Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

There’s nothing quite like a Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew for cozy weeknight dinners. I remember one chilly Saturday evening, my son Jake asked if we could have something warm and comforting for dinner. Little did he know, this stew would become a family favorite, and itโ€™s so easy to make in the crockpot!

Table of Contents

Why Youโ€™ll Love It

  • It’s a one-pot meal that saves time on cleanup.
  • The flavors meld beautifully as it cooks slowly.
  • You can customize it with your favorite veggies.

Pure Comfort

This stew is pure comfort food, with tender chicken and hearty vegetables simmered to perfection. Each spoonful is like a warm hug on a cold day.

What You Need

  • 2 lb 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs – You can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred.
  • 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth.
  • 3 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic enhances flavor.
  • 4 4 medium carrots, sliced – Feel free to use baby carrots.
  • 3 3 medium potatoes, diced – Yukon gold or red potatoes work well.
  • 1 cup 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut – Frozen green beans can be used.
  • 4 cups 4 cups chicken broth – Low-sodium broth is a healthier option.
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp dried thyme – Fresh thyme can be used for a brighter flavor.
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp dried rosemary – Rosemary adds a lovely aroma.
  • to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust according to your preference.

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 6-8 hours | Total: 6-8 hours 15 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prep ingredients the night before.

Steps to Make It

  1. Start by prepping your ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the carrots and potatoes. The colors will brighten your kitchen as you work.
  2. In your slow cooker, place the chicken thighs at the bottom. This helps them cook evenly and stay tender. Youโ€™ll want them to be fully submerged in the broth later.
  3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic on top of the chicken. The aroma of garlic will fill the air as it cooks, making your mouth water in anticipation.
  4. Next, layer the carrots and potatoes over the chicken. Their vibrant colors will make your stew visually appealing and inviting.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring everything is covered. Sprinkle the thyme and rosemary over the top, and season with salt and pepper. Itโ€™s like a warm blanket for your ingredients.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours. Youโ€™ll know itโ€™s done when the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork. The smell will be irresistible!
  7. Once cooked, give everything a good stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve it hot, and watch your family dig in with smiles.

Make It Perfect

  • For extra flavor, sear the chicken in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker.
  • If you like a thicker stew, mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it in 30 minutes before serving.

Mix It Up

  • Add peas or corn for a pop of color and sweetness.
  • Substitute the chicken with beef for a hearty beef stew.

Perfect Partners

  • Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
  • Pair with a simple side salad for a balanced meal.

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FAQs

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this stew?

Yes! Freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.

What can I substitute for chicken thighs?

You can use chicken breasts or even turkey for a different flavor.

What if I want a spicy kick?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeรฑos for some heat!

Conclusion

This Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. With simple ingredients and easy steps, youโ€™ll have a delicious meal ready to warm your familyโ€™s hearts. Try it out and enjoy the comfort it brings!

slow cooker chicken stew with vegetables in bowl

Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

A comforting slow cooker chicken stew with tender chicken thighs, hearty vegetables, and savory herbs. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, this easy one-pot meal allows the flavors to meld beautifully as it cooks slowly.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Course Dinner, Soup
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • slow cooker
  • Pan

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs You can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred.
  • 1 large yellow onion diced, adds sweetness and depth
  • 3 cloves garlic minced, fresh garlic enhances flavor
  • 4 medium carrots sliced, baby carrots can be used
  • 3 medium potatoes diced, Yukon gold or red potatoes work well
  • 1 cup green beans trimmed and cut, frozen green beans can be used
  • 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium broth is a healthier option
  • 1 tsp dried thyme fresh thyme can be used for a brighter flavor
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary adds a lovely aroma
  • to taste salt and pepper adjust according to your preference

Instructions
 

  • Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the carrots and potatoes.
  • Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Add the diced onion and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
  • Layer the carrots and potatoes over the chicken.
  • Pour in the chicken broth until the ingredients are covered.
  • Sprinkle thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the top.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
  • Stir the stew, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve hot.
Keyword Chicken, Comfort Food, Slow Cooker, stew, vegetables