There’s something about the smell of chicken stew simmering slowly that just feels like home. On one of those evenings when the day stretched longer than planned and the chill crept in unexpectedly, I found myself grateful for a meal that practically made itself. The soft bubbling from the slow cooker in the background was oddly reassuring, a quiet promise that dinner would be ready without a last-minute scramble. I remember pausing for a moment, stirring the stew gently, noticing how the tender chicken and vegetables melded together beneath the rich broth. It wasn’t perfect—the carrots were a bit softer than I imagined, but that somehow added to the charm. And while I was tempted to add more seasoning, I held back, knowing this steady, simple comfort was exactly what was needed that night.
Why You’ll Love It
- This slow cooker chicken stew is hands-off, so you can do other things while it cooks away.
- The flavors deepen over the long cooking time, creating a rich, cozy broth that hugs every bite.
- It’s loaded with vegetables that soak up the savory juices, but don’t expect crispy textures here—it’s all about softness and warmth.
- Simple ingredients mean it’s approachable, though it might feel a bit plain if you’re craving something with a punch.
If you’re worried about timing, the slow cooker gives you a generous window where it’s all good—no need to watch the clock closely.
PrintSlow Cooker Chicken Stew
A hearty and comforting slow cooker chicken stew loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful broth. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup celery, sliced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
Add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, potatoes, and celery to the slow cooker.
Sprinkle the flour over the ingredients in the slow cooker and stir gently to combine.
Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients.
Add dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and cover again to heat through.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Kitchen Notes
Using a slow cooker makes this stew incredibly forgiving. You don’t need fancy equipment—just a reliable slow cooker and a good wooden spoon to stir once or twice. I like to serve this stew with crusty bread to soak up the broth, or sometimes a side salad if I want something fresh alongside all that richness. If you want a bit more zing, a splash of lemon juice or a handful of fresh herbs at the end can brighten it up, but I haven’t tested those tweaks extensively. For a heartier twist, swapping chicken thighs for drumsticks could work, though cooking times might shift slightly. Sometimes I toss in a handful of mushrooms just because I like the earthiness they add, but that’s purely personal.
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? A: You can, but thighs tend to stay juicier during the long cooking time. Breasts might dry out a bit.
Q: Is it okay to freeze leftovers? A: Yes, this stew freezes well. Just thaw overnight before reheating gently on the stove.
Q: Can I skip browning the chicken? A: You could, but browning adds a deeper flavor. If you’re in a rush, it’s okay to skip it.
Q: How can I thicken the stew if it’s too watery? A: Stir in a bit more flour or a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking.
When the day winds down and you want something that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this stew steps up quietly, filling your kitchen with familiar comfort. Give it a try and see how easy moments like these can be.