Go Back
–+ servings
Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew for Cozy Weeknight Dinners Recipe

Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew for Cozy Weeknight Dinners Recipe

A cozy, hearty slow cooker chicken stew perfect for weeknight dinners, filled with tender chicken and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 1 pound Skinless Chicken Thighs or breasts for a leaner option

Vegetables

  • 3 medium Carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks Celery, diced
  • 1 medium Onion (yellow or sweet), diced
  • 2 cups Potatoes, chopped
  • 3 cloves Minced Garlic or substitute with garlic powder

Herbs and Spices

  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper adjust to taste

Liquids and Thickener

  • 4 cups Chicken Broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons Flour optional for thickening

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  • Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker. Add the diced carrots, celery, onions, chopped potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves.
  • Season the Stew: Sprinkle the dried thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine without breaking up the chicken pieces.
  • Pour in Broth and Flour: Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients, ensuring they are well covered. If you prefer a thicker stew, sprinkle in the flour and stir gently to incorporate.
  • Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked and soft.
  • Serve: Once done, ladle the hot stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

For a leaner stew, substitute chicken thighs with skinless chicken breasts. You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different flavor profile. Adding flour is optional; to keep it gluten-free, skip the flour or substitute with a gluten-free thickener. Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans in the last hour of cooking for added variety. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chicken stew, cozy dinners, hearty stew, Slow Cooker, weeknight meals
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!