Best Crock Pot Chicken Stew Recipe:

Craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s as easy as it is delicious? Look no further than this Best Crock Pot Chicken Stew Recipe! This slow cooker wonder combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth to create the ultimate cozy dish.

Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe allows you to throw everything in your crock pot and let it do all the work. The result? A rich, savory stew with just the right balance of flavors. Get ready to enjoy a meal that’s bound to become a family favorite!

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet onions, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into small bite-sized pieces
• 2 small cloves garlic, minced or pressed (about 1 teaspoon)
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or about 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or about 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 3-4 lbs. bone-in chicken breasts or thighs, skin removed
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water (increase to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water for a thicker broth)
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• For garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this delicious crock pot chicken stew, having the right tools can really help streamline the cooking process. Here are the essential items you’ll need:

1. Slow Cooker (Crock Pot): This is the star of the show! You’ll need a good slow cooker, preferably with a 6-quart capacity, to cook the stew low and slow. The even heat distribution helps tenderize the chicken and meld the flavors perfectly.
2. Sharp Knife: For chopping vegetables like onions, carrots, and potatoes, a sharp kitchen knife will make your prep work quick and easy.
3. Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board is essential for safe and easy chopping of vegetables and meat.
4. Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements are key to getting the flavors just right, so having a set of measuring spoons and cups will help you with everything from seasonings to cornstarch slurry.
5. Whisk: A whisk will come in handy when you mix together the cornstarch and cold water to make the slurry. It ensures the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
6. Serving Spoon: A large spoon is necessary for serving the hearty stew into bowls.

By having these tools at the ready, you’ll have a smooth cooking experience and be able to enjoy your meal faster!

How to Make the Best Crock Pot Chicken Stew

Making this chicken stew couldn’t be easier, and it’s all thanks to the magic of the slow cooker! Here’s how to bring all the ingredients together for a rich, flavorful stew that will warm your soul.

1. Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken

Start by preparing your vegetables. Chop the onions, celery, carrots, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Mince or press the garlic, and set it all aside. Then, season your chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

In the bottom of your slow cooker, layer the chopped onions, celery, carrots, and potatoes. Add the minced garlic, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, paprika, poultry seasoning, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything to combine, so the seasoning is evenly distributed.

3. Add the Chicken and Broth

Place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetable mixture. Pour in the chicken broth or stock, covering the chicken and vegetables completely. This will create the rich, savory base for your stew.

4. Cook the Stew

Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and easy to shred, and the vegetables will cook to perfection, soaking in all the delicious flavors of the broth.

Final Steps: Thickening the Broth and Serving

1. Shred the Chicken

When there are about 30 minutes left in the cooking time, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bones and any skin, if using bone-in chicken. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it in with the vegetables and broth.

2. Thicken the Broth

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth, forming a slurry. Add this mixture to the stew, stirring well to combine. Cover and cook on HIGH without the lid for another 30 minutes or until the broth thickens to your liking. This step will give the stew a rich, hearty texture.

3. Season to Taste

Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if necessary. You can also add a little extra poultry seasoning or herbs if you prefer a more intense flavor.

4. Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the stew for a burst of color and freshness. This will also add a slight herbal note to the dish. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot with some crusty bread or crackers on the side to soak up the flavorful broth.

Storage Instructions

How to Keep Crock Pot Chicken Stew Fresh

After preparing your hearty chicken stew, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The stew will continue to develop its flavors as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing Crock Pot Chicken Stew

If you want to keep this stew for a longer period, it’s perfect for freezing! Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion

This Best Crock Pot Chicken Stew Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, offering layers of flavor and warmth with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, creating a tender and hearty stew that’s perfect for busy days or cozy nights at home. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a satisfying meal the whole family will love. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste and even experiment with different veggies. Enjoy this delicious stew with your favorite side dish or as a stand-alone meal—it’s sure to be a hit!