Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 h 30 min
Total time: 7 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to season; Black pepper, to season; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 onion, diced; 3 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 large potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes (1 pound); 3 cups chicken broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 cup green peas, frozen; 1/2 cup milk

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. It’s a perfect blend of tender chicken, earthy herbs, and colorful veggies that come together effortlessly in the slow cooker, letting the flavors meld beautifully without much fuss. Whether you’re new to slow cooker recipes or a seasoned pro, this dish delivers satisfying taste and cozy vibes that make every spoonful irresistible.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to create a stew that bursts with flavor, texture, and color. From the juicy, seared chicken thighs to the tender potatoes and bright green peas, each element plays a key role in making your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew unforgettable.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for deeper flavor.

Chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, perfect for slow cooking without drying out.
All-purpose flour: Coats the chicken to help thicken the stew as it cooks.

Dried thyme: Offers a herbal note that complements poultry beautifully.
Dried rosemary: Adds fragrant warmth and earthy complexity.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
Garlic: Provides a savory punch and aromatic depth.
Onion: Sweated down to add natural sweetness and body.

Carrots: Bring subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
Potatoes: Creamy texture and hearty substance that soak up flavors.
Chicken broth: The savory base that carries all the ingredients together.

Bay leaf: Infuses the stew with a subtle, layered aroma.
Milk: Adds creaminess and softens the stew’s texture.
Frozen green peas: For a pop of fresh sweetness and bright green color at the end.

Black pepper: To season and add a subtle kick at the finish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and generously seasoning them with salt and black pepper. This initial seasoning is key to building layers of flavor right from the start. You want every morsel of chicken to be tasty and well-seasoned before it even hits the skillet.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken for Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear the chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown crust. Don’t worry about cooking them through; this step locks in juices and creates a flavorful base. If your slow cooker has a removable pot that’s stovetop-safe, sear the chicken right in it for an easy cleanup bonus.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken with Flour and Herbs

Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker and sprinkle flour, dried thyme, rosemary, and salt over it. Stir everything to coat the chicken evenly. The flour will help thicken the stew during cooking, while the herbs infuse delightful aroma and complexity as they mingle.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Broth

Next, toss in the minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes. Stir these wholesome veggies with the chicken mixture, then pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. This is where all your fresh and dried ingredients start their slow, cozy dance together.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer, slower cooking time will create tender chicken and veggies that practically melt in your mouth, while the flavors deepen and blend beautifully.

Step 6: Finish with Peas and Creaminess

About 10 to 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and milk, then turn the heat to high. Let everything warm through until the peas are tender and the stew has a creamy, comforting texture. Adjust the consistency by adding a little more flour or broth if needed to get the perfect thickness.

Step 7: Taste and Season Before Serving

Give your stew a final taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. This step ensures your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is perfectly balanced and ready to delight every hungry soul at your table.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme leaves make wonderful garnishes that add a vibrant burst of color and a fresh herbal note. A small drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper can also elevate the final presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

This stew is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but if you want to go the extra mile, serve it alongside crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can add a crisp counterpoint to the rich stew.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, ladle the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. You can also serve it in rustic bread bowls for an extra cozy, picture-perfect presentation that’s sure to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew even more delicious on the next day. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 5 days.

Freezing

If you want to keep this stew for longer, freezing is an excellent option. Portion the stew into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room for expansion. Frozen Slow Cooker Chicken Stew will keep well for up to 3 months and thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your stew gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth or a little milk if the stew has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring between rounds for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but keep in mind it tends to be leaner and can dry out more easily during slow cooking. To keep it tender, consider adding the breast pieces halfway through cooking or reduce the cooking time slightly.

Is it necessary to brown the chicken first?

Browning the chicken adds extra depth of flavor and a lovely color to your stew. While you can skip this step for convenience, searing makes a noticeable difference in taste that’s worth the extra few minutes.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your stew with veggies like celery, parsnips, or mushrooms. Just keep in mind their cooking times—add delicate veggies later in the process to avoid overcooking.

How thick should the stew be?

The stew should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still spoonable and comforting. If it’s too thin, stirring in a bit more flour mixed with cold water helps thicken it. If it’s too thick, a splash of broth or milk will loosen it up.

Can I make this stew in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken, then switch to the slow cook mode or pressure cook function with adjusted times. The flavors will be just as delicious, and the Instant Pot gives you some flexibility with cooking methods.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is one of those dishes that feels like comfort food in its coziest form. It’s simple, nourishing, and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas that invite you to slow down and savor the moment. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a favorite go-to for busy days and chilly nights alike. Get your slow cooker ready—this stew is waiting to warm your soul!