Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Featured in: Seasonal Treats

This dish features tender chicken thighs combined with a colorful mix of carrots, potatoes, celery, onions, and green beans simmered for hours on low heat. Infused with dried herbs like thyme and oregano, and enhanced by savory broth and diced tomatoes, it yields a thick, flavorful stew. Optional cornstarch thickens the broth to desired consistency. Garnished with fresh parsley, this comforting dish is perfect for easy weeknight dinners or batch cooking.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 08:22:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Slow-Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Stew, bursting with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables. Pin
Steaming bowl of Slow-Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Stew, bursting with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables. | cinnamonnest.com

A comforting, hearty stew featuring tender chicken and a medley of vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection for a flavorful and nourishing meal.

I first made this stew on a chilly weekend and the whole house was filled with an inviting aroma. It quickly became a family favorite that is requested year-round.

Ingredients

  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: 1.5 lbs (680 g), cut into large chunks
  • Carrots: 3 medium, peeled and sliced
  • Potatoes: 3 medium, peeled and diced
  • Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
  • Onion: 1 large, diced
  • Green beans: 2 cups (300 g), trimmed and halved
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Low-sodium chicken broth: 4 cups (950 ml)
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz/410 g), undrained
  • Salt: 1 ½ tsp
  • Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Dried thyme: 1 tsp
  • Dried oregano: 1 tsp
  • Bay leaf: 1
  • Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cornstarch slurry (optional): 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water

Instructions

Layer Ingredients:
Add chicken thighs, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, green beans, and garlic to the slow cooker.
Add Liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with juice).
Season:
Sprinkle in salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and add the bay leaf. Stir to combine.
Cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken and vegetables are tender.
Thicken (Optional):
If a thicker stew is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
Finish:
Remove the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy a rich and flavorful Slow-Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Stew, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. Pin
Enjoy a rich and flavorful Slow-Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Stew, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. | cinnamonnest.com

My kids love helping to chop the vegetables for this stew. Sharing a warm bowl together makes for a cozy family dinner.

Required Tools

Slow cooker large enough to fit all ingredients is essential. You will also need a sturdy knife, cutting board, measuring cups, and a ladle for serving.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains no major allergens but always check labels on broth and canned tomatoes for hidden ingredients.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides about 265 calories, 5 g total fat, 30 g carbohydrates, and 25 g protein.

Homemade Slow-Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Stew, garnished with fresh parsley, offering a comforting aroma. Pin
Homemade Slow-Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Stew, garnished with fresh parsley, offering a comforting aroma. | cinnamonnest.com

This stew is perfect for meal prep and leftovers reheat beautifully. Enjoy a comforting, nourishing dinner with minimal effort!

Recipe FAQ

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used, but thighs offer more moisture and tenderness in slow cooking.

How do I thicken the stew if it’s too watery?

Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the stew during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to thicken.

Is it better to sauté onions and garlic before slow cooking?

Sautéing can deepen flavor but is optional; adding them raw still yields a tasty result after slow cooking.

Can I substitute potatoes with other vegetables?

Yes, sweet potatoes or parsnips make great alternatives and add a different sweetness to the dish.

How long can leftovers be stored?

Store refrigerated leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Tender chicken with carrots, potatoes, and green beans simmered slowly for a comforting meal.

Prep duration
20 min
Cooking duration
360 min
Total duration
380 min

Category Seasonal Treats

Difficulty Easy

Origin American

Yield 6 Servings

Dietary requirements Dairy-free, Gluten-free

Ingredients

Poultry

01 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks

Vegetables

01 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
02 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
03 2 celery stalks, chopped
04 1 large onion, diced
05 2 cups green beans, trimmed and halved
06 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

01 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
02 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

Seasonings

01 1 ½ tsp salt
02 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
03 1 tsp dried thyme
04 1 tsp dried oregano
05 1 bay leaf
06 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Thickener (optional)

01 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water

Directions

Step 01

Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Place chicken thighs, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, green beans, and garlic into the slow cooker.

Step 02

Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juice.

Step 03

Season: Add salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and the bay leaf; stir to blend evenly.

Step 04

Cook slowly: Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until chicken and vegetables are tender.

Step 05

Thicken stew (optional): For a thicker texture, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the final 20 to 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 06

Finish: Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 07

Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Necessary tools

  • Slow cooker (minimum 6-quart capacity)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle

Allergy information

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain.
  • Contains no major allergens; verify broth and canned tomato labels for hidden allergens or gluten.

Nutritional information (per serving)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 265
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Carbs: 30 g
  • Protein: 25 g