Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew for Cozy Nights

Introduction

When the weather turns chilly and you crave something hearty and comforting, this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is your answer. With tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth, this dish turns simple ingredients into a warm, satisfying meal—all with the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it slow cooking. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it’s a crowd-pleaser that welcomes everyone to the table with open arms.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

The magic of this stew is in its simplicity and depth of flavor. Each spoonful delivers juicy chicken, perfectly cooked veggies, and a rich, herby broth. Everything melds together over hours of slow cooking, creating a stew that’s both nourishing and delicious. Plus, this recipe is endlessly adaptable to whatever vegetables or herbs you have on hand, making it truly fuss-free and perfect for all seasons.

Best Tips for a Flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

For maximum flavor, try browning the chicken and sautéing the onions before adding them to the slow cooker—though this step is optional, it deepens the flavors. Use chicken thighs for their rich, tender texture, and don’t skimp on the fresh herbs; they infuse the stew with warmth. If you love a thicker stew, mash a few of the cooked potatoes when everything is done.

How to Assemble and Cook the Stew

Layer the ingredients in your slow cooker, starting with hearty veggies (like potatoes and carrots) then adding chicken, aromatics, broth, and seasonings. Give it a gentle mix, set your slow cooker, and let the kitchen fill with delicious aromas. By dinner time, all that’s left is to ladle steaming stew into bowls and serve!

Serving Suggestions for a Cozy Night In

Pair this chicken stew with crusty bread or homemade biscuits to soak up the broth. For a fresh side, try a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. The stew is equally satisfying on its own—spooned into big bowls and enjoyed under a warm blanket.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings, with each bowl offering a balanced combination of lean protein, vegetables, and wholesome carbs. Depending on your ingredients, expect each serving to contain roughly 350-400 calories.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew (Recap)

A big pot of this stew brings warmth, flavor, and comfort to your table—no matter how hectic your day. With minimal effort and maximum reward, it’s the perfect meal to gather around when the nights are cool and you need something cozy to look forward to.

💡 Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and stress-free meal planning!

Instructions

1. (Optional) In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown chicken pieces and sauté onions for added flavor.
2. Layer diced potatoes, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add browned chicken and onions (if using), then top with garlic, peas, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
3. Pour in chicken broth, sprinkle thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper over the top. Gently stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. Remove the bay leaf. For a thicker stew, gently mash a few potatoes in the pot and stir well.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is an ideal candidate for your weekly meal prep! Save and schedule this recipe in CookifyAI—plan which days to enjoy it and instantly generate smart shopping lists that consolidate all your ingredients.

Planning Benefits:

• Calculates ingredient totals across your weekly recipes
• Organizes shopping lists by grocery section for speed and ease
• Eliminates duplicate purchases and ensures nothing’s forgotten
• Keeps your meal prep efficient and budget-friendly

Pro tip: If prepping this stew and other meals this week, schedule them together—CookifyAI will track overlapping ingredients (like potatoes or carrots) and calculate exact quantities you need, reducing food waste and simplifying your grocery trip.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours (LOW) or 4–5 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: 7.5 to 8.5 hours

Enjoy the ultimate cozy night in—with this comforting, easy slow cooker chicken stew on your table and the stress of meal planning taken care of!