Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces: The *star* protein for this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew, ensuring tender, flavorful bites. Choose thighs for superior moisture and flavor.
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the savory liquid *base* of your stew. Low-sodium allows you to control the final seasoning perfectly.
• 1.5 lbs yellow potatoes, scrubbed and quartered: These provide hearty bulk and absorb the delicious stew flavors. Yukon Golds hold their shape well.
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped: Adds natural sweetness, vibrant color, and essential nutrients to the stew. Chop uniformly for even cooking.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped: Aromatic and provides a subtle, fresh crunch. Part of the classic mirepoix foundation for depth.
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped: The *foundation* of flavor, softening to sweet perfection. Don’t skip caramelizing it slightly for extra depth.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: An *essential* aromatic that infuses the entire stew with pungent, savory warmth. Freshly minced makes a big difference.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates rich, umami depth, adding beautiful color and slight tang. Sauté it briefly to deepen its flavor.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Used to slightly thicken the broth, creating that comforting, velvety stew consistency. Whisk it in smoothly to avoid lumps.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a mysterious, savory depth and a touch of tang that brightens the overall flavor profile.
• 1 cup frozen green peas: Stirred in at the very end for a pop of freshness, color, and sweetness. They cook quickly, so add just before serving.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Classic herb for stews, providing an earthy, slightly minty warmth. Rub it between your fingers to release the oils.
• 1 bay leaf: Infuses a subtle, herbaceous aroma and depth to the broth. Remember to remove it before serving the stew.
• 1.5 teaspoons Kosher salt: Absolutely *essential* for enhancing all the flavors in the stew. Adjust to your taste preference throughout cooking.
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Provides a gentle warmth and aromatic bite. Freshly ground offers superior flavor compared to pre-ground.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, herbaceous garnish that adds freshness and a pop of color to the finished stew.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Prep Ingredients:

Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Chop all vegetables including potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion, then mince the garlic. This careful preparation forms the delicious base for your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew.

Combine Everything:

Place the prepped chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, flour, Worcestershire sauce, broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper into your slow cooker. Ensure everything fits comfortably.

Mix Well:

Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly in the slow cooker until the flour is fully incorporated and no lumps remain. This critical step ensures your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew will thicken beautifully as it cooks.

Cook Stew:

Cover and cook your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The stew is done when the chicken is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.

Add Peas:

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen green peas. This adds a lovely freshness and vibrant color to your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. Continue cooking until the peas are heated through.

Remove Bay Leaf:

Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf from the slow cooker. This ensures a smooth texture and prevents an overpowering herb flavor in your comforting stew, ready for assembly.

Serve Warm:

Ladle generous portions of your Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and serve immediately for a truly satisfying, cozy meal.

How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Once cooled to room temperature, store leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Stew in an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly for up to 3-4 days to maintain its fresh taste. Don’t leave it out on the counter too long, or it won’t stay fresh – a mistake I learned the hard way! Discard any stew that develops an off smell or slimy texture.

For a head start, prep and refrigerate chopped vegetables and chicken in separate airtight containers up to a day in advance. Combine them in the slow cooker just before you’re ready to cook.

Reheat individual portions gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warmth.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Ladle generous portions of warm Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew into bowls. It’s perfect to serve as a comforting meal on its own, but you can also pair it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. For a lovely presentation, garnish with extra fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy this hearty dish for a truly satisfying experience.

I personally love to serve this stew piping hot alongside warm, flaky buttermilk biscuits. They are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich, savory broth, making each spoonful an absolute delight. It’s the ultimate cozy experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew gluten-free for dietary needs?

Yes, easily! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use half the amount). This ensures your stew thickens beautifully without gluten, maintaining that comforting texture you love.

→ How do I prevent the Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew from becoming watery or lumpy?

Thoroughly mix the flour into the cold broth and other ingredients before cooking, as I learned from lumpy mistakes. This helps the stew thicken evenly and prevents a thin, watery consistency.

→ Can I prep ingredients for this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew ahead of time to save time?

Absolutely! Chop all your vegetables and chicken, then store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to a day. It makes assembly quick and easy when you’re ready to cook.

→ What if I don’t have chicken thighs? Can I use chicken breast in this stew?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but be careful not to overcook it. Thighs stay more tender, but breast works if you monitor the stew. Cook until just fork-tender to avoid dryness.

→ Can I speed up the cooking time for this Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?

Yes, you can cook it on HIGH for 3-4 hours instead of LOW for 6-8 hours. Just remember to monitor it closely to prevent overcooking and ensure vegetables are tender.