Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Hearty Crock Pot Chicken Stew, a dish renowned for its creamy texture, tender, perfectly seasoned chicken, and wholesome vegetables. This incredibly easy-to-make stew is a slow cooker marvel, delivering deliciousness with minimal effort.
The Easiest Slow Cooker Chicken Stew: Perfect for Busy Weeknights
There’s an undeniable warmth and satisfaction that comes from a generous bowl of steaming chicken stew. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a cozy embrace, filling both your stomach and your soul. Our Crock Pot Chicken Stew recipe stands out as a true comfort classic – not only is it incredibly flavorful, but its preparation is also wonderfully straightforward, making it my absolute favorite kind of dinner! This recipe cleverly utilizes versatile and affordable chicken thighs, a request I’ve heard frequently from many of you, ensuring a budget-friendly and delicious outcome. However, if chicken breast is your preferred choice, feel free to substitute it without compromising on taste or tenderness.
“This was very good! I will definitely have this on regular rotation.”
– Ben
Why This Crock Pot Chicken Stew is a Must-Try
Imagine a meal that cooks itself while you go about your day, filling your home with an irresistible aroma, and culminating in a rich, satisfying dish. That’s exactly what you get with this slow cooker chicken stew. It’s the epitome of comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings, busy weekends, or any time you crave a wholesome, homemade meal without the fuss. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth that rapid cooking simply can’t achieve. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth, while the vegetables absorb all the savory goodness of the broth and seasonings.
Beyond its incredible taste, this recipe is designed for maximum convenience. It requires minimal active prep time, making it ideal for those hectic days when you want a nutritious meal on the table but are short on time. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to stretch your grocery budget, especially when using chicken thighs, which offer superior flavor and moisture compared to leaner cuts. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to slow cooking, this recipe promises consistent success and a delighted family. It’s easily customizable, allowing you to tweak ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or whatever fresh produce you have on hand, ensuring it never gets boring.
Essential Ingredients for Your Flavorful Chicken Stew
Crafting a truly memorable chicken stew begins with a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the rich, creamy, and hearty profile of this dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each element is important, along with some helpful substitution tips:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are the star of our stew! Chicken thighs are inherently more flavorful and stay wonderfully moist during slow cooking, preventing the dry texture often associated with chicken breasts. Their slightly higher fat content contributes significantly to the richness of the stew. While we recommend thighs for optimal results, you can certainly swap them out for chicken breasts or tenderloins if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful that breasts may cook a bit faster and might not be as succulent.
- Potatoes: Essential for a classic hearty stew, potatoes provide body and a satisfying texture. Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are excellent choices here due to their starch content, which helps thicken the stew slightly and results in a creamy, tender bite. Peel and dice them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Carrots, Celery, and Onion: This classic aromatic trio forms the flavor base of our stew. They soften beautifully in the slow cooker, releasing sweet and savory notes that build a complex background flavor. For a convenient time-saving option, many grocery stores offer pre-diced mirepoix (a mix of carrots, celery, and onion) in the produce section.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent depth that complements the other aromatics. Freshly minced garlic is always best for flavor, but jarred minced garlic is a perfectly acceptable and convenient alternative when you’re short on time.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid foundation of our stew, chicken broth infuses the entire dish with savory chicken flavor. If you are monitoring your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium or no-sodium-added chicken broth. You can also elevate the flavor and control ingredients more precisely by using homemade chicken broth.
- Packet Chicken Gravy Mix: This secret ingredient adds a fantastic boost of savory chicken flavor and contributes to the stew’s lovely thickness and rich color. Again, if sodium is a concern, look for low-sodium or no-sodium-added gravy mixes.
- Packet Ranch Seasoning Mix: Ranch seasoning is a surprising but delightful addition that brings a unique savory, tangy, and herby dimension to the stew, enhancing its overall flavor profile. For those who prefer to control ingredients or sodium, using some of your own homemade ranch seasoning is an excellent choice.
