Hearty Homestyle Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Chilly evenings call for a comforting hearty slow cooker chicken stew that warms you from the inside out.

Rich, aromatic flavors mingle with tender chunks of meat and colorful vegetables.

This stew promises a delightful meal that can be prepared with minimal effort.

Slow cooking allows each ingredient to develop deep, complex tastes that dance across your palate.

Packed with protein and nutrients, the stew offers a balanced and satisfying dinner option.

The ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Every spoonful delivers a burst of homemade goodness that will leave you craving more.

Prepare to savor this soul-warming culinary experience that turns a simple meal into a memorable feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

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

Total Time: 6-8 hours

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 9

What You Need For Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Chicken: Choose bone-in or boneless pieces for rich flavor and tender meat.
• Flour: Helps create a golden crust and thickens the stew's texture.

• Potatoes, Carrots, Celery, Onion: Create a robust vegetable foundation with complementary earthy and sweet undertones.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic warmth to the overall dish.
• Frozen Peas: Brings bright color and sweet, fresh pop of texture near the end of cooking.

• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and intensifies savory chicken essence.
• Tomato Paste: Deepens color and adds rich, concentrated umami notes.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes tangy, complex background flavor.
• Thyme, Rosemary: Classic herbs that infuse woodsy, aromatic undertones.
• Bay Leaf: Imparts subtle herbal complexity to the stew.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers bright, fresh garnish with clean herbaceous finish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate all other ingredients.

Slow Cooker Tools For Comfort Food

• Slow cooker: Essential for cooking the stew low and slow, creating tender chicken and vegetables.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for coating chicken in flour and whisking broth mixture.
• Whisk: Ideal for combining broth ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and celery.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean, precise cuts for vegetables and chicken.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure broth, seasonings, and ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients in the slow cooker.

Instructions For Cozy Chicken Stew

• Spice Up the Protein

Massage chicken with salt and pepper, then give it a light flour jacket for extra deliciousness.

• Layer the Goodness

Toss the prepped chicken into your slow cooker, then pile on chopped potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic for a hearty base.

• Create Liquid Magic

Whisk chicken broth with tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and a bay leaf. Pour this flavor bomb over everything in the slow cooker.

• Let It Simmer

Cover and let the slow cooker work its magic – low and slow for 6-8 hours, or faster and hotter for 3-4 hours until chicken falls apart and veggies are melt-in-your-mouth tender.

• Final Flavor Boost

Stir in frozen peas about 30 minutes before serving to add a pop of color and sweetness.

• Serve and Enjoy

Fish out the bay leaf, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and get ready for a comfort food feast that’ll make everyone at the table happy.

Tips For Richer Flavor & Better Texture

• Flavor Boosting Tip: Toast the flour before coating the chicken to add a deeper, nuttier flavor to the stew's overall taste profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep all ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator, then simply dump into the slow cooker in the morning for an effortless meal.
• Diet-Friendly Swaps: For a gluten-free version, replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when coating the chicken. Swap chicken for turkey or plant-based protein to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herb combinations like sage and oregano instead of thyme and rosemary to create unique flavor profiles that keep the dish exciting and fresh.
• Texture Enhancement: For a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the liquid during the last hour of cooking to create a richer, more robust consistency.

Ways To Serve Chicken Stew

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Serve this hearty stew with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth and create a complete meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
• Rustic Comfort Plate: Pair the chicken stew with fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for an extra layer of comfort and a perfect base to catch all the flavorful sauce.
• Fresh Green Crunch: Top each serving with additional chopped fresh parsley or chives to add a bright, fresh note and a pop of color that contrasts the rich, deep flavors of the stew.
• Wine Pairing Pleasure: Complement the stew's robust taste with a glass of medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir to enhance the meal's overall dining experience.

How To Store Chicken Stew For Busy Weeknights

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store the chicken stew in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping portions separated for easier reheating and preventing bacterial growth.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Package cooled stew in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, ensuring tight seals to maintain quality. Freeze up to 3 months for convenient future meals.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Thaw refrigerated stew in the fridge overnight, then warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent bottom scorching.
• Freshness Tracking: Label containers with preparation date and contents. Use refrigerated stew within 3-4 days for optimal taste and nutritional value. Discard if any unusual odors or discoloration appear.

Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 6-8 hours
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker chicken stew combines tender chicken, root vegetables, and herbs for a comforting meal. Rich flavors meld together, creating a satisfying dish you can enjoy with crusty bread.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
• 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
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a light flour dusting, creating an even, delicate exterior for maximum flavor absorption.
2. Slow Cooker Assembly: Layer seasoned chicken as the foundational element, strategically positioning diced potatoes, chopped carrots, sliced celery, minced onion, and crushed garlic to create a vibrant, textured culinary landscape.
3. Liquid Infusion: Whisk chicken broth with tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to craft a robust, aromatic liquid that will permeate every ingredient with complex flavors.
4. Cooking Process: Pour the herb-infused broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage, then seal the slow cooker and allow the stew to simmer on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes supremely tender and vegetables reach optimal softness.
5. Final Touches: Introduce green peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking, then remove the bay leaf and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, transforming the hearty stew into a visually appealing and aromatic dish ready to be savored.

Notes

• Flour Coating Technique: Dust chicken lightly and evenly with flour to create a delicate barrier that helps seal in moisture and develops a subtle golden crust during slow cooking.
• Layering Strategy: Arrange vegetables strategically around chicken to distribute flavors evenly and ensure each ingredient absorbs the rich, aromatic broth during the cooking process.
• Herb Infusion Tip: Use fresh herbs when possible for more vibrant flavor; dried herbs work well too but add them early to allow full flavor development throughout the cooking time.
• Dietary Modification Option: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version, or replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian alternative without compromising the stew’s hearty texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg