This cozy slow cooker chicken stew is packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fragrant herbs simmered to perfection. Each spoonful delivers rich flavor and warmth perfect for a comforting family dinner or a chilly evening at home.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Arrange the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Layer the carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic on top.
- In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour over the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Stir in frozen peas 30 minutes before serving and let them heat through.
- Shred the chicken with two forks, return it to the stew, and mix gently.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Variation
- Swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat just reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.
- For a creamier texture, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Add extra vegetables such as celery, parsnips, or green beans for more depth and nutrition.
Cooking Notes
- Browning the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor, though it’s optional for busy days.
- For a thicker stew, mash a few of the cooked potatoes or stir in a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking.
- Taste and adjust the salt at the end since chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce already add some saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with a side of warm crusty bread or buttermilk biscuits to soak up the broth.
- Pair with a light green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips
- Always cut the vegetables into even sizes to ensure they cook uniformly.
- If the stew tastes too acidic, a small pinch of sugar or drizzle of honey balances the flavor.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6–8 hours
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply simmer everything in a large pot over low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally until the chicken and vegetables are tender. -
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely. Just reduce the cooking time slightly, as chicken breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. -
How do I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before it’s done cooking. -
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this stew freezes very well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the definition of cozy comfort food. Tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fragrant herbs come together in a rich, flavorful broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for busy days just set it and forget it, then enjoy a wholesome homemade meal waiting for you at dinnertime.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- Total Time: 6–8 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This cozy slow cooker chicken stew is packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fragrant herbs simmered to perfection. Each spoonful delivers rich flavor and warmth perfect for a comforting family dinner or a chilly evening at home.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Arrange the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Layer the carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic on top.
- In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour over the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Stir in frozen peas 30 minutes before serving and let them heat through.
- Shred the chicken with two forks, return it to the stew, and mix gently.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, though thighs stay juicier.
- For a thicker stew, mash a few potato pieces near the end of cooking or add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water.
- Add a splash of cream or a knob of butter before serving for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: chicken stew, slow cooker chicken, crockpot recipes, comfort food, family dinner