This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is comfort in a bowl! Full of tender chicken, hearty veggies, and cozy spices, it warms you right up on chilly days.
I love how I can toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. By dinner time, my house smells amazing, and dinner is practically done. Perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy texture. However, chicken breasts work fine too! If you’re looking for a lighter option, feel free to use turkey instead.
Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions are classic in stews. You can swap the potatoes for sweet potatoes or add other veggies like bell peppers or green beans based on what you have on hand.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth keeps the stew from being too salty. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or even water if you’re in a pinch.
Seasonings: Dried thyme and rosemary are perfect for flavor, but feel free to experiment with dried basil or oregano if you prefer. Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors!
What’s the Best Way to Brown Chicken for Flavor?
Browning chicken adds a rich, savory flavor to your stew. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a large skillet and heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken in one layer and allow it to sear without moving it for a few minutes.
- Once it’s browned on one side, flip to brown the other sides for about 3-4 minutes.
- Once browned, transfer to the slow cooker; this step is key for tasty stew.
How Do You Thicken the Stew?
If you’d like a thicker stew, using a slurry made of flour and cold water works well. Here’s how:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a bit of cold water until smooth.
- Stir the mixture into the stew about 30 minutes before serving.
- This will help create a nice, hearty texture without clumping.
Now you’re all set for a cozy meal with this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Stew:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty stew takes about 15 minutes for preparation and then it cooks in the slow cooker for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. With just a bit of cutting and mixing, you’ll have a delicious cozy meal waiting for you. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Brown the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken chunks and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides. This step is optional but makes the stew even tastier! Once browned, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.
2. Add the Vegetables:
Next, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, sliced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker on top of the chicken. It’s a colorful mix that not only looks good but tastes great too!
3. Mix the Broth and Spices:
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper until it’s well blended. Pour this mixture over all the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is nicely coated.
4. Slow Cook to Perfect Tenderness:
Add the bay leaf to the slow cooker, then cover with the lid. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken and veggies are tender. You’ll love the aromatic smell wafting through your kitchen!
5. Thicken the Stew:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a bit of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew to thicken the broth slightly. It adds a nice body to the stew!
6. Add the Final Touches:
Stir in the frozen peas and continue cooking for the last 30 minutes. This adds a pop of color and sweetness to the stew. Before serving, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your delicious chicken stew with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, alongside warm bread or over rice, for an extra cozy meal that warms your heart!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure it’s in pieces small enough to cook evenly. It’s best to thaw it first in the refrigerator overnight or in a microwave for a quick option, but if you’re short on time, you can also add it frozen into the slow cooker. Just increase the cooking time by an hour.
How Can I Make This Stew Gluten-Free?
To make this stew gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix 2 tablespoons of it with cold water to create a slurry, and add it toward the end of the cooking time to thicken the stew.
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
Feel free to get creative with veggies! You can swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes, add green beans, bell peppers, or even peas and corn. Just keep in mind that harder vegetables may need a little more cooking time to become tender.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’re looking to freeze it, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or microwave until heated through.