- Heavy Cream: This is what gives our stew its signature creamy, luxurious texture. It adds a richness that truly elevates the dish. If you find heavy cream too rich, you can lighten it by swapping for half-and-half. For an even lighter option, a touch of milk can be used, but be aware that milk is much thinner than heavy cream and may result in a less robustly creamy consistency. Start with a smaller amount and add gradually until you achieve your desired creaminess, remembering that we’re aiming for a hearty stew, not a thin soup.
- Cornstarch: Used to create a simple slurry, cornstarch is crucial for thickening the stew to that perfect, comforting consistency. If you prefer a thinner stew, you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely, but it truly helps achieve that classic stew thickness.
- Frozen Peas: Added towards the end of cooking, frozen peas provide a pop of vibrant color, a touch of sweetness, and additional texture. I personally prefer the bright green appearance of frozen peas, but canned peas can certainly be used if that’s what you have. Just note that canned peas tend to be a darker green.
Mastering the Art of Crock Pot Chicken Stew: A Simple Guide
Making this hearty chicken stew in your slow cooker is incredibly easy, leaving you with more time to relax while your kitchen fills with the most wonderful aromas. Follow these simple steps for a truly satisfying meal:
- Combine Main Ingredients: Begin by adding your boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic to a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Distribute them evenly at the bottom.
- Prepare the Flavorful Liquid Base: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, chicken gravy mix, and ranch seasoning mix until thoroughly combined and smooth. This creates a rich and seasoned liquid that will infuse all the ingredients with incredible flavor.
- Pour and Cook: Pour the whisked broth mixture directly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Ensure all ingredients are submerged as much as possible. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 4 hours. The stew is ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the vegetables are fork-tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and shred or dice them into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, to save a step, you can use tongs or two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Return the shredded chicken to the pot if you removed it.
- Thicken and Add Creaminess: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch to create a smooth slurry. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker, stirring it gently into the stew. This slurry is essential for achieving the creamy, thick consistency we’re looking for.
- Finish with Peas: Add the frozen peas to the slow cooker and stir everything together once more. Cover and continue to cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the stew has thickened to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can always make a second, smaller cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water) and add it in, cooking for another 10-15 minutes on high until thickened.
- Serve and Enjoy: For an optional fresh touch, garnish each serving with some freshly chopped parsley before digging in. Serve hot and savor every comforting spoonful!
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Guide
Chicken stew pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. As you can see in my pictures, I love serving it with some crusty French bread, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy broth. Texas Toast or homemade breadsticks are also fantastic options. For a lighter touch, a crisp side salad is excellent – you can even grab a bagged salad for ultimate convenience!
No worries at all! While ranch seasoning adds a unique savory depth, the stew will still be incredibly tasty without it. You could make some homemade ranch seasoning if you wish, or simply omit it. Alternatively, feel free to use your favorite blend of seasonings. A little Mrs. Dash herb blend, a pinch of thyme and rosemary, or a good quality poultry seasoning would all work beautifully to enhance the flavor.
This recipe is designed to produce a perfectly thickened stew with the cornstarch slurry added towards the end. However, if you find it’s still thinner than your liking, don’t fret! You can easily create a second slurry: just mix 2 tablespoons of water with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth, then stir it into the stew. Increase the slow cooker setting to high, and you should notice it thickening up within about 10-15 minutes. Repeat this process if necessary for an even thicker consistency.
This stew is incredibly versatile! If you enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. For different vegetable profiles, feel free to swap out or add other hearty veggies like chopped bell peppers, corn, green beans, or even some mushrooms. Just be mindful of cook times for softer vegetables, adding them later if they tend to get mushy quickly.
Leftovers of this delicious chicken stew can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual servings or gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. While you can technically freeze this stew, be aware that it might undergo a slight texture change upon thawing, particularly with the potatoes becoming a bit mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from refrigeration within a few days.
