Slow Cooker Chicken Stew (Comforting & Easy One-Pot Meal)

Some days, I crave simplicity more than anything else. A warm kitchen. A slow cooker humming gently in the background. This slow cooker chicken stew was born on one of those days. I remember standing in my socks, chopping carrots while the rain tapped on the windows. By the time dinner rolled around, the house smelled like garlic, rosemary, and comfort. It was a moment I wanted to bottle up—and this recipe helps me do just that.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

This slow cooker chicken stew takes just 10 minutes of prep. After that, your slow cooker does all the work.

It’s a cozy, rich meal that simmers all day until the chicken is tender and the vegetables melt in your mouth. The broth is hearty but light, with a creamy finish thanks to a touch of almond milk. You’ll love it for busy nights, chilly weekends, or meal prep.

It’s also flexible—Paleo, Whole30, or just picky-eater friendly. Plus, it reheats beautifully.

Try pairing it with some crusty bread, or check out my Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie for cozy weeknight dinners.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken

I usually go with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the flavor and juiciness. But chicken breasts work just as well. You can even toss in shredded rotisserie chicken—just add it in the last hour of cooking.

Vegetables

This stew uses carrots, onion, garlic, and potatoes. Feel free to swap the russets for red or Yukon golds. Sweet potatoes or parsnips would be lovely too. For extra greens, stir in spinach or peas at the end.

Liquid & Flavor

The magic starts with chicken broth, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), and classic herbs like oregano, rosemary, and a bay leaf. These build layers of flavor slowly. Bone broth makes it extra nourishing if you have it on hand.

Thickener & Milk

To give the stew that creamy texture, I stir in a mix of almond milk and cornstarch. Arrowroot works for Paleo/Whole30. You can also use regular milk or add a splash of cream for richness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 – Brown the Chicken (Optional)

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season well with salt and pepper. Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet and brown the pieces for about 5 minutes. This step adds deeper flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.

Step 2 – Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken in your slow cooker. Add chopped carrots, onion, garlic, and potatoes. Pour in the broth, add coconut aminos, and sprinkle in the herbs. Tuck in the bay leaf.

Step 3 – Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook for 6 hours. During this time, everything softens and blends together in the coziest way.

Step 4 – Stir in the Thickening Slurry

In a small bowl, whisk almond milk with cornstarch until smooth. Pour this into the slow cooker and stir gently.

Step 5 – Finish on High Until Thickened

Turn your slow cooker to HIGH. Let the stew cook for another 30 to 45 minutes. It will thicken slightly and become velvety. Taste and add black pepper or more salt if needed.

Tips, Variations & Troubleshooting

Skipping the Browning Step

Totally fine. Just season the chicken well before adding it in. The stew will still taste wonderful.

Adjusting Thickness and Salt

Want it thinner? Omit the milk slurry. Want it saltier? Taste after cooking and add more based on your broth’s sodium level.

Using Leftover or Cooked Chicken

Add cooked chicken or turkey during the last hour. It’s a great way to use up holiday leftovers.

Making it Dairy-Free, Whole30, or Paleo

Stick with almond milk and arrowroot, and skip cornstarch or dairy. This stew easily adapts to your needs.

Serving Suggestions

This stew stands strong on its own, but it loves a good sidekick.

Try it with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or crusty bread. A simple kale salad adds brightness. For Whole30 or Paleo, go with cauliflower rice or zoodles.

You might also enjoy it alongside my Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy for a creamy comfort meal.

Storage & Reheating

Let your stew cool before storing.

Fridge: Keeps well for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: Store in airtight containers for 2 to 3 months.
Reheat: Gently warm on the stove or in the microwave. If it’s too thick, stir in a little extra broth or milk.

This stew truly gets better the next day!

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Print

Before you go, don’t forget to pin this recipe to your favorite cozy dinner board: Pinterest – Cozy Recipes by Clara

FAQs