Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe: A Cozy, Easy Family Dinner
There’s nothing better than walking through the door and smelling a warm, home-cooked meal waiting for you. Your family will jump in when you cook this Slow Cooker Homestyle Chicken Stew Recipe. The dish includes tender chicken, hearty veggies, and a rich, savory broth. So now you’ve got the perfect go-to for busy weeknights, laid-back Sundays, or meal prepping for the week ahead.
The best part? Your slow cooker does all the “tough stuff”. Just toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it while you go about your day. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, stocking up on leftovers, or having friends over, this crock-pot poultry dish pleases the crowd!
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
Easy Prep & Cooking Instructions
- Sauté for Extra Flavor (Optional): Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Layer the Ingredients: Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Set & Forget: Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are soft.
- Thicken the Stew: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew. Add the frozen peas. Let it cook for another 30 minutes until the broth thickens slightly.
- Serve & Enjoy! Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and enjoy a warm, nourishing meal.
Time Involved
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 7-8 hours 15 minutes (low)
Perfect Side Dish Pairings
- Crusty Bread or Biscuits – Perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
- Steamed Green Beans – A fresh, healthy complement.
- Caesar Salad – A light, crisp contrast to the rich stew.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
Pro Tips for First-Time Slow Cooker Users
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space for the liquid to circulate so everything cooks evenly.
- Use Chicken Thighs for More Flavor: They stay juicier than chicken breasts.
- Make It Your Own: Swap in sweet potatoes, parsnips, or bell peppers for variety.
Love This Recipe? Discover More Slow Cooker Favorites!
If you’re looking for more easy, comforting slow cooker meals, check out “35 Slow Cooker Soups & Stews” by Jean Pardue. It’s packed with delicious, foolproof recipes that make home-cooked meals effortless.
📖 Get your copy at Amazon here.
Let me know if you try this stew—I’d love to hear how it turns out!
