Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe With Vegetables Guide

There’s something incredibly comforting about a slow cooker chicken stew, especially when it’s brimming with colorful vegetables and rich flavors. This recipe takes all the guesswork out of a hearty, home-cooked meal that simmers gently throughout the day, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.

Whether you’re coming home after a long day or preparing for a cozy weekend dinner, this slow cooker chicken stew delivers tender chicken, perfectly cooked veggies, and a savory broth that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

What makes this stew a standout is the balance of textures and flavors — from the sweetness of carrots to the earthiness of potatoes and the aromatic blend of herbs and spices. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Ready to create a delicious, fuss-free meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl? Let’s dive into the best slow cooker chicken stew recipe with vegetables that you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker chicken stew is a perfect weeknight meal for several reasons. First, it’s easy to prepare — just toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it.

The slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes tender and juicy, while the vegetables soak up all the savory flavors.

It’s also nutrient-packed, featuring a colorful variety of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals in every bite. Plus, the stew is comfort food at its best, ideal for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a warm, filling dish.

Lastly, it’s versatile enough to customize — whether you want to add more spice, swap vegetables, or make it gluten-free and dairy-free, this recipe accommodates your needs without compromising taste.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Slow cooker (4-6 quart capacity)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Mixing bowl (optional, for tossing chicken in flour)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Skillet (optional, for browning chicken)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. If you prefer a thicker stew, toss the chicken pieces lightly in the flour seasoned with salt and pepper. This step is optional but helps thicken the stew during cooking.
2. Brown the chicken (optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Browning adds extra flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
3. Add vegetables and aromatics to the slow cooker: Place the chopped carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and bay leaf.
4. Combine chicken and broth: Add the browned (or raw) chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. Pour the chicken broth over everything, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
5. Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender, and the vegetables cooked through.
6. Add peas and season: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
7. Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaf. If the stew is thinner than you like, mash some of the potatoes to thicken it up naturally. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

“For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce before slow cooking.”

• Vegetable swaps: Feel free to add parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for a twist on the classic vegetable mix.
• Make it gluten-free: Skip the flour or use a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped fresh chili for a gentle heat.
• Use bone-in chicken: You can use bone-in thighs for richer flavor; just increase cooking time slightly and remove bones before serving.
• Make it a stew soup: Add an extra cup of broth or water for a soupier consistency.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker chicken stew pairs wonderfully with a crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful broth. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a simple mixed green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.

If you want to elevate the meal, try serving the stew over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top can add a lovely tang and creaminess.

For more hearty and wholesome meal ideas, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or explore Awesome Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Meals for more slow cooker inspiration.

Conclusion

This slow cooker chicken stew with vegetables is a true crowd-pleaser, offering convenience, nutrition, and incredible flavor all in one pot. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a wholesome meal ready waiting for you, or for those cozy weekends when comfort food is a must.

The tender chicken paired with vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs makes every spoonful a delight.

With simple ingredients and easy prep, this recipe is accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.

For even more delicious, easy-to-make recipes, explore our collection of healthy meals like Chicken and Roasted Veg Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals.

Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction this stew brings to your table — it’s sure to become a beloved recipe in your slow cooker repertoire!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with Vegetables”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and comforting chicken stew cooked slowly with fresh vegetables for tender, flavorful results. Perfect for an easy, nutritious meal any day of the week.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT6H”, “totalTime”: “PT6H20M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks”, “4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced”, “3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced”, “2 celery stalks, sliced”, “1 medium onion, chopped”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 cup frozen peas”, “4 cups low-sodium chicken broth”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “1 teaspoon dried rosemary”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Brown chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side, then transfer to slow cooker.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in chicken broth and stir in thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add frozen peas 15 minutes before serving and stir well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “30 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “20 g”}}