Expert Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Achieving a consistently perfect slow cooker chicken stew is simple with a few helpful pointers:
- Uniform Vegetable Size: For even cooking, ensure your potatoes, carrots, and celery are cut into roughly the same size pieces. This prevents some vegetables from becoming overcooked while others remain firm.
- Chicken Choice: While chicken thighs are recommended for their flavor and tenderness, if using chicken breasts, you might want to consider cutting them into larger chunks initially, as they tend to shred more easily and can dry out if overcooked.
- Sodium Control: Always taste your stew before adding extra salt, especially since packaged chicken gravy and ranch seasoning mixes already contain sodium. Using low-sodium broth allows you to adjust the seasoning to your preference at the end.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Resist the urge to fill your slow cooker to the brim. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and can also prevent the stew from thickening properly.
- Resist Peeking: Opening the slow cooker lid frequently releases heat and extends the cooking time. Try to keep the lid on as much as possible until it’s time to check for doneness or add the final ingredients.
- Cornstarch Slurry Savvy: Always mix cornstarch with a cold liquid (like water or heavy cream) before adding it to a hot stew. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, even thickening.
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
This creamy chicken stew is a meal in itself, but it can be enhanced with a few simple additions to create a more complete dining experience. Beyond the classic crusty bread or garlic breadsticks, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For something more substantial, a side of fluffy white rice or quinoa can soak up the delicious broth. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives right before serving to add a touch of color and a burst of herbaceous freshness. A warm cornbread muffin would also be a delightful southern-inspired pairing.
Craving More Slow Cooker Comfort?
If you loved the ease and flavor of this Crock Pot Chicken Stew, you’re in for a treat! The slow cooker is a magical appliance for creating comforting, hands-off meals. Explore more of our favorite slow cooker recipes that promise deliciousness with minimal effort:
- Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Crock Pot Potato Soup
- Crock Pot Chicken Pot Roast
- Crock Pot Beef Stew
- Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
- Crock Pot Chicken and Ranch
- Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
- Creamy Chicken Stew (stovetop version for a faster option!)
- Crock Pot White Lasagna Soup
- Crock Pot Taco Soup
- Crock Pot Dr Pepper Beef Stew
- Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Crock Pot Vegetable Soup
- Crock Pot Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Crock Pot Chicken Stew
A hearty chicken stew with a creamy base, brimming with tender potatoes, wholesome vegetables, and succulent chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts or tenderloins)
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced (russet or Yukon gold)
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- ½ cup diced sweet onion (can use more or less to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth (low or no sodium chicken broth can be used)
- 1 ounce packet chicken gravy mix
- 1 ounce packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- To a 5-6 quart slow cooker, add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced potatoes, large carrots, diced celery, diced sweet onion, and minced garlic.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, chicken gravy mix, and ranch seasoning mix until smooth.
- Pour this mixture into the slow cooker on top of the chicken and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours, until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F and the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the chicken and shred or dice it. Alternatively, use tongs or forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Return the chicken to the slow cooker if you removed it.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth, then pour this slurry into the slow cooker and stir well.
- Add the frozen peas and stir all ingredients together. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 30 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the stew has thickened.
- Optional: Top with some chopped parsley for garnish before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Video Tutorial
Notes
- For more detailed information on substitutions or answers to common questions, please refer to the FAQ section and ingredient list provided above.
- When preparing celery, I typically trim off the very top and the white fibrous base, using only the tender center stalks. This is a personal preference; you can include the tops if desired.
- If you are sensitive to salt, I highly recommend using a no-sodium-added chicken broth. Remember that both the chicken gravy packet and ranch seasoning mix contain sodium. It’s always easier to add salt to taste at the end than to remove it.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 311kcal
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Carbohydrates: 27g
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Protein: 13g
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Fat: 17g
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Sodium: 749mg
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 5g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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