Save to Pinterest This dish features tender chicken and a medley of vegetables simmered together in a rich broth, enhanced with herbs like thyme and rosemary for aromatic depth. Cooked low and slow, the ingredients meld into a savory, hearty meal that's both warming and nutritious. Finished with peas and thickened for a satisfying consistency, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy evenings or cozy weekends. Adjust flavors with optional wine, sweet potatoes, or crusty bread on the side. Gluten- and dairy-free, it suits many dietary needs while offering classic comfort for family gatherings.
A steaming bowl of slow cooker chicken stew is my all-time remedy for cold nights and busy weeks. It is packed with juicy chicken and loads of veggies, and the slow simmer draws out flavors you just cannot rush. When I want hearty comfort on the table with minimal fuss, this cozy stew is my top choice and a hit with everyone in my family.
The first time I made this was after a chilly soccer game it made our house smell incredible and my kids cleaned their bowls without a single complaint
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: offer tenderness and a rich flavor that stands up to slow cooking choose boneless and skinless for convenience
- Carrots: provide natural sweetness and vibrant color select firm and deeply orange ones
- Potatoes: add creamy texture use Yukon Gold or russet for best results
- Celery: brings an earthy undertone look for crisp stalks with bright leaves
- Onion: is essential for a savory base use yellow onions for balance
- Garlic: infuses aromatic depth fresh cloves give best flavor
- Frozen peas: offer a pop of color and gentle sweetness pick peas that are bright green
- Low sodium chicken broth: builds the savory broth choose one with minimal additives
- Dry white wine: enriches flavor use a good drinking wine or skip for an alcohol free batch
- Tomato paste: adds body and subtle tang seek out double concentrate for deeper richness
- Dried thyme and rosemary: infuse a classic herbal backbone always check freshness for best results
- Bay leaves: lend subtle warmth remove before serving
- Paprika: gives gentle smokiness and color use sweet or smoked based on your taste
- Salt and black pepper: ensure balanced seasoning adjust to taste
- Cornstarch: is the thickener mix with cold water for smooth texture
Instructions
- Layer Ingredients:
- Place the chicken chunks in the bottom of the slow cooker.<br>Add carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic over the chicken.
- Mix Broth:
- In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, tomato paste, white wine (if using), thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour over the chicken and vegetables.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
- Thicken Stew:
- Remove bay leaves. Mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl and stir into the stew.
- Add Peas:
- Add peas and continue cooking for 15–20 minutes, until the stew thickens and peas are heated through.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot.
Save to Pinterest The best part of this stew for me is the way the fresh herbs balance with the chicken after hours of simmering every bite is like a hug. My kids always beg for extra potatoes and peas because they soak up all that delicious broth and never get mushy.
Storage Tips
Let stew cool completely before storing. Keep in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stove over gentle heat adding extra broth as needed to loosen
Ingredient Substitutions
Turkey thighs or breast work if you are out of chicken. Parsnips or sweet potatoes give a sweet twist in place of regular potatoes. Swap fresh parsley for rosemary to lighten the herbal flavor
Serving Suggestions
Serve this with warm crusty bread for dipping. Add a squeeze of lemon juice when serving to brighten flavor. Pile stew over steamed rice or fluffy mashed potatoes for a heartier meal
A Brief History
Chicken stew has roots in classic American home cooking it is a staple in farmhouse kitchens and cherished wherever comfort food is loved. Slow cookers revolutionized the process making hearty stews accessible for busy families.
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap butternut squash for potatoes in fall. Add fresh green beans or corn in summer when available. Use pearl onions for winter holiday meals
Success Stories
A reader once told me she made this stew for her freezer meal party and came home with three batches ready to go. Many families use this as a base and add their favorite veggies making it their own. One couple made it for new parents and reported it got rave reviews
Freezer Meal Conversion
Cool stew completely before freezing. Divide into individual portions for grab and go meals. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen for easy weeknight dinners
Save to Pinterest This slow cooker chicken stew brings soothing warmth and hearty flavor to every bowl. Enjoy its versatility for weeknight dinners or batch meal prep and savor comfort any time you need it.
