Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
A comforting and hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew featuring tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, slow-cooked to perfection for a flavorful and easy family meal.
- Author: Logan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours low or 3-4 hours high
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stew, Main Course
- Method: Slow cooking, Searing
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
- Diet: Low Fat
Protein
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
Vegetables
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 large potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup green peas, frozen
Herbs and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to season
- Black pepper, to season
- 1 bay leaf
Liquids and Others
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- Prepare the chicken: Place chicken thighs on a cutting board and dice into 1-inch pieces. Season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes, browning them on all sides. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage, just seared to lock in juices. If your slow cooker pot is stovetop-safe, you can do this step directly in it.
- Add seasonings and flour: Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker. Sprinkle the flour, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and additional salt over the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with flour and herbs.
- Add vegetables and broth: Add minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes to the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf for depth of flavor.
- Cook the stew: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
- Finish with peas and milk: Once cooked, stir in frozen green peas and milk. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on high to warm the peas and blend the flavors. Adjust the stew’s thickness by adding extra flour for thickening or chicken broth if it’s too thick.
- Season and serve: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. The stew is now ready to serve warm.
- Storage: Serve immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
- If desired, add other vegetables like celery or parsnips for extra texture.
- Adjust seasoning towards the end to avoid over-salting.
- Make sure the slow cooker lid remains closed during cooking to maintain temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken stew, chicken stew recipe, slow cooker recipes, easy chicken stew, comfort food, one pot meal