Slow Cooker Chicken Stew - Easy & Hearty Comfort Food

Name: Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs - extra fat trimmed; 2 teaspoons salt, divided; 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper, divided; 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced; 1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or ¾ teaspoon dried thyme); ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced (or ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary); 3 medium red potatoes, quartered (or baby red potatoes); 3 bay leaves (dried or fresh); 1 cup frozen peas; ¼ cup finely chopped Italian parsley; 5 cups chicken broth, divided, plus more as needed; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

Getting a comforting dinner on the table takes just a bit of prep when you make this Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe. It’s a hands-off way to end the day with a hearty, flavorful meal that fills the house with cozy aromas—and tastes like a warm hug on a plate.

The image shows a close-up of a slow cooker filled with a thick, orange broth soup that has a glossy, smooth texture. Visible in the soup are chunks of cooked chicken with a pale, soft texture, bright orange slices of carrots, and small, round green peas scattered throughout. There are also shredded chicken pieces mixed in, adding a fibrous layer to the dish. Some finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top of the soup, adding contrast. The soup looks warm and hearty, with the ingredients evenly distributed in the rich broth. A black spoon is scooping some of the soup, lifting a mix of chicken, carrots, peas, and broth. The slow cooker is black and set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t overstate how much I adore this stew. The slow cooker does all the work, and the result is chicken so tender it falls right off the bone, nestled in a rich, veggie-packed broth. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike.

Effortless Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you focus on your day.
Flavor Explosion: Searing the chicken first locks in savory goodness that makes this stew stand out.
Hearty & Healthy: Loaded with nutrient-rich veggies, it’s both comforting and wholesome.
Customizable: Easily tweak herbs, veggies, or even the protein to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Choosing the right cuts of chicken and fresh herbs will elevate your stew to next-level cozy.

Flat lay of whole bone-in chicken thighs with trimmed fat, a medium yellow onion diced, six peeled garlic cloves, four peeled and sliced medium carrots, a small dollop of thick red tomato paste in a white ceramic bowl, fresh thyme leaves scattered, minced fresh rosemary sprigs, three quartered medium red potatoes, three whole bay leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl with all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with frozen green peas, finely chopped fresh Italian parsley arranged neatly, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bone-in chicken thighs: These give the stew rich flavor and juicy meat that stays tender after hours of cooking.
Olive oil: Use it to sear the chicken and sauté veggies—it adds subtle fruity notes.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet base flavor that deepens as it cooks.
Garlic: A must for that aromatic backbone, used generously here.
Carrots: They soften and add natural sweetness and color.
Tomato paste: Concentrates umami, giving the broth richness without overpowering.
Fresh thyme and rosemary: Classic herbs that brighten the stew with earthiness.
Red potatoes: Their waxy texture holds up beautifully without turning mushy.
Bay leaves: Add subtle layers of flavor you might not overtly notice, but your taste buds will thank you.
Chicken broth: The liquid base that carries all the flavors and ensures the perfect stew consistency.
Flour: Used to thicken the broth into that lovely, stew-like texture.
Frozen peas: Stirred in at the end for a sweet pop of freshness and color contrast.
Italian parsley: Brightens the stew with a fresh, herbaceous finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this stew depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. It’s forgiving and flexible, so don’t hesitate to make it truly yours.

Variation: One of my favorite swaps is adding sweet potatoes instead of red potatoes; it adds a lovely sweetness and creamy texture that balances the savory broth.
Diet-friendly tweak: I’ve tried it with boneless, skinless chicken breasts too—just be cautious with cooking time to keep it from drying out.
Herbal swap: If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried thyme and rosemary work perfectly—just use smaller amounts and adjust to taste.
Extra veggies: Feel free to toss in green beans or celery for additional crunch and flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

A white bowl filled with a thick chicken stew showing three main layers: the bottom layer is a rich, golden brown broth, the middle layer features chunky vegetables including orange carrot slices, green peas, and large yellow potato pieces, and the top layer has shredded light brown chicken pieces sprinkled with chopped green herbs. Resting on the edge of the bowl is a golden, flaky biscuit with a textured surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a hint of a striped cloth underneath, and another similar bowl partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear the chicken to build flavor

