How to Make the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m super excited to share with you my go-to recipe for the best slow cooker chicken stew that’s perfect for a cozy day at home. This hearty, comforting dish is packed with tender chicken, flavorful veggies, and a broth that’s just divine. Plus, it’s as easy as can be—just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do all the work while you relax. It’s a great option for quick family dinners and is sure to become a staple in your household. And if you’re a fan of easy pasta recipes, you’ll love how this stew pairs perfectly with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a filling meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with tender chicken and hearty veggies for a satisfying meal
• Perfect for busy days—just set it and forget it
• Customizable to your taste with your favorite vegetables
• Great for leftovers that taste even better the next day
• Ideal for a cozy night in or a weeknight dinner

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious slow cooker chicken stew:

• 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons flour

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to make this mouthwatering slow cooker chicken stew:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine, and cook for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
5. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to create a smooth mixture.
6. Once the broth has been added and the flour is well incorporated, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
7. Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker, placing them into the broth mixture.
8. Add the chopped carrots and cubed potatoes to the slow cooker, spreading them evenly around the chicken.
9. Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
10. Cover the slow cooker with its lid, set it on low heat, and cook for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
11. After cooking, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks.
12. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the vegetables and broth.
13. Add the frozen peas to the slow cooker and stir them in, allowing them to heat through for about 5 minutes.
14. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or pepper.
15. Serve the slow-cooked chicken stew hot, making sure each serving has a generous amount of vegetables and broth.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some tips to make your slow cooker chicken stew even better:

• For extra flavor, brown the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Customize the veggies to your liking—try adding celery, zucchini, or your favorite root vegetables.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• For a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.

How to Serve

This hearty stew is perfect on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Spoon it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a comforting twist.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this slow cooker chicken stew is how well it keeps:

• Make Ahead: Prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
• Storage: Let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

And there you have it—a delicious, hearty slow cooker chicken stew that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for quick family dinners, easy weeknight meals, or just a comforting dish to cozy up with, this recipe has got you covered. Don’t forget to check out some of our other favorite slow cooker recipes like Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken for more tasty ideas. Happy cooking!