If you’re searching for a hearty, soul-warming dish that practically makes itself, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is your new weeknight hero. Imagine melt-in-your-mouth chicken, tender potatoes, and sweet carrots, all enveloped in a savory, herby broth that fills your home with the best kind of anticipation. This is the kind of meal that feels like a big, cozy hug after a long day, and you’ll love how the slow cooker does nearly all the work. Whether you’re feeding family, meal-prepping for the week, or just want to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort, this recipe is a must-try.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing fussy about the ingredients here—each one is chosen for its ability to build flavor, add color, or create that perfect stew texture. Simple pantry staples and a handful of fresh items come together to make this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe a true classic.

Olive oil: Searing the chicken in olive oil gives it a gorgeous golden color and locks in flavor.
Chicken thighs: Thighs are juicy and flavorful, staying tender throughout the slow cooking process.
All-purpose flour: Helps create that luscious, thickened broth that stews are famous for.
Dried thyme: Adds earthy, aromatic notes that complement the chicken beautifully.
Dried rosemary: Brings a piney, woodsy flavor that elevates the whole dish.
Salt: Essential for enhancing every ingredient and balancing flavors.
Garlic: Six cloves may seem bold, but it infuses the stew with deep, savory undertones.
Onion: Provides sweetness and depth, melting into the broth as it cooks.
Carrots: For color, natural sweetness, and a classic stew texture.
Potatoes: Creamy and hearty, they soak up all the herby chicken flavors.
Chicken broth: The backbone of the stew, creating a rich, savory base.
Bay leaf: Steeps subtle, complex flavor into every bite—just remember to remove it before serving!
Milk: A splash at the end makes the broth silky and just a little creamy.
Frozen green peas: Stirred in at the finish, they add sweetness and a pop of color.
Black pepper: For seasoning and just the right amount of warmth.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken thighs on a cutting board and slicing them into hearty, bite-sized pieces—aim for about 1-inch cubes, so every spoonful is satisfying. Don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper at this stage. A well-seasoned chicken forms the backbone of a flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces in a single layer and let them sizzle for 4-5 minutes, just until they develop a beautiful golden color on all sides. This quick sear isn’t about cooking them through—it’s about building flavor and creating those delicious caramelized bits that make the stew so special. If your slow cooker has a stovetop-safe insert, feel free to do this step right in the pot!

Step 3: Coat with Flour and Herbs

Transfer the seared chicken straight into your slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle the flour, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and a bit more salt over the top. Stir everything together to coat the chicken thoroughly. This little extra step is what helps the broth thicken into a luscious, stew-like consistency as it cooks.

Step 4: Add Vegetables & Broth

Next, toss in the minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes. Give it all a gentle stir so the veggies are evenly distributed with the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and tuck in the bay leaf. The vegetables will soften and absorb all the delicious flavors as your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe simmers away.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 7-8 hours, or crank it to high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time. As everything bubbles together, the chicken becomes fall-apart tender and the veggies turn perfectly soft. This is where the magic happens and patience totally pays off.

Step 6: Finish with Peas and Milk

About 10-15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the frozen green peas and pour in the milk. Let it all warm through on high. The peas add a delightful pop of color and sweetness, while the milk gives the broth a creamy, velvety finish. If the stew feels too thick, add a splash more broth; if it’s too thin, sprinkle in a bit more flour.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Taste your stew and adjust with extra salt and pepper as needed. Fish out the bay leaf, then ladle the hearty goodness into bowls. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a hunk of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled over each bowl adds color, freshness, and a little restaurant-worthy finish to your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe. For a touch of brightness, a squeeze of lemon or a light dusting of grated Parmesan can also work wonders.

Side Dishes

This stew loves a partner! Serve it with warm, crusty bread for dunking, a buttery biscuit, or even over a scoop of fluffy rice or egg noodles. A crisp green salad on the side adds a refreshing crunch and a bit of contrast to the comforting richness of the stew.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls or individual ramekins for a cozy dinner party vibe. You can also top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of Greek yogurt to add a creamy tang.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stew stores beautifully! Simply transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days. The flavors actually improve as they mingle, so your next-day lunch might be even better than the first helping.

Freezing

To freeze, let your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe cool completely, then spoon it into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. It will keep well for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the stew has thickened in the fridge, add a bit of water or chicken broth to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, though they tend to be a bit leaner and might not be quite as tender as thighs after slow cooking. Just keep a close eye on the cook time to avoid over-drying.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken first?

While you can skip searing if you’re short on time, browning the chicken adds a much deeper flavor and helps lock in juices. If you can spare the extra few minutes, it’s totally worth it.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in parsnips, sweet potatoes, celery, or even mushrooms. The Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is wonderfully flexible, so you can make it your own based on what you have on hand.

How do I make this stew gluten-free?

Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this cozy stew worry-free.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, just be sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the increased volume. The cooking time may need to be extended slightly, but this stew is perfect for serving a hungry group!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s as comforting as it is easy to make, you really owe it to yourself to try this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and makes even an ordinary weeknight feel special. Give it a go—you might just discover your new favorite family classic!

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 7 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cozy meals. Tender chicken thighs are seared and slow-cooked with fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and creamy milk, resulting in a rich and flavorful stew that’s easy to prepare and ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to season
Black pepper, to season

Vegetables

6 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 large potatoes (about 1 pound), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup frozen green peas

Liquids and Others

3 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup milk

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken thighs on a cutting board and dice into 1-inch pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper to build foundational flavor.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes, browning all sides to develop a rich flavor. There’s no need to cook through at this stage.
Coat with Flour and Herbs: Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker. Sprinkle with flour, thyme, rosemary, and an additional 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated, which helps thicken the stew as it cooks.
Add Vegetables & Broth: Add minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes to the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Stir everything together to combine.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Finish with Peas and Milk: About 10-15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen green peas and milk. Cook on high until the peas are heated through. Adjust the stew’s thickness here by adding more flour for thickening or a splash of broth to thin, if needed.
Season and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or with a side of crusty bread.
Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy later.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
You can use skinless chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs provide more moisture and flavor.
To make the stew creamier, substitute milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
Adjust the thickness by adding more flour or broth towards the end of cooking as needed.
Adding fresh herbs like parsley at the end brightens up the flavor.
This stew freezes well, so consider making a double batch for meal prep.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking and Searing
Cuisine: American