Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty and comforting, this slow cooker chicken stew brings warmth to your dinner table with its rich, soul-satisfying flavors.

Winter nights call for meals that simmer gently, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Tender chicken chunks melt into a robust broth packed with colorful vegetables and herbs.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of savory goodness that feels like a culinary hug.

Robust root vegetables and succulent chicken create a meal that’s both nutritious and deeply satisfying.

Weeknight dinners become effortless with this simple, no-fuss recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal preparation.

Grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a meal that promises comfort in every delectable bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 315 kcal

Servings: 7

Chicken Stew Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Thighs: Tender, flavorful cut that provides rich protein and stays moist during slow cooking. Choose bone-in for extra depth or boneless for convenience.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that elevate the entire dish's taste profile. Use freshly ground pepper for maximum aromatic impact.
• Thyme, Rosemary: Classic herb combination bringing earthy, woodsy notes that complement chicken beautifully. Fresh herbs offer more vibrant flavor than dried.
• Garlic: Powerful aromatic that infuses deep, robust flavor into the stew. Select firm, plump cloves without green sprouts.

• Flour: Creates silky texture and helps thicken the stew. All-purpose works perfectly for smooth consistency.
• Onion, Carrots, Potatoes: Classic stew vegetables providing hearty texture and nutritional balance. Choose firm, fresh produce for best results.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that develops rich, complex flavor foundation. Low-sodium versions allow better seasoning control.
• Bay Leaf: Subtle flavor enhancer that adds delicate background complexity. Remove before serving.
• Milk, Frozen Peas: Adds creamy finish and bright color. Use whole milk for richness, fresh peas for vibrant texture.

Tools for Crafting a Cozy Chicken Stew

• Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the stew evenly and keeping ingredients tender.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for searing chicken and developing rich, golden-brown flavor.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping chicken, vegetables, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precisely cutting chicken thighs and dicing vegetables.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure broth, flour, and other ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the slow cooker.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for portioning herbs, salt, and pepper.

Making Slow Cooker Chicken Stew from Scratch

• Chicken Preparation

Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks and season with salt and pepper for deep flavor infusion.

• Searing Magic

Brown chicken pieces in hot skillet until golden edges develop, creating rich caramelized notes.

• Herbal Foundation

Dust seared chicken with flour and aromatic herbs to build a delicious base layer for the stew.

• Vegetable Harmony

Add chopped vegetables like carrots, onions, and potatoes to create a colorful and nutritious blend.

• Slow Cooking Transformation

Pour chicken broth over ingredients and let slow cooker work its magic for several hours, allowing flavors to meld and soften.

• Final Touch

Stir in creamy milk and sweet green peas during the last cooking phase, creating a comforting and hearty meal that warms the soul.

• Serving

Taste and adjust seasonings, then ladle into deep bowls for a satisfying family dinner that feels like a warm hug.

Ideas to Personalize Your Chicken Stew Recipe

• Select bone-in chicken thighs for richer flavor and more tender meat that falls apart easily during slow cooking.
• Crush dried herbs between your fingers before adding to release more aromatic oils and enhance the overall taste profile of the stew.
• Freeze leftover stew in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring you have a quick and delicious meal ready whenever hunger strikes.
• Replace standard vegetables with seasonal alternatives like parsnips, turnips, or butternut squash to keep the recipe exciting and match market freshness.
• Swap chicken thighs with lean turkey or pork chunks for a completely different protein experience while maintaining the stew's comforting essence.

How to Serve Chicken Stew Comfortably

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, freshly baked baguette or rustic sourdough to soak up the rich, savory stew broth and add a delightful crunch to each bite.
• Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Chop some parsley, chives, or green onions and scatter them over the top of the stew for a burst of color and a fresh, aromatic finish that brightens the entire dish.
• Complement with Side Salad: Toss together a light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty warmth of the chicken stew and add a refreshing contrast to the meal.
• Add Cheese Garnish: Grate some sharp cheddar or sprinkle crumbled feta on top of the stew for an extra layer of creamy, tangy flavor that melts beautifully into the warm dish.

Keeping Chicken Stew Just Right Overnight

• Extend Freshness: Store leftover chicken stew in airtight containers, keeping it refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Freeze for Later: Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Stews can be frozen up to 3 months, providing a quick meal option for busy days.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated stew in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. For frozen stew, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.
• Prevent Texture Changes: Add fresh peas or additional vegetables when reheating to refresh the stew's texture and restore its vibrant appearance. Splash a little extra broth if the stew seems too thick after refrigeration.

Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty chicken stew with robust Mediterranean flavors simmers gently in slow cookers. Home cooks discover a comforting meal packed with herbs, tender chicken, and seasonal vegetables that will satisfy hunger and warm souls.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 large potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes (1 lb or 454 g)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp salt, plus more to season
• 1 bay leaf
• Black pepper, to season

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Trim chicken thighs into uniform cubes, seasoning generously with kosher salt and black pepper for robust flavor development.
2. Searing: Utilize a heavy-bottomed skillet with extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat, caramelizing chicken pieces to achieve a golden-brown exterior that intensifies taste profile and locks in natural juices.
3. Seasoning Layer: Dust seared chicken with all-purpose flour, dried thyme, crushed rosemary, and salt inside slow cooker, ensuring an even, aromatic herb coating that will thicken and enhance the stew’s depth.
4. Vegetable Integration: Combine minced garlic, sweet onion, carrots, and potato cubes within the slow cooker, creating a harmonious blend of textures and complementary flavors.
5. Liquid Foundation: Pour low-sodium chicken broth over the mixture, introducing a bay leaf for subtle herbal undertones. Cover and allow contents to simmer on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender and vegetables reach optimal softness.
6. Final Touches: Incorporate whole milk and frozen green peas during the last cooking phase, cooking on high for 10-15 minutes to integrate final ingredients and achieve desired stew consistency.
7. Finishing and Serving: Perform a final seasoning adjustment, balancing flavors with additional salt and cracked pepper. Ladle into warm bowls, garnishing with fresh herb sprigs for an elegant presentation that elevates the rustic comfort of this hearty chicken stew.

Notes

• Precision Cubing: Cut chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking and even seasoning distribution.
• Searing Secrets: Brown chicken pieces thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavor profiles before slow cooking, which enhances overall taste complexity.
• Flour Power: Lightly coating meat with flour helps thicken the stew and creates a silky, luxurious texture without additional complicated steps.
• Temperature Flexibility: Adjust cooking time between low (7-8 hours) and high (3-4 hours) settings based on your schedule, ensuring tender chicken and perfectly softened vegetables.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 315
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 630 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 91 mg