Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Nothing beats a warm, hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew! This comforting dish is packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a rich, flavorful broth. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so you can sit down to a cozy meal without the effort!

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs – I prefer chicken thighs over chicken breasts because they add so much richness to the stew.
• Veggies – Carrots, celery, onion and garlic are added! I like to dice my veggies into larger dices so they don’t get too mushy and hold up better in the slow cooker.
• All-purpose flour – Helps thicken the broth to give the stew more of a hearty, velvety texture.
• White wine – Adds a subtle acidity that balances out the richness. And don’t worry—the alcohol cooks off, leaving just the flavor behind!
• Chicken Broth – The base of the stew! I like to use a good-quality broth for the best flavor. Homemade or low-sodium store-bought both work great.
• Seasonings – Bay leaves and Italian seasonings flavor the stew. If you have any fresh herbs I recommend using them! Fresh rosemary, thyme or sage would be amazing in this!
• Potatoes – Make the stew extra filling and hearty. I love how they soak up all of that delicious broth.
• Peas – I toss these in at the end for a little pop of sweetness and color.
• Heavy Cream – This is my secret to a luxuriously creamy broth. It ties everything together and makes the stew extra cozy.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once hot add in chicken and cook 4-5 minutes or until the chicken starts to get some color on it.

2. Saute the Chicken and Veggies: Add an additional tbsp of olive oil and add in the carrots, onion, and celery. Saute for 3-4 more minutes. The point of sautéing the chicken and veggies first is to get some browning on them, which equals flavor!

3. Deglaze the Pan: Stir in garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Then sprinkle in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in the wine and stir, scraping the brown bits “fond” off of the bottom of the pan.

4. Slow Cook the Stew: Transfer the chicken and veggies mixture to the slow cooker along with the chicken broth, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, and potatoes. Stir, cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.

5. Add the Finishing Touches: Remove the lid and stir in the peas and heavy cream. Discard the bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with fresh parsley on top!

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker chicken stew makes a great, cozy, satisfying meal on its own, but it’s equally delicious with a few sides! A slice of Cheesey Garlic Bread, warm Buttermilk Biscuits, or even a side of fluffy rice is perfect for soaking up the rich, flavorful broth. For a lighter option, a fresh Berry Salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the stew. And, of course, you can’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness!