Slow Cooker Chicken Stew: A Hearty, Flavorful Meal Perfect for Cozy Nights

This slow cooker chicken stew is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors that will warm you from the inside out. With minimal effort, you can create a wholesome and delicious dinner that simmers to perfection in your slow cooker while you go about your day. This recipe features chunks of chicken, potatoes, carrots, and peas, all cooked in a creamy broth that’s both savory and satisfying.

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Perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this slow cooker chicken stew recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a good, hearty meal.

The Secret to a Hearty and Flavorful Chicken Stew

The key to making this stew so rich and satisfying is using a blend of cream-based soups that add creaminess and depth of flavor. The combination of cream of chicken, cream of celery, and cream of mushroom soup creates a thick and velvety broth that coats the chicken and vegetables perfectly. Adding butter ensures the stew has a silky texture, while the instant rice absorbs the broth, making every bite rich and filling.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 330 kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 18g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Sugar: 2g

This stew is a well-balanced, hearty meal that provides protein, fiber, and satisfying flavors in every bowl. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips

For extra flavor, you can sauté the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker, which adds depth to the stew. If you prefer, you can also swap out chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier, richer taste. Additionally, you can substitute the instant rice for wild rice or brown rice for a nuttier flavor and chewier texture.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also freeze this stew for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

The History of Chicken Stew

Chicken stew has long been a staple of American comfort food, with variations spanning across regions. The creamy, thick version of chicken stew is especially popular in the Southern United States, where dishes featuring cream-based sauces and gravies are a culinary tradition. This slow cooker version modernizes the recipe, making it more convenient without sacrificing any of the rich, comforting flavors that make chicken stew a favorite.

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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups instant white rice
• 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of celery soup
• 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• ½ cup butter, sliced into pats
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: In a slow cooker, stir together the chicken, water, rice, cream of chicken, cream of celery, and cream of mushroom soups. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. Add Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and peas to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
3. Add Butter: Arrange the butter slices evenly over the top of the mixture.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
5. Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf, stir the stew, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Serve: Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or biscuits, and enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of this slow-cooked chicken stew.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker chicken stew is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for fall or winter nights. With a creamy broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked vegetables, it’s a meal that requires little effort but delivers big on flavor. Serve it as a family dinner or save it for meal prep—the leftovers are just as delicious!

Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make stew, and let its rich, comforting flavors bring warmth to your table!