Have you ever craved a warm, soul-soothing meal that brings the whole family together? There's nothing quite like a chicken stew recipe to fill your home with incredible aromas and satisfy everyone at the dinner table. Making chicken stew from scratch is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to control every ingredient, ensuring a nutritious, preservative-free meal. Whether you're a busy parent looking for an easy weeknight dinner or someone who loves cooking traditional comfort foods, this slow cooker chicken stew recipe delivers every single time. The tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and rich broth come together to create the ultimate one-pot wonder that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients List

    • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch cubes
    • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
    • 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
    • 2 celery stalks, chopped
    • 1 large onion, diced
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
    • 1 cup frozen peas
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    • Optional: 1 cup chopped mushrooms for extra earthiness

For the Thickening:

    • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
    • 1/4 cup cold water
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 45 minutes

Total time: 60 minutes

This recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. If you're using a slow cooker, simply add 4-6 hours to the cooking time on low heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Begin by cutting all vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels—this helps them brown better and adds depth to your stew's flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown the pieces for 3-4 minutes per side. You don't need to cook them through—just create a golden crust. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics In the same pot, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step builds the foundational flavor for your a chicken stew recipe.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in chicken broth, add potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Thicken the Stew Mix flour with cold water to create a slurry. Slowly stir this into the stew and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until thickened. Add frozen peas during the last 3 minutes. For a slow cooker chicken stew recipe variation, add the thickening slurry 30 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Final Touches Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 6):

    • Calories: 340
    • Protein: 28g
    • Carbohydrates: 32g
    • Fat: 11g
    • Fiber: 5g
    • Vitamin C: 35% DV
    • Iron: 18% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Dietary Swaps: Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for a dairy-free option. Swap regular flour with almond flour or cornstarch for gluten-free or keto variations.

Flavor Boosters: Add a splash of white wine when sautéing vegetables, or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste for deeper color and umami.

Meal Prep: This stew freezes beautifully! Make a double batch and freeze portions for quick weeknight dinners.

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add parsnips, turnips, or green beans based on what you have available.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the Pot: Brown chicken in batches if needed. Overcrowding creates steam instead of a flavorful crust.

Skipping the Browning Step: This step is crucial for developing rich, complex flavors—don't skip it!

Adding Dairy Too Early: If you want a creamy stew, add cream or milk at the very end to prevent curdling.

Not Tasting as You Go: Always adjust seasoning throughout cooking. Flavors change as ingredients meld together.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store your a chicken stew recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight! For freezing, portion the stew into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. Avoid microwaving on high power, as this can make the chicken rubbery. For those who prepared a slow cooker chicken stew recipe, transfer leftovers to proper storage containers rather than leaving them in the slow cooker insert overnight.