Nothing beats the aroma of a hearty chicken stew simmering away on a chilly day. This comforting meal is perfectly suited for busy families or anyone craving a simple, nourishing dish filled with classic fall flavors. With minimal prep and the magic of the slow cooker, you can enjoy a warm, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Start by warming the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion looks translucent. Transfer these veggies to the slow cooker.
Next, in the same skillet, quickly sear the chicken pieces on each side. They don’t need to fully cook through—just a little color helps lock in flavor. Add the chicken to the slow cooker, followed by the potatoes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and tomato paste. Stir in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, then pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir, cover with a lid, and set your slow cooker to low for 7–8 hours (or high for 3–4 hours).
By the time you lift the lid, you’ll be greeted with tender chicken and soft, beautifully flavored vegetables. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed before serving.
Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread or warm biscuits to soak up every last drop.
This one-pot wonder is a dream for comforting family meals or easy meal prepping. It’s packed with protein, vitamins, and subtly sweet root vegetables, making it a robust option for cool-weather dinners. If you’d like to switch up the recipe, try adding peas, green beans, or other seasonal produce. You can also swap chicken thighs for lean chicken breasts or mix in sweet potatoes for a pleasant twist. Whether you’re feeding a full house or simply craving something warm and satisfying after a long day, this slow cooker chicken stew is sure to delight.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
