Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

There’s something so comforting about walking into the house after a long day and being greeted by the warm, savory aroma of a simmering stew. Here in Texas, even with our unpredictable weather, a good stew always hits the spot. This slow cooker chicken stew is a family favorite – I’ve made it countless times, tweaking it here and there until it’s just perfect. It’s packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. I promise you, this recipe will become a staple in your home, offering a delicious and easy way to feed your family a nourishing meal.

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy mom, I’m all about recipes that are both delicious and convenient. This slow cooker chicken stew ticks all the boxes! It’s a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when you barely have time to think about dinner.

• Minimal Effort: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic.
• Kid-Approved: My kids absolutely love this stew – even the picky eater!
• Make-Ahead Meal: Prepare it in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have on hand.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Large batch and freeze for easy meals throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Chicken Thighs: I prefer chicken thighs for their richer flavor and because they stay nice and tender in the slow cooker. You can use chicken breasts if you prefer, but be careful not to overcook them.

Chicken Broth: Using a high-quality chicken broth will enhance the overall flavor of the stew. Feel free to use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.

Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary add a lovely depth of flavor to the stew. If you have fresh herbs on hand, use 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme and 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, chopped.

Yukon Gold Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well during slow cooking and have a naturally creamy texture. Red potatoes would also work well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear on all sides until lightly browned. This step adds a nice depth of flavor to the stew. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through; just get a good sear on the outside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The aroma at this stage is just heavenly!

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker.
Transfer the seared chicken and sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and black pepper.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Cook.
Stir in the cubed potatoes. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. After testing this several times, I learned that cooking on low results in the most tender chicken and flavorful stew.

Step 5: Add Peas and Serve.
Stir in the frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Season with salt to taste. Serve hot and enjoy! I like to garnish mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, but that’s completely optional.

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

• Don’t skip the searing: Searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker helps to develop a richer, more complex flavor.
• Adjust the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even green beans.
• Thicken the stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
• Add a splash of acid: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end of cooking brightens the flavors of the stew.
• Make it kid-friendly: Cut the vegetables into smaller pieces for younger children. You can also serve the stew with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
• Slow Cooker size matters: This recipe works best in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. If your slow cooker is smaller, you may need to reduce the ingredients.
• Check for Doneness: Be sure chicken is fully cooked, it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Storage & Meal Prep

Storage: Leftover slow cooker chicken stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: This stew freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. You can even divide it into individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Chicken Breast: You can substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs, but be sure not to overcook them. They tend to dry out more easily.

Vegetarian: To make this stew vegetarian, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

Seasonal Twist: In the fall, add butternut squash or pumpkin for a cozy, seasonal flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely! This slow cooker chicken stew is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in the slow cooker in the refrigerator. In the morning, just turn on the slow cooker and let it cook all day.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I use different vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Root vegetables like parsnips and turnips work well, as do green beans and corn.

Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, this stew freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! My kids love this stew. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables. You can also cut the vegetables into smaller pieces for younger children.

What if my stew is too watery?

If your stew is too watery, you can thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.

Can I add cream or milk?

While I haven’t personally tested it, you can certainly add a splash of cream or milk at the end of cooking for a creamier stew. However, be careful not to add too much, or the stew may become too thin.

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker chicken stew is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special:

• Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
• Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.

For portion tips, I usually serve about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of stew per person, depending on their appetite.

I hope you and your family enjoy this slow cooker chicken stew as much as mine does. It’s a simple, comforting, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. And if you’re looking for more easy and family-friendly recipes, be sure to check out FamiliesRecipes.com! You can also sign up for my newsletter to get new recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Happy cooking, y’all!

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