This slow cooker chicken stew is a warm and cozy meal that practically makes itself! Just toss in chicken, veggies, and a few seasonings, and let it cook all day.
On busy days, it’s a lifesaver to come home to this comforting dish. I love serving it with bread for dipping—yum! Plus, the leftovers are just as tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless thighs are my go-to for tenderness, but breasts work too. For a quicker option, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken; just add it towards the end of cooking.
Carrots and Potatoes: Fresh veggies add flavor, but if you’re short on time, frozen carrots and potatoes can save the day. Just toss them in the pot and adjust cooking times.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth helps control the saltiness. If you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free broth or substitute with vegetable broth.
Herbs: If you don’t have dried thyme or rosemary, Italian seasoning makes a great replacement. Fresh herbs can also be used—just double the amount since they’re less potent.
How Do I Get the Stew Just Right?
Getting your stew to the perfect consistency and flavor is key. First, browning the chicken adds depth. You can skip this step if you’re in a hurry, but it does enhance the taste!
- Layer your veggies in the slow cooker, so they cook evenly.
- Cooking on low for 6-8 hours yields a more flavorful outcome compared to the high setting, but you can choose based on your schedule.
- Adding peas and green beans towards the end keeps them crisp and vibrant.
- For thickness, make that slurry with flour if desired. Adding it later prevents clumps.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe for Busy Days
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (about 700g) 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 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty chicken stew will take about 15-20 minutes of prep time to chop your veggies and chicken. Then, let your slow cooker do all the work for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a warm, delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken (Optional):
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks and brown them lightly for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This step is optional but adds extra flavor to your stew!
2. Layer the Vegetables:
In the slow cooker, start by layering the peeled and sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. These will form a delicious base for your stew.
3. Add the Chicken:
Place the browned chicken on top of the layer of vegetables. This helps to infuse all the flavors as everything cooks together.
4. Season the Stew:
Sprinkle the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the chicken and veggies. Toss in the bay leaf to add depth to the flavor.
5. Pour in the Broth:
Carefully pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients in the slow cooker. This will keep everything nice and moist as it cooks!
6. Cook It Up:
Cover the slow cooker and cook the stew on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’s done when the chicken is fully cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
7. Add the Greens:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the frozen peas and cut green beans. They will add a wonderful pop of color and flavor!
8. Thicken if Desired:
If you want to thicken your stew, mix the all-purpose flour with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew and cover again, cooking for another 20-30 minutes to let it thicken up.
9. Final Touches:
Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaf. Instant flavor without the leaf in your bowl!
10. Serve It Warm:
Dish up your hearty chicken stew hot, and enjoy with crusty bread for dipping or over a bed of cooked rice. It’s a simple, comforting meal that’s sure to please!
FAQs about the Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken from frozen; just increase the cooking time by an hour and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! You can mix and match vegetables based on your preferences. Try adding bell peppers, sweet potatoes, or even corn. Just remember that root vegetables will take longer to cook, so cut them into smaller pieces if you’re using harder veggies.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months for a quick meal later!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare your ingredients the night before! Just chop the veggies and chicken, and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, layer everything in the slow cooker, add the broth, and set it to cook for the day. Come home to a delicious meal!
