Chicken stew is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy nights. Using a slow cooker makes this classic dish even easier, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. If you’ve been wondering how do you make chicken stew in a slow cooker, this guide will walk you through every step with simple tips and tricks to create a rich, satisfying meal.
Why Choose Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?
Slow cookers are a lifesaver for busy households. They let you prep your ingredients quickly, then cook your stew low and slow, freeing up your time while delivering tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables. Plus, the slow cooking process intensifies flavors and makes the chicken incredibly juicy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic list of ingredients for a classic slow cooker chicken stew:
– Chicken (bone-in skinless thighs or breasts work best)
– Carrots
– Potatoes (russet, Yukon gold, or red potatoes)
– Celery
– Onion
– Garlic
– Chicken broth
– Tomato paste or diced tomatoes (optional for richer flavor)
– Herbs like thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and parsley
– Salt and pepper
– Flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
– Olive oil or butter for sautéing
These ingredients are easy to find and create a stew that’s both nutritious and comforting.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Stew in a Slow Cooker
1. Brown the Chicken for Extra Flavor
Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a bit of oil in a skillet and brown the chicken on both sides until golden. This step adds a depth of flavor that slow cooking alone can’t achieve. Once browned, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
In the same skillet, sauté onions, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and herbs like rosemary and thyme, cooking until fragrant. This step helps build the stew’s flavor base. You can also stir in tomato paste here for richness. Deglaze the pan with a bit of chicken broth, scraping up those tasty browned bits, then pour everything into the slow cooker.
3. Add Potatoes, Broth, and Seasonings
Add diced potatoes, bay leaves, and the rest of your chicken broth to the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you like. This combination will simmer together to create a savory broth that infuses the chicken and vegetables.
4. Slow Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The low setting allows flavors to meld beautifully, while the high setting is great if you’re short on time. The chicken should be tender and the vegetables soft when done.
5. Thicken the Stew
About 30 minutes before serving, mix a slurry of flour or cornstarch with some cold chicken broth. Stir this into the stew to thicken the sauce to a lovely, velvety consistency. Add any quick-cooking vegetables like peas at this stage, then cover and cook until thickened.
6. Shred the Chicken and Serve
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it with forks (leave some larger pieces for texture), and discard any bones if using bone-in chicken. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stir in fresh parsley, and your stew is ready to serve.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
– Don’t skip browning the chicken and sautéing the veggies. These steps add layers of flavor that make the stew taste homemade and rich.
– Use bone-in chicken if possible. The bones add extra flavor and help keep the meat juicy.
– Adjust thickening agents carefully. Whisk flour or cornstarch with cold broth before adding to avoid lumps.
– Feel free to customize. Add mushrooms, green beans, or swap potatoes for sweet potatoes for variety.
– Serve with crusty bread or biscuits to soak up the delicious stew broth.
Variations to Try
– Creamy Chicken Stew: Add cream of chicken and mushroom soups with milk for a luscious, creamy texture.
– Tuscan Style: Incorporate tomatoes, wine, fennel seeds, and balsamic vinegar for a Mediterranean twist.
– White Wine Chicken Stew: Use white wine and fresh herbs for a bright, aromatic flavor.
Chicken stew made in a slow cooker is a simple, satisfying meal that fills your home with warmth and comfort. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready to enjoy any day of the week.
Enjoy your cozy, flavorful chicken stew!