Cozy Comfort: Simmering Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand a comforting slow cooker chicken stew that fills your home with warmth and incredible aromas.

Tender chunks of chicken nestle perfectly among vibrant vegetables and rich, savory broth.

This classic one-pot meal delivers robust flavors that simmer gently throughout the day.

Each spoonful promises a delightful blend of hearty ingredients and soul-satisfying comfort.

Minimal prep work means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal.

The stew’s deep, layered flavors develop slowly, creating a deeply satisfying dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to your table and watch as smiles spread with every bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 7

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Ingredient List

• Chicken: Tender meat that provides the hearty foundation of the stew, choose boneless, skinless pieces for easy eating and quick cooking.
• Flour: Helps create a light coating on chicken, adds subtle thickness to the sauce and provides a golden crispy exterior.

• Potatoes, Carrots, Celery, Onion: Robust root vegetables that add depth, texture, and nutrition, select fresh, firm produce for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall taste profile, choose fresh cloves for most intense flavor.
• Frozen Peas: Bright green vegetable that adds color and sweet freshness, introduces delightful texture in final cooking stage.

• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that creates rich, savory foundation, opt for low-sodium version to control salt levels.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor booster that adds subtle tanginess and depth to stew.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Umami-rich condiment that deepens overall taste complexity.
• Thyme, Rosemary: Fragrant herbs that provide earthy, woodland-like undertones, fresh herbs offer more vibrant taste.
• Bay Leaf: Subtle aromatic that infuses gentle herbal essence, remove before serving.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds fresh, green notes and visual appeal.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance and balance all flavors.

Kitchen Helpers for Chicken Stew Preparation

• Slow cooker: Essential for creating tender, flavorful stew with minimal effort.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing chicken in flour and seasoning.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending broth mixture smoothly and quickly.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for precise vegetable and chicken preparation.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir ingredients and mix stew during cooking.

Step Into Cooking Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Coat Chicken With Flavor

Sprinkle salt and pepper over chicken, then lightly dust with flour to create a delicious golden exterior.

• Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Arrange chicken at the bottom, then pile in chunky potatoes, crisp carrots, hearty celery, sweet onions, and aromatic garlic.

• Createal Broth

Whisk chicken broth with tangy tomato paste, rich Worcestershire sauce, fragrant thyme, woodsy rosemary, and a bay leaf to infuse deep flavors.

• Slow Simmer

Cover and let the slow cooker work its – low setting for 6-8 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours until chicken falls apart and vegetables become meltingly tender.

• Finish With Freshness

Toss in bright green peas during the final 30 minutes of cooking for a pop of color and sweetness.

• Serve With Love

Discard the bay leaf, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and ladle into warm bowls for a comforting meal that hugs your soul.

Tricks for Getting More Flavor in Chicken Stew

• Add a splash of white wine or dry sherry to the broth for deeper, more complex flavor notes.
• Prepare ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator, then dump everything into the slow cooker in the morning for an effortless meal.
• Replace potatoes with cauliflower chunks or turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a hearty texture.
• Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour instead of regular flour when coating chicken, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the stew.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like sage or oregano if thyme and rosemary aren't available, allowing flexibility in flavor profile without compromising the dish's essence.

Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Like a Pro

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty chicken stew as the main attraction for a comforting family meal, placing the slow cooker directly on the table for a rustic, warm presentation.
• Bread Pairing Perfection: Accompany the stew with crusty sourdough bread or warm cornbread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth, creating a delightful and filling dining experience.
• Healthy Side Salad Companion: Balance the stew's heartiness with a crisp green salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to add freshness and nutritional variety to the meal.
• Wine and Dine Option: Complement the stew's robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like pinot noir or a crisp white wine such as chardonnay, enhancing the overall dining pleasure.

Keeping Chicken Stew Warm or Saving for Later

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Portion the stew into individual meal-sized containers, allowing 1-inch space at the top for expansion, and freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals.
• When reheating refrigerated stew, warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
• Keep fresh herbs like parsley separate from the main stew when storing, adding them just before serving to maintain crisp texture and vibrant flavor.

FAQs

• Why coat chicken in flour before adding to the slow cooker?

Coating chicken in flour helps create a light, protective layer that seals in moisture and helps thicken the stew’s sauce, resulting in a richer, more flavorful dish.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.

• Is it necessary to sear the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?

While searing isn’t required, it can add extra depth of flavor by creating a golden-brown crust on the chicken. However, for convenience, this recipe allows you to skip this step without compromising taste.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked in the slow cooker?

Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). In a slow cooker, the chicken will be tender and easily fall apart when it’s fully cooked.

Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew blends tender chicken, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs into a comforting meal. Rich flavors meld together, promising warmth and satisfaction when you savor each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsps flour
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Seasoning: Generously coat chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a light flour dusting to enhance flavor and create a perfect golden exterior.
2. Layering: Arrange flour-coated chicken in the slow cooker, then strategically place potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and garlic to create a robust vegetable foundation.
3. Liquid Infusion: Whisk chicken broth with tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and a bay leaf to develop a complex, aromatic liquid base that will permeate the entire dish.
4. Slow Cooking: Pour the herbal broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken and vegetables become tender and flavors meld harmoniously.
5. Final Touch: Add frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking to preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture, then remove the bay leaf and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving a rustic, comforting stew.

Notes

• Enhance Chicken Coating: Lightly dust chicken with flour just before adding to prevent sogginess and create a delicate golden crust that helps seal in moisture.
• Layer Vegetables Strategically: Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent smaller pieces from becoming mushy during long slow cooking process.
• Control Liquid Levels: Avoid overfilling slow cooker; maintain liquid just below ingredient tops to prevent diluting flavors and ensure proper stew consistency.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg