There’s just something about a warm, hearty stew that makes everything feel a little bit better, isn’t there? My grandma used to make a beef stew that took all day on the stovetop, simmering away until the meat was fall-apart tender. This Crock Pot Chicken Stew gives you all that comforting flavor, but with way less effort. It’s like the Chicken Noodle Soup of stews, only richer and more satisfying. I swear, the first whiff of this bubbling away in the slow cooker and everyone comes running!

What is a crock pot chicken stew?

Think of Crock Pot Chicken Stew as a big, warm hug in a bowl. It’s essentially tender chunks of chicken, simmered in a flavorful broth with lots of vegetables, all cooked low and slow in a crock pot. The beauty of it is that the slow cooking method melds all the flavors together beautifully, creating a depth of taste that’s hard to achieve any other way. It’s not just Chicken and veggies; it’s comfort food at its finest, a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for those chilly evenings.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? This Crock Pot Chicken Stew is a total game-changer for so many reasons. What I love most is how incredibly easy it is. Seriously, it’s a dump-and-go kind of recipe, perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Flavor explosion: WhatThe combination of herbs, chicken broth, and perfectly cooked veggies creates a symphony of flavors. I always add a bay leaf for extra depth, it makes an HUGE difference.
Ridiculously simpleWhat is the best way to cook veggies in a crock pot? Is it really that easy to prep veggies the night before?
Budget-friendly:Chicken thighs are the star here, which are much more affordable than chicken breasts and stay super healthy. What are the benefits of a long cooking time? What veggies do you have on hand?
So versatile:Serve it over Mashed Potatoes, egg noodles, or with a crusty piece of bread for dipping. I’ve even been known to ladle it over rice! The possibilities are endless. Is it good for meal prep?

What is a good Chicken Stew Recipe? Is it the one that I make when I’m craving something comforting, when the weather’s gloomy, or when my heart is beating.? I just need a simple, delicious dinner on the table. Is this soup similar to my creamy chicken and wild rice soup? Is it easier to throw together?

How do I make crock pot chicken stew?

Quick Overview

Making this Crock Pot Chicken Stew is as easy as 1-2-3! You’ll simply chop your vegetables, toss them into the Slow Cooker with the chicken and broth, and let it simmer for hours until everything is tender and delicious. The slow cooking process does all the work for you, melding all the flavors together into a comforting and satisfying stew. It’s seriously the best way to make a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Veggies:

5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (chicken legs really do stay the same). What are the Best Chicken breasts to cook in a slow cooker?
1 large onion, chopped (yellow or white), whatever you have!
2 carrots, peeled and chopped.
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced (freshly chopped makes a world of difference!)
1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (I prefer Yukong gold because they hold their shape well, I prefer kale and peas). How do russets work?
1 cup frozen peas (add these in the last 30 minutes of cooking)
1 cup frozen corn (also add these in the last 30 minutes)
1 bay leaf (don’t skip this! It adds a subtle depth of flavor)

For the Broth & Seasoning:

What is the Best Chicken broth to drink?
Is 1 tsp dried thy
1/2 tsp dried rosemary. 1 Tb
1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste)
What is the best way to ground black pepper?

Optional Thickening (if desired): Option

How much cornstarch should I use
What is the use of 2 tbsp

How do I follow step

Step 1: Prep the Crock Pot

How do you grease a Slow Cooker? What is the best way to spray cooking spray?

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a Crock Pot, combine the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes. What are some good herbs to use: thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, bay What is the best way to make sure the chicken and veggies are evenly distributed?

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is cooked through. The vegetables are tender. I always check my chicken with a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Add Frozen Veggies

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas and corn. Besides heat, they are also mushy.

Step 5: Thicken (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in small bowl until smooth. Set aside. Stir the slurry into the stew and cook on high for another 10-15 minutes, or until thickened. What are some of the best ways to make stew extra cozy?

Step 6: Remove Bay Leaf & Serve

Before serving, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I usually add a little extra salt and pepper at this point. Serve hot and enjoy!

What should I serve it with?

What is a good crock pot Chicken Stew? What are What are some of my favorite ways to serve it: by serving it.

For a Hearty Meal: Serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles. This makes it extra filling and comforting. I sometimes make a batch of garlic mashed potatoes to go with it – divine!

With Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth. Sourdough or french bread are my go-to choices.

A Fresh Salad: To balance the richness of the stew, serve it with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the richness perfectly.

As a Starter: Serve a smaller portion of the stew as a starter before a main course. It’s a great way to warm up on a cold day.

In our family, we often serve it with some homemade biscuits. It’s a tradition that everyone loves!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crock Pot Chicken Stew

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Crock Pot Chicken Stew even better. Here are some of my top tips:

Don’t Skip the Searing (Optional): If you have a little extra time, searing the chicken before adding it to the crock pot adds a lovely depth of flavor. Just a quick sear on all sides is enough.

Use High-Quality Broth: The quality of your chicken broth makes a big difference in the flavor of the stew. I prefer using homemade broth or a good-quality store-bought brand.

Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Adding the frozen peas and corn in the last 30 minutes of cooking ensures they don’t become mushy. If you’re using other vegetables that cook quickly, add them later in the cooking process as well.

Adjust the Consistency: If the stew is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, use the cornstarch slurry to thicken it.

Add Herbs: Fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, add a bright, fresh flavor to the stew. Stir them in just before serving.

Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew. My husband loves it with a little bit of heat!

One time, I accidentally added too much salt, and it was almost inedible. Now, I always use low-sodium broth and add salt gradually, tasting as I go. It’s a lesson I’ll never forget!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Crock Pot Chicken Stew is fantastic for meal prepping, and it stores beautifully. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigerator Storage: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I usually portion it out into individual containers for easy lunches.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). Then, heat it in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Adding Fresh Veggies: If you’re reheating frozen stew, you might want to add some fresh vegetables to brighten it up. A handful of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice can make a big difference.

I always make a big batch of this stew on Sunday and enjoy it for lunches throughout the week. It’s such a time-saver!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily make this vegetarian by substituting the chicken with chickpeas or white beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You may also want to add some extra veggies, such as mushrooms or zucchini, for added flavor and texture.

Can I use different vegetables?

Definitely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can use just about any vegetables you like. Some great options include sweet potatoes, parsnips, green beans, and spinach. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the type of vegetables you use.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! To make this in an Instant Pot, combine all the ingredients (except for the frozen peas and corn) in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, release any remaining pressure and stir in the frozen peas and corn. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.

How can I make this gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients. Just be sure to use gluten-free chicken broth.

Can I add cream to make it creamier?

Yes, you can! For a creamier stew, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This will add a lovely richness to the stew.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Chicken Stew is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. It’s incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re having a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, this stew is the perfect solution for a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s a family favorite for a reason!

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my creamy tomato soup or my hearty lentil soup. Both are equally comforting and easy to make.

I can’t wait to hear how your Crock Pot Chicken Stew turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy cooking!

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