Cozy and Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Stew: A Family Favorite!

When you crave a meal that fills the room with warmth and love, look no further than this comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. Packed with tender chicken, seasonal vegetables, and hearty broth, it’s not just a dish; it’s a hug in a bowl. Best of all, it cooks while you go about your day, making it a trusted choice for busy families looking for easy, nutritious meals.

bowl of chicken stew with carrots, peas, and potatoes served with biscuits

Cozy and Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

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Author: oussama
Total Time: 255 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Paleo

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Description

A comforting Chicken Stew packed with tender chicken, seasonal vegetables, and hearty broth, perfect for busy families.

Ingredients

Scale

3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs (extra fat trimmed)
Salt and pepper
Olive oil (for searing)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or ¾ teaspoon dried)
½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced (or ¼ teaspoon dried)
3 medium red potatoes, quartered (or baby red potatoes)
3 bay leaves (dried or fresh)
5 cups chicken broth, divided (plus more as needed)
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup frozen peas
¼ cup finely chopped Italian parsley

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Instructions

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and sear in olive oil until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Sauté onions and carrots in the same skillet for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary, sauté for another minute.
Stir in tomato paste and deglaze pan with ½ to ¾ cup of chicken broth. Transfer to the slow cooker with the chicken.
Add potatoes and bay leaves, season with salt and pepper, then pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.
About 3.5 hours in, create a flour slurry with ⅓ cup of chicken broth and add to the slow cooker with frozen peas. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.
Shred the chicken, return it to the pot, and mix in chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

Notes

Pairs well with crusty bread or biscuits. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 240 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 120mg

The Joy of Cooking Chicken Stew

This recipe is a lifesaver, allowing you to spend just a little time prepping while the slow cooker does all the work. In about four hours, you’ll have a delicious meal that serves about six people , perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends with the family. Plus, it’s packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Ingredients:

3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs (extra fat trimmed)
Salt and pepper
Olive oil (for searing)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or ¾ teaspoon dried)
½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced (or ¼ teaspoon dried)
3 medium red potatoes, quartered (or baby red potatoes)
3 bay leaves (dried or fresh)
5 cups chicken broth, divided (plus more as needed)
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup frozen peas
¼ cup finely chopped Italian parsley

Directions:

Start by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Then, transfer the chicken to a large slow cooker (the golden color is key, so don’t rush this step!).
Using the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean!), add a little more olive oil and toss in the diced onions and sliced carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions soften. Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to lift those tasty brown bits stuck to the pan , this will add tons of flavor.
Add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary and sauté for another minute until you can smell those aromatic herbs. Then, stir in the tomato paste, coating the veggies. Pour in about ½ to ¾ cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan further, scraping up any more flavorful bits, then transfer everything into your slow cooker with the seared chicken.
Now it’s time to add those wonderful potatoes and the bay leaves. Season this mixture with ½ teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, cover, and set your slow cooker to high for 4 hours.
About 3.5 hours in, take a small bowl and dilute the flour with about ⅓ cup of room temperature chicken broth to form a slurry. Add this to the slow cooker along with the frozen peas. Stir gently, cover, and let it cook for the last 30 minutes. It will thicken beautifully!
Once it’s done, remove the chicken and use a fork to shred it, discarding the bones. Return the chicken to the pot and give it a good stir, mixing in fresh chopped parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve warm with a side of crusty bread or flaky biscuits, and watch your family gather around the table with smiles!

Serving Suggestions for Your Stew

This chicken stew is a crowd-pleaser and pairs perfectly with a fresh loaf of bread, buttery biscuits, or even a light salad. The warm, flavorful broth makes it delightful enough to stand on its own, but those cozy sides will elevate your meal to the next level!

Storing Your Leftover Stew

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to the freezer!

Tips for the Ultimate Chicken Stew

For added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine during the sautéing process.
Fresh herbs can be swapped based on what you have on hand; parsley or sage can work well as substitutes.
Use skinless chicken for a lighter option, or go for a richer flavor with dark meat like thighs.

Fun Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? You can easily adapt this stew based on the season or your family’s preferences. Add green beans or corn for a pop of color, or swap out the red potatoes for sweet potatoes for a different twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken for this stew?
Yes! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be substituted, but keep in mind they may cook a bit faster.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or water with a couple of bouillon cubes for seasoning.
How do I make this stew thicker?
If you prefer a thicker stew, allow it to simmer a bit longer with the cover off, or add more flour slurry as needed.

Now you’ve got a hearty and wholesome Slow Cooker Chicken Stew that will surely become a staple in your home. Give it a try, and make some cherished memories around the dinner table! Enjoy!