. It’s wholesome, customizable, and honestly requires minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers every single time.

What You’ll Need for This Hearty Chicken Stew

I always use bone-in chicken thighs when I can because they add extra flavor, but boneless works beautifully too. Pro tip: don’t skip the searing step if you have time – it really deepens the flavor profile of your slow cooker chicken stew.

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 carrots, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (I prefer low-sodium so I can control the salt level)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup flour for thickening (optional, but I recommend it for a richer texture – add this at the beginning)
• 1 tablespoon oil for searing
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

How to Make the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

I recommend taking just a few extra minutes to sear your chicken first – it makes a noticeable difference in the final dish. However, if you’re truly pressed for time, you can skip this step and still end up with delicious results.

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. You’re looking for a nice caramelized exterior that will add depth to your stew. Don’t worry about cooking it through – that happens in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker. Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, cubed potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves. Everything goes right into the pot.

Step 3: Sprinkle the dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the slow cooker chicken stew.

Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk the tomato paste into the chicken broth until smooth. This prevents clumps and ensures even flavor distribution. Pour the broth mixture over everything in the slow cooker.

Step 5: If you want a thicker stew (which I highly recommend), sprinkle the flour over the ingredients and stir well. The flour will dissolve during cooking and create a luscious, gravy-like consistency.

Step 6: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The low and slow method yields the most tender chicken, but high works great when you’re short on time.

Step 7: Once the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaves. Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot – it should be so tender it falls apart easily. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 8: Ladle the hot chicken stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. The brightness of the parsley really elevates the dish.

Perfect Pairings for Your Chicken Stew

This slow cooker chicken stew is incredibly satisfying on its own, but the right sides can turn it into a complete feast.

Crusty artisan bread: Nothing beats dunking a thick slice of sourdough or French bread into that rich, flavorful broth. The crispy crust and soft interior soak up every last drop.

Buttermilk biscuits: These fluffy, buttery biscuits complement the savory stew perfectly. The combination feels like a warm hug on a cold day.

Simple green salad: A crisp salad with tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken stew. It adds brightness and cuts through the richness.

Garlic bread: Toasted bread rubbed with butter and garlic is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s one of the best sides for slow cooker chicken stew when you want something a little more indulgent.

Steamed rice: If you want to stretch the meal further, serve it over fluffy white or brown rice. The grains soak up the delicious broth beautifully.

More Hearty Soups to Warm Your Soul

This slow cooker chicken stew pairs wonderfully with other comforting soup recipes that bring warmth to the table during cooler months. For an elegant upgrade to soup night, try the luxurious French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup with its tender beef and melted Gruyère topping—perfect when entertaining guests or celebrating special occasions.

Balance out richer meals throughout the week by serving this chicken stew alongside lighter options like the wholesome Red Lentil Soup, which offers plant-based protein and aromatic spices in just 35 minutes. For classic French bistro flavors, the traditional Easy French Onion Soup showcases sweet caramelized onions and melted cheese in a timeless recipe that complements any meal rotation.

Storing and Reheating Your Stew

This slow cooker chicken stew actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The vegetables and chicken will stay tender and delicious.

For reheating, I recommend using the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. If the stew has thickened too much in the fridge, just add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.

Pro tip: this chicken stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It’s like having a homemade meal ready to go whenever you need it.

Common Questions About Chicken Stew

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