There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew on a chilly day. Tender chicken thighs, hearty potatoes, sweet carrots, green peas, and aromatic herbs slowly cook together in a rich, savory broth for a cozy homemade meal.
This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because most of the work happens right in the slow cooker. Just prepare the ingredients, let everything simmer gently, and come back to a delicious dinner the whole family will love.
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 large potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes (about 1 pound)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- Black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Toss the chicken with the flour, dried thyme, and rosemary until evenly coated.
2. Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned on the outside.
The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this point. Browning simply adds extra flavor to the stew.
3. Add the Vegetables
Place the diced onion, carrots, potatoes, and minced garlic into the slow cooker.
Add the browned chicken on top of the vegetables.
4. Add the Broth
Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker and add the bay leaf. Season with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
Stir gently to combine.
5. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the potatoes and carrots are completely cooked.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Add the Milk and Peas
About 20–30 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaf and stir in the milk and frozen peas.
Cover and continue cooking until the peas are heated through and the stew is creamy and hot.
7. Taste and Serve
Taste the stew and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed.
Serve hot with crusty bread, biscuits, or a simple green salad.
⭐ Tips for Success
- Brown the chicken first for deeper flavor, although you can skip this step when you’re short on time.
- Cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Don’t add the milk at the beginning; adding it near the end helps prevent it from separating during the long cooking time.
- For a thicker stew, let it cook uncovered for a few minutes after adding the milk, or mix 1 tablespoon of flour with a little cold water and stir it in near the end.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
🥕 Optional Additions
You can easily customize this stew with additional vegetables. Try adding sliced mushrooms, celery, corn, green beans, or chopped spinach.
For a richer flavor, replace some of the milk with half-and-half.
You can also add a pinch of paprika or a little onion powder for extra seasoning.
🧊 Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot. If the stew becomes too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This chicken stew is delicious served with warm crusty bread, homemade biscuits, dinner rolls, or cornbread for soaking up the creamy broth.
A simple side salad or steamed green vegetables also makes a great addition.
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: About 6½–7½ hours
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Method: Slow Cooker
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the ultimate comfort-food dinner. Tender chicken, creamy potatoes, sweet carrots, peas, and fragrant herbs come together in a savory broth to create a satisfying meal with very little hands-on work.
It’s an easy recipe to keep in your rotation whenever you want a warm, homemade dinner waiting for you at the end of the day.