This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s full of tender chicken, colorful veggies, and delicious flavors that simmer together while you relax.
Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work! I love coming home to a cozy dinner—just grab some bread and dip it in the tasty broth. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless thighs for juicy meat, but you can use breasts. If you’re looking for a lower fat option, go for breasts, but thighs provide a richer flavor!
Carrots and Potatoes: These add delicious texture. If you’re looking for low-carb alternatives, consider using radishes or turnips instead of potatoes. They cook well and keep that hearty feeling!
Broth: I recommend low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness. You can swap it for vegetable broth for a lighter flavor if you prefer. Homemade broth is also a great choice!
Herbs and Spices: Thyme and rosemary add lovely flavors. If you want to mix it up, Italian seasoning can work well too. Don’t have paprika? A pinch of chili powder can add a nice kick!
How Do I Get the Chicken to be Tender and Juicy?
Getting tender chicken in your stew is all about how you cook it. Browning the chicken in a skillet first helps seal in the juices, but if you’re short on time, just skip this step and put it straight in the slow cooker.
- Use low heat for a long cooking time. This allows the chicken to break down and become super tender.
- Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
- Remember to remove the bay leaf afterwards; it’s not meant to be eaten!
Enjoy making this delicious slow cooker chicken stew! It’s an easy way to serve up a warm meal for your family.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken stew will take about 20 minutes of prep time and needs to cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in your slow cooker. Just a little waiting, and you’ll be rewarded with a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken:
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil or butter. Add the chicken chunks and cook them lightly on all sides until they’re just browned. This step adds extra flavor to the stew, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip this and put the raw chicken straight into the slow cooker.
2. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker:
Now it’s time to transfer the browned chicken to your slow cooker. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced celery on top of the chicken.
3. Mix in the Flavor:
Pour in the chicken broth, and add the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so all the ingredients are mixed well.
4. Let it Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This will let all the flavors mingle and the chicken become tender!
5. (Optional) Thickening the Stew:
If you’d like a thicker stew, about 30 minutes before serving, mix the all-purpose flour with a small amount of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this slurry into the stew. Turn the slow cooker to high and leave the lid off to let it thicken.
6. Finish Up:
Once it’s done cooking, remember to remove the bay leaf. Give the stew a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a little extra salt, pepper, or even some herbs if you like!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, garnish your hearty stew with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Serve it hot, and enjoy your comforting chicken stew with some crusty bread!
Enjoy your hearty and comforting slow cooker chicken stew!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours if using frozen chicken. It’s best to thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight for optimal results, but if you’re in a pinch, you can put it in the slow cooker straight from the freezer!
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
Feel free to customize your stew with vegetables like peas, green beans, or bell peppers. You can also substitute potatoes with sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that some veggies may cook faster, so add them later in the cooking process if preferred!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. This stew actually tastes even better the next day!
Can I Make This Stew Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just add everything to the slow cooker in the morning for a delicious meal ready by dinner. Alternatively, you can cook it completely, let it cool, and then reheat when you’re ready to eat.
