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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew – A Comforting, Hearty, One-Pot Meal

There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of warm stew after a long day, and this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the perfect recipe to bring that comfort to your kitchen. Made with tender chicken thighs, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this dish slowly simmers into a rich and creamy stew without much effort. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of a slow cooker, you can come home to a complete, wholesome dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or whenever you need a cozy meal with minimal hands-on cooking.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ lbs chicken thighs boneless and skinless
Vegetables & Herbs
  • 3 carrots sliced
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 large potatoes about 1 lb, cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 cup frozen green peas
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
Pantry & Liquids
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup milk
Spices & Oils
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (4–6 quart)
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small bowl (for flour mixture)

Method
 

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
    Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and carrots for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Add them to the slow cooker.
      Step 3: Stir in potatoes, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
        Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk flour with ½ cup of chicken broth until smooth. Pour into the slow cooker along with the remaining chicken broth. Stir well.
          Step 5: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until chicken and vegetables are tender.
            Step 6: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in milk and frozen peas. Let the stew continue cooking until peas are heated through and the broth is creamy.
              Step 7: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
                Step 8: Serve hot in bowls with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

                  Notes

                  🧊 Storage & Reheating
                  Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
                  Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
                  Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until hot. Add a splash of broth or milk if needed to restore creaminess.
                  🥄 Variations
                  Creamier Stew: Use half-and-half or light cream instead of milk.
                  Herb Swap: Try Italian seasoning instead of rosemary and thyme.
                  Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, celery, or parsnips for extra depth.
                  Grain Add-In: Stir in cooked barley, rice, or quinoa just before serving.
                  Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for warmth.
                  ❓ 10 FAQs
                  1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
                  Yes, but thighs stay more tender and flavorful during long cooking.
                  2. Do I need to sear the chicken first?
                  It’s optional, but searing adds extra flavor to the stew.
                  3. Can I thicken the stew without flour?
                  Yes, use cornstarch mixed with water or mash a few potatoes directly into the broth.
                  4. Can I make this dairy-free?
                  Absolutely—use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk.
                  5. How do I prevent overcooking the vegetables?
                  Cut them into larger chunks if you prefer firmer texture.
                  6. Can I add more vegetables?
                  Yes! Celery, corn, or green beans all work well.
                  7. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
                  Yes, it freezes great—just cool completely before freezing.
                  8. Can I cook it overnight?
                  Yes, set the slow cooker on low before bed and you’ll have stew ready in the morning.
                  9. What can I serve with chicken stew?
                  Bread, rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
                  10. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
                  Yes—cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then natural release. Add peas and milk at the end.
                  🏁 Conclusion
                  This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the definition of comfort food. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth, it’s a simple recipe that delivers big flavor with little effort. Just set it in the morning, and by dinner you’ll have a complete, soul-warming meal ready to enjoy.