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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

When it comes to cozy, comforting meals, few dishes can compete with a hearty bowl of chicken stew. This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe brings together tender chicken thighs, wholesome vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered low and slow until the flavors blend beautifully. The result is a creamy, savory, and filling dish that warms you from the inside out. Unlike soups, stews are thicker and heartier — they’re practically a full meal in a bowl. Using a slow cooker makes the process incredibly easy. You simply add your ingredients, let them cook gently for hours, and come back to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of homemade stew. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weekdays, meal prep, or lazy weekends when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 hearty bowls
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein
  • 1 ½ lbs chicken thighs boneless and skinless, cut into chunks
Vegetables & Aromatics
  • 3 carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 large potatoes diced into ½-inch cubes (about 1 lb)
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup frozen green peas
  • 1 bay leaf
Broth & Liquids
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings & Spices
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • To make this slow cooker chicken stew, you’ll need just a few basic tools:
  • Slow cooker (crockpot)
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or ladle
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowl (for coating chicken in flour)
  • Whisk (to blend milk into broth, optional)

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Chicken
  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. Toss chicken pieces in flour, salt, and black pepper until lightly coated.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken (Optional for Flavor)
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Brown the chicken pieces for 2–3 minutes per side.
  3. Transfer chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Build the Stew Base
  1. Add carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
  2. Pour in chicken broth.
  3. Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cook
  1. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and vegetables are soft.
Step 5: Add Creamy Finish
  1. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in milk and frozen peas.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Remove bay leaf before serving.
  2. Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm, ideally with bread or biscuits on the side.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if the stew thickens too much.
🥄 Variations
Vegetable Boost: Add parsnips, turnips, or celery for extra depth.
Creamier Stew: Replace milk with half-and-half for richer flavor.
Herb Twist: Use fresh rosemary and thyme for brighter notes.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for subtle heat.
Gluten-Free: Swap flour for cornstarch or gluten-free flour as a thickener.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful.
2. Do I need to sear the chicken first?
It’s optional, but browning adds deeper flavor.
3. Can I thicken the stew more?
Yes, mash some potatoes in the pot or add a cornstarch slurry.
4. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely — just add them in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
6. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, just avoid freezing with potatoes if you want the best texture.
7. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, if your slow cooker is large enough.
8. What’s the best bread to serve with it?
Crusty baguette, garlic bread, or homemade biscuits.
9. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes — use triple the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated.
10. Can I add wine to this stew?
Traditionally yes, but this version avoids alcohol for simplicity. Stick with broth for flavor.
🏁 Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is the definition of cozy comfort food. It’s hearty, wholesome, and perfect for cold nights when you crave something warm and filling. The chicken is tender, the vegetables are soft and flavorful, and the broth is creamy and savory thanks to a touch of milk.
Cooking it in the slow cooker makes this dish almost effortless — just set it, forget it, and let the slow simmering do all the work. Whether you enjoy it as a weeknight dinner, a weekend family meal, or meal prep for the week, this stew is guaranteed to satisfy.