Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew—Comforting Family Dinner

This easy slow cooker chicken stew is the kind of comforting, hearty meal that makes busy weeknights feel warm and relaxed. With tender chicken, soft vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful broth, it’s a family-friendly recipe that delivers satisfying nourishment with minimal effort. Everything simmers together in the slow cooker, giving you a complete dinner that tastes like it has been tended to all day.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

There are so many reasons this dish becomes a repeat recipe for families:

• It’s a complete meal packed with protein, vegetables, and wholesome ingredients.
• Prep takes just a few minutes—the slow cooker does the work.
• The stew becomes incredibly tender and flavorful as it cooks low and slow.
• It’s thick, creamy, and comforting without being heavy.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it great for meal prep.
• Affordable, simple ingredients make it a practical option for home cooks.

Ingredients for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Main Ingredients

• Chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Potatoes, cubed
• Carrots, sliced
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Chicken broth
• Flour, for thickening
• Olive oil
• Milk, added at the end for a creamy finish
• Peas, frozen
• Salt & pepper

Herbs & Seasoning

• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary
• Bay leaf

Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Helpful Tips)

• Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts:
  Thighs create a richer stew, but breasts work perfectly if you want a leaner option. Just avoid over-cooking to keep them tender.
• Gluten-Free Option:
  A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend thickens the stew just as well.
• Dairy-Free Option:
  Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk or soy milk for a creamy finish without dairy.
• Vegetable Swaps:
  Sweet potatoes, celery, parsnips, or mushrooms can be added for more texture and nutrition.
• Broth:
  Use low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer to adjust the salt yourself.
• Thickness Control:
  Add extra flour for a thicker stew or a splash of broth for a looser consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Brown the Chicken

Heat a splash of olive oil in a pan. Add the diced chicken thighs, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and sauté until lightly browned on all sides. This step adds deeper flavor and helps lock in moisture.

Step 2 – Coat with Seasonings and Flour

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the flour, dried thyme, and rosemary over the chicken. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. This creates a light roux that thickens the stew later.

Step 3 – Add Vegetables to the Slow Cooker

Place the chopped onion, garlic, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seasoned chicken on top.

Step 4 – Pour in Broth and Add Bay Leaf

Pour in the chicken broth, making sure all ingredients are submerged. Add the bay leaf and cover with the lid.

Step 5 – Slow Cook

Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
The chicken will become tender, and the vegetables will soften perfectly.

Step 6 – Add Milk and Peas

About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the milk and frozen peas. Allow the stew to finish cooking until the broth becomes creamy and the peas are warmed through.

Step 7 – Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Brown the chicken first for deeper, richer flavor.
2. Cut vegetables evenly so everything cooks at the same pace.
3. Use Yukon gold potatoes if you want a creamier texture.
4. Don’t add milk early, or it may separate — always add it at the end.
5. Stir before serving to distribute the thickened broth throughout the stew.
6. Let the stew rest 5 minutes before serving to help it thicken naturally.

Flavor Variations

1. Herb-Loaded Version: Add fresh parsley, oregano, or sage near the end for an aromatic finish.
2. Creamy Garlic Variation: Stir in roasted garlic or extra fresh garlic for bold flavor.
3. Veggie-Packed Version: Add celery, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes to create a heartier stew.
4. Lemon Herb Stew: Add a small splash of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
5. Warm & Cozy Blend: Add a pinch of paprika or turmeric for color and warmth.

Serving Suggestions

This stew is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• Warm crusty bread or dinner rolls
• Steamed rice
• A simple side salad
• Homemade biscuits
• Garlic-butter toast
• Mashed potatoes (for extra comfort!)

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezer

This stew freezes well for up to 3 months.
To freeze: Let it cool fully, transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, and label with the date.

Reheating Tips

• If reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Add a splash of broth or milk during reheating to bring back the creamy texture.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew—Comforting Family Dinner

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• Author: dolly
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

A hearty, comforting slow cooker chicken stew with tender chicken, soft vegetables, and a creamy flavorful broth — perfect for busy family dinners.

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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

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and brown the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Turn off heat and sprinkle flour, thyme, and rosemary over the chicken and toss to coat.
3. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes to the slow cooker and place the seasoned chicken on top.
4. Pour in chicken broth and add the bay leaf, then cover.
5. Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender and vegetables are soft.
6. Stir in milk and frozen peas 15 minutes before serving.
7. Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaf, and serve warm.

Notes

Brown the chicken first for richer flavor. Add milk only at the end to prevent separating. Cut vegetables evenly so they cook properly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Values are approximate.)

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FAQ About Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Can I make this stew with chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, especially if you want a leaner stew. Just be mindful not to overcook them, since chicken breasts can dry out more easily. Cutting them into even pieces and cooking on LOW helps keep them tender and juicy.

Can I prepare this stew the night before?

Absolutely. You can chop the vegetables and cube the chicken in advance, then store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. In the morning, just assemble everything in the slow cooker and start cooking. For best results, wait to add the flour and seasonings until right before cooking.

How can I thicken the stew more?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 1–2 tablespoons of flour with a splash of cold broth to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew during the last 20 minutes of cooking. You can also mash a few potatoes directly in the slow cooker for natural thickening.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes. Simply replace the milk with unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or another dairy-free option. The stew will still be creamy and flavorful. Just avoid coconut milk unless you want a noticeable coconut flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to this stew?

Definitely. This recipe is very flexible. Celery, mushrooms, parsnips, sweet potatoes, or green beans all make excellent additions. Just keep the pieces similar in size so everything cooks evenly.

Final Thoughts

This easy slow cooker chicken stew is the perfect combination of convenience and comfort. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a warm, creamy finish, it’s a recipe that fits beautifully into busy family life. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or reliable meal prep option, this stew delivers wholesome flavor with every spoonful.For more inspiration, check out this Amazing Broccoli Rice Casserole—Cheesy Comfort or explore more on Pinterest for your next meal idea!