Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-488439H28M7S
Total time: PT-488439H28M7S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to season; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 onion, diced; 3 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 large potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1 pound); 3 cups chicken broth; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup green peas, frozen; Black pepper, to season

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 22 reviews

There’s nothing cozier than coming home to the warm, savory aroma of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. This comforting classic is packed with tender chunks of chicken, hearty vegetables, and a dreamy, herb-laced broth that tastes like a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a handful of ordinary ingredients into something you’ll crave all week long. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or just need a grab-and-go lunch, Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is pure comfort, made easy.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew so irresistible: simple staples, each playing a starring role. From the rich depth of the chicken to the sweet pop of peas, every ingredient brings something special — flavor, texture, color, or that little spark of comfort food magic.

Olive oil: Adds a silky touch and helps brown the chicken for extra flavor.
Chicken thighs: These stay moist and juicy during slow cooking, making the stew luscious.
All-purpose flour: Coats the chicken and lightly thickens the broth for that hearty, stew-like feel.
Dried thyme: Offers an earthy herb flavor that deepens as it simmers.
Dried rosemary: Infuses the stew with an unmistakable aromatic punch.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together and seasons everything just right.
Garlic: Six cloves give a mellow, savory sweetness throughout the pot.
Onion: Melts into the background, creating subtle layers of flavor.
Carrots: These get perfectly tender and impart a gentle sweetness.
Potatoes: Absorb all the delicious juices and become wonderfully creamy.
Chicken broth: The stew’s savory backbone — use a good-quality broth for best results.
Bay leaf: Adds classic herbaceous depth; don’t forget to remove it before serving.
Milk: Blends in at the end to give the broth a hint of creaminess.
Green peas: Frozen peas keep their color and bring a fresh burst of green.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a bit of gentle warmth.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken thighs with the flour, salt, thyme, and rosemary, then add them to the hot skillet. Searing the chicken for just a few minutes on each side gives the stew a rich, golden flavor that builds the foundation for this hearty dish.

Step 2: Layer the Vegetables in the Slow Cooker

After browning, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker. Add in the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes. By layering the vegetables under and over the chicken, everything cooks evenly and soaks up all those flavorful juices.

Step 3: Add Broth and Herbs

Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Toss in the bay leaf and give everything a gentle stir. The broth and bay leaf work their magic over hours, transforming humble ingredients into a fragrant, soul-soothing stew.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken and vegetables are meltingly tender. The slow heat lets all the flavors marry and creates the signature comforting taste you expect from Slow Cooker Chicken Stew.

Step 5: Add Milk and Peas

Thirty minutes before serving, stir in the milk and frozen peas. The milk gives the broth a touch of creamy sweetness, while the peas add a fresh finish and pop of color. Let the stew cook uncovered for the last half hour to gently thicken.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste for salt and pepper. Adjust as needed—you’re almost at the finish line of the ultimate Slow Cooker Chicken Stew!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a bright herbal lift and a pretty green finish. If you love extra richness, a swirl of heavy cream or a handful of shredded Parmesan on top is never a bad idea. For a little heat, try a dusting of cracked black pepper or even a dash of hot sauce for grown-up flair.

Side Dishes

This stew loves company: serve it alongside warm crusty bread or flaky biscuits to soak up the savory broth. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness beautifully, and for heartier appetites, a scoop of fluffy rice or buttered noodles underneath is pure comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle Slow Cooker Chicken Stew into rustic mugs for a cozy, casual meal, or serve in bread bowls for extra heartiness and fun. Want to impress a crowd? Try serving in individual ramekins with pastry tops for a faux pot-pie presentation at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Stew keeps like a dream in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let it cool, then store in an airtight container. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next bowl even better than the first.

Freezing

This stew freezes well: simply portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months—just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re craving a comforting, homemade meal.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the creaminess intact. In a pinch, the microwave works too—just use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between until hot and steamy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs stay juicier during long cooking, chicken breasts can work if you prefer leaner meat—just be careful not to overcook so they don’t dry out.

Is Slow Cooker Chicken Stew gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can easily substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to keep the stew gluten-free and still perfectly thick.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in celery, parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even corn for variety. The stew is very forgiving and welcomes whatever extra veggies you love.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can still make a similar chicken stew on the stovetop or in the oven. Just brown the chicken, simmer everything in a Dutch oven, and cook gently until everything is tender and flavors meld together.

How can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew dairy-free?

Simply leave out the milk or use a plant-based alternative like unsweetened almond or oat milk—the stew will still have that classic comforting taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the ultimate cozy meal for any day you want to treat yourself to something wholesome and delicious. I hope you’ll give it a try and fall in love with its rustic charm and ease—one bowlful, and you’ll see just how special a simmer-all-day recipe can be!