This simple crockpot chicken stew is the kind of cozy dinner I love making on a busy day. It simmers low and slow until the chicken is tender, the vegetables are soft, and the broth turns rich and comforting.
Simple Crockpot Chicken Stew
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 4 medium carrots sliced
- 3 celery stalks sliced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 potatoes peeled and cubed
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch for thickening
- 2 tablespoons water if using cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil optional, for extra richness
Instructions
- Start by chopping the vegetables and cutting the potatoes into even pieces. This helps everything cook evenly in the slow cooker. If you are using chicken breasts, you can leave them whole for easy shredding later.
- Place the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, garlic, broth, tomato paste, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir gently so the tomato paste blends into the broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be tender and the potatoes should be soft when done.
- Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks, then return it to the crockpot. This gives the stew a hearty, comforting texture.
- For a thicker stew, stir flour with a little broth from the pot or mix cornstarch with water, then add it back in. Cook for another 15 to 20 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove the bay leaf, taste the stew, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve warm in bowls and enjoy every cozy spoonful.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This This Recipe
There is so much to enjoy about this stew. It is easy to prep, uses familiar ingredients, and makes the house smell amazing while it cooks. The slow cooker does most of the work, so you can come back to a hearty meal that feels homey and satisfying.
This Recipe Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is what you will need to make this stew, plus a few simple swaps if needed.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch, for thickening
- 2 tablespoons water, if using cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, optional, for extra richness
Substitutions: You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Sweet potatoes work well instead of white potatoes. If you want a thicker stew, use cornstarch mixed with water. For extra depth, stir in a little smoked paprika. If you need more vegetables, add peas, green beans, or mushrooms near the end of cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by chopping the vegetables and cutting the potatoes into even pieces. This helps everything cook evenly in the slow cooker. If you are using chicken breasts, you can leave them whole for easy shredding later.
Step 2: Add everything to the crockpot
Place the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, garlic, broth, tomato paste, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir gently so the tomato paste blends into the broth.
Step 3: Cook low and slow
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be tender and the potatoes should be soft when done.
Step 4: Shred the chicken
Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks, then return it to the crockpot. This gives the stew a hearty, comforting texture.
Step 5: Thicken the stew
For a thicker stew, stir flour with a little broth from the pot or mix cornstarch with water, then add it back in. Cook for another 15 to 20 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Taste and serve
Remove the bay leaf, taste the stew, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve warm in bowls and enjoy every cozy spoonful.
Tips for Success
Cut the vegetables into similar sizes so they cook at the same pace. Do not add too much liquid at the start, since the vegetables and chicken will release moisture as they cook. If you like a richer flavor, brown the chicken lightly in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot, though it is not required. Stir in tender vegetables like peas near the end so they stay bright and fresh.
Variations of This Recipe
You can make this stew in several simple ways. Add corn for a touch of sweetness, or stir in mushrooms for a deeper, earthier flavor. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a creamy version, stir in a splash of milk or cream at the end. You can also make it more herb-forward by adding rosemary or extra parsley.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with This Recipe
This stew is lovely with crusty bread, soft dinner rolls, or a simple side salad. You can also serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles for an even heartier meal. A little extra black pepper or chopped parsley on top adds a fresh finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let the stew cool before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the texture.
Memories Made Around the Table
Meals like this always remind me of slow evenings at home, when everyone comes to the table hungry and ready to talk. There is something so comforting about a pot of stew waiting for you, especially when the weather turns cool and the day feels long.
FAQs
Can I make this stew with chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken breasts work well. They cook a little faster than thighs, so check for tenderness early to avoid overcooking.
How do I make the stew thicker?
You can thicken it with flour, cornstarch, or by mashing a few of the potatoes into the broth. Any of these methods will give the stew a heartier texture.
Can I add frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen peas, corn, or green beans are great additions. Stir them in during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking so they do not get too soft.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can chop the vegetables the night before and store them in the refrigerator, then assemble everything in the crockpot the next day.
Final Thoughts
This simple crockpot chicken stew is the kind of meal that brings comfort with very little effort. It is warm, filling, and easy to customize, which makes it a reliable recipe to keep in your rotation.