Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Old-fashioned chicken stew is a hearty, foolproof, and flavorful soup that has been tested to perfection and convenience. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and cool evenings. My kids love this recipe, which I’ve made countless times, and it never fails to satisfy with tender chunks of chicken, vegetables, and a savory broth.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Prep Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 8 hours | 4-6 | Beginner + |
Ingredient Notes
Chicken stew is made up of flavor-packed ingredients that are comforting and just like grandma’s cooking. These are the ingredients you will need. For this recipe, I pre-chopped my ingredients to save time prepping.
Chicken breasts – Tender chunks of lean chicken soak up every bit of that savory stew.
Chicken broth – A rich, cozy base that gives the stew a deep, comforting flavor.
Tomato paste – Adds a bold, tangy punch that gives it depth.
Green peas – Little pops of green that add freshness and balance to the soup.
Celery – Brings a light, earthy crunch that cuts through the richness just right.
Onions – Pack the entire stew with flavor.
Carrots – Soft and sweet, they melt into the stew and give it that homey, old-school, grandma vibe.
Golden potatoes – Creamy and buttery, they soak up the flavors and make every bite satisfying.
Garlic powder – Sneaks in a mellow garlicky warmth that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Full printable recipe with measurements and instructions is listed at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
Julie’s Expert Tips
Follow these expert tips and you’ll never fail at having the perfect stew.
- Save some time by shredding and dicing the ingredients ahead of time. I like to keep these ingredients in the freezer and ready to go. Or buy pre-shredded and diced veggies to save time when prepping.
- If you want a thicker stew, after cooking, smash a few of the potatoes to thicken the stew. Or add two tablespoons of cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water (mix the two before adding) to the stew and cook for 30 minutes longer to help thicken.
- Cook on low and slow for more tender chicken. It also gives the flavors more time to meld together.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Start by adding the broth and tomato paste to the slow cooker. Whisk the tomato paste into the broth until it is evenly distributed. Next, add salt, pepper, garlic salt, peas, celery, onions, and carrots, and stir.
Finally, add the chicken breasts to the stew and place the lid on top. Cook on the low setting for eight hours. After cooking, shred the chicken and serve.
FAQs, Variations, Storage, And Freezing
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use thighs for this recipe. The cooking time will be the same.
Can I cook on high? If so, for how long?
Yes, you can cook on high. Cook for about 4 to 5 hours. Check the temperature of the chicken with a digital thermometer, which should come to 165 degrees. I personally like to cook the chicken on low because it tends to come out more tender.
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, I used frozen vegetables for the chicken stew crockpot meal. I also chopped mine ahead of time so I could throw them into the crockpot, which allowed me to prep this in 5 minutes.
What are good substitutes or variations for the ingredients?
You can use a little bit of tomato sauce (1/2 cup) if you don’t have tomato paste. You can switch out any of the veggies with green beans, butter beans, mixed veggies, or corn. You can also switch out the baby potatoes for diced Russet potatoes or even sweet potatoes.
Can I freeze the stew? How do I reheat it?
Absolutely! This recipe freezes well. After cooking, let it cool and add it to freezer-safe containers. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, add to a saucepan and cook until hot on medium heat, or add to a microwave-safe dish and cook for two to three minutes or until hot.
More Delicious Slow Cooker Meals
If you love chicken stew in the crockpot, you will love these other slow cooker meals.
- You can toss everything in the crock pot in the morning with slow cooker chicken and stuffing, and have dinner when you get home at the end of the day.
- This easy slow cooker chicken and gravy is the perfect meal you want to come home to after a long and tiring day.
- This favorite 6-ingredient slow cooker chicken and dumplings turns out perfect every time without hardly any effort.
- Made that slow cooker marry me chicken last night and yep, it’s definitely a keeper with sun-dried tomatoes and a creamy sauce.
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts skinless and boneless
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup green peas frozen
- 1 cup celery diced, frozen
- 1 cup onions diced, frozen
- 1 cup carrots shredded, frozen
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1.5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
Instructions
- Add the broth and tomato paste to the slow cooker and stir until the tomato paste has dissolved.
- Next, add the seasonings, peas, onions, celery, carrots, potatoes, and chicken.
- Cover with the lid and cook on the low temperature settings for 8 hours.
- After cooking, shred the chicken and serve.
