Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Introduction
This slow cooker chicken stew is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts simmer slowly with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, creating a rich and flavorful stew without much effort.
Ingredients
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- Dried thyme (to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Chop all vegetables into uniform sizes: dice the onion finely, slice the carrots into rounds, chop the celery stalks, and mince the garlic.
- Step 2: Place the chopped vegetables in the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the boneless chicken breasts on top.
- Step 3: Season the chicken and vegetables with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and add the bay leaves. Pour the canned diced tomatoes over the chicken.
- Step 4: Add chicken broth until the ingredients are just covered. Do not stir.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Step 6: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the stew before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Use fresh thyme instead of dried if you have it on hand, adding it at the end for best aroma.
- You can add potatoes or peas in the last hour of cooking for more texture and nutrition.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to reduce.
Storage
Store the chicken stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This stew also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay moist and flavorful during slow cooking.
Do I need to stir the stew while it cooks?
No, stirring is not necessary. In fact, leaving the ingredients undisturbed allows the flavors to meld better and keeps the chicken tender.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A hearty and comforting slow cooker chicken stew featuring tender chicken breasts simmered with fresh vegetables and herbs in a savory tomato broth. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that delivers rich flavors and nourishing ingredients.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
Spices & Seasonings
- Dried thyme (to taste)
- Bay leaves (2 leaves)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop all vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking; finely dice the onion, slice the carrots into rounds, chop the celery stalks, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the chopped vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker, then lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly on top of the vegetables.
- Season and Add Tomatoes: Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Pour the canned diced tomatoes over the chicken to infuse flavor.
- Add Broth: Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker until the ingredients are just covered. Avoid stirring at this point to maintain layering.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 3 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Shred Chicken and Serve: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the stew to combine, then serve hot.
Notes
- For more flavor, add a splash of white wine or lemon juice before cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper after cooking if needed.
- You can add other vegetables like potatoes or green beans for variety.
- Leftover stew can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker chicken stew, easy chicken stew, healthy chicken stew, slow cooked chicken, chicken and vegetable stew