I always start by seasoning the chicken thighs well with salt and fresh black pepper. Heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, I sear the chicken skin-side down first, leaving it untouched for a few minutes to get that beautiful golden crust. This step really locks in juiciness and amps up the flavor in the stew, so don’t rush it! Once browned on both sides, I transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté your veggies and deglaze the pan

Using the same skillet with all those flavor-packed browned bits, I add a splash more olive oil and toss in diced onions and sliced carrots. Sautéing for about 5 minutes, I stir and scrape the bottom of the pan gently with a wooden spoon to release all that delicious caramelized goodness. When the onions soften and start to get translucent, I add minced garlic, fresh thyme, and rosemary and cook just until fragrant. Stirring in tomato paste next helps deepen the flavor. To lift every bit of taste, I pour in some chicken broth to deglaze the pan, then transfer everything straight to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Layer and season in the slow cooker

Next, I nestle quartered red potatoes and bay leaves into the pot, adding a pinch more salt and pepper for seasoning. Pouring in four cups of chicken broth over everything, I cover the slow cooker and set it to high for 4 hours. I’ve found that cooking it on high keeps the chicken tender and juicy without overcooking.

Step 4: Thicken and finish with fresh touches

About 30 minutes before it’s done, I make a slurry by whisking flour into some room-temperature chicken broth—never hot, or it’ll clump! Adding this, along with frozen peas, back into the slow cooker and stirring gently helps the stew thicken and brightens the flavor with a pop of sweetness. Once the time’s up, I remove the chicken, carefully shred it off the bones, and return it to the pot. A generous handful of chopped Italian parsley finishes it off with freshness. Then I taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe countless times, key steps make all the difference between good and unforgettable. Here are my personal tips that helped me every time:

Searing Matters: Don’t skip searing chicken; it’s what gives the stew depth and mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen.
Deglaze Wisely: Use broth to scrape those browned bits off the skillet; that’s pure magic flavor you don’t want to miss.
Flour Slurry Technique: Mix flour with room-temperature broth, not hot, to avoid lumps and get a silky smooth stew.
Timing Is Everything: I’ve found cooking it on HIGH for 4 hours gives the perfect tender chicken without turning stringy like slower, longer options.

How to Serve Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

The image shows a black slow cooker filled with small red potatoes sitting in a reddish-brown broth. A woman's hand is pouring clear liquid from a glass measuring cup above the potatoes, creating a splash. The potatoes are spread evenly in the cooker, some slightly submerged, and the broth has small bits of herbs floating inside. The slow cooker is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish my bowls with a sprinkle of fresh Italian parsley—it adds a lovely pop of color and bright herb flavor that balances the richness. Sometimes I add a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper on top for a little extra kick.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or buttery biscuits are my go-tos to serve alongside. They’re perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious broth. If I want something lighter, I’ll make a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the stew’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this stew in rustic bread bowls—just hollow out a sourdough loaf for a stunning, edible vessel. It’s always a fun surprise and makes the meal feel extra cozy and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the stew separately from any bread or biscuits to keep textures perfect.

Freezing

This stew freezes well too! I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers without the peas (add those fresh when reheating for best texture). It’s a lifesaver for quick meals—just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low-medium heat with a splash of broth if it feels too thick. Stir in frozen peas fresh to keep them vibrant and sweet. Microwave works fine—just cover to avoid drying out and stir halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use boneless chicken for this stew?

Yes, you absolutely can! Just be mindful that boneless chicken cooks a bit faster and can dry out if left too long, so adjust your cooking time and check for tenderness. Bone-in thighs give more flavor and stay juicier.

Why do I need to sear the chicken first?

Searing the chicken develops a beautiful golden crust that adds depth of flavor and richness to the stew. It locks in juices, so the meat stays tender and moist after slow cooking. This step elevates the overall taste tremendously.

Can I make this stew in advance?

Yes! This chicken stew actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld. You can make it the day before, store it in the refrigerator, and gently reheat when you’re ready. Just add peas fresh when reheating for the best texture.

What sides go best with Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?

Crusty bread or warm biscuits are classic companions to soak up that flavorful broth. For something lighter, a fresh green salad with vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables balances the meal nicely. I also love serving it over buttered egg noodles.

Final Thoughts

This Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation because it’s just that satisfying and easy. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining guests, or just craving homemade comfort, it delivers every single time. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I love sharing it—nothing beats a warm bowl of slow-cooked love.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way