Steam curls up from the valve and your stomach starts talking back. You spot that little puff of steam and suddenly you 27re feeling all cozy inside just thinking about that chicken stew. It sorta wraps you up like you 27re sitting in your fave sweater on a rainy day.

Slow cooker chicken stew steaming and ready to serve — A comforting slow cooker chicken stew filling the kitchen with cozy aromas.

Now as you watch the steam cues rise, you know the stew's almost ready. That smell sneaking into your nose gets louder and more tempting. You can almost taste the tender chicken and soft potatoes right ahead.

There 27s just somethin 27 about chicken stew made in the slow cooker that hits a happy spot. It 27s like the flavors all get to know each other over a long slow simmer. Your kitchen fills up with good smells while it cooks low and slow.

Why This Recipe Works Every Single Time

You start by searing the chicken thighs so they keep that rich flavor locked in. For a similar flavor boost, try our Classic Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa recipe.
The slow cooker gently coaxes out every bit of taste from the carrots, onion, and garlic. Vegetables are the heart of any stew, and our Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole also celebrates them deliciously.
Using chicken thighs gives you tender pull that 27s juicier than breast meat.
The combo of coconut aminos, herbs, and broth creates a broth that 27s deep and comforting.
Cooking on low for hours lets everything meld perfectly without watching over it.

The Complete Shopping Rundown

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs 69these are your tender stars.
1 tablespoon olive oil 69for that sear it 27s gotta have.
Salt and pepper 69basic but totally essential for seasoning.
3 chopped carrots 69sweet and soft.
1 yellow onion, chopped 69adds a depth of flavor that grounds the stew.
5 garlic cloves, chopped 69gotta have that garlic punch.
2 peeled and diced russet potatoes 69they soak up the broth so nice.

Ingredients for slow cooker chicken stew in a bowl — Fresh ingredients ready to make a flavorful chicken stew.

2 tablespoons coconut aminos 69a little twist for rich umami goodness.
Chicken broth and almond milk 692.5 cups and 1 cup respectively, for that creamy base.

The Full Pressure Cooker Journey

First, you season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Don 27t be shy here, this is where a lotta flavor starts.

Next, heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken thighs on both sides. You want 'em just lightly browned 27you catch that smell? Heck, it 27s gonna be good.

Then you toss the chopped carrots, onion, garlic, and potatoes right into the slow cooker. You 27re building the base here.

Place the seared chicken on top of those veggies. It kinda keeps all the juices locked in while they cook.

Sprinkle salt and oregano over everything and add in rosemary and a bay leaf. Then pour the coconut aminos on top. That 27s the flavor upside you didn 27t expect.

Pour in 2.5 cups chicken broth and cover the cooker. If you 27re doing low, set it for 6 to 8 hours. High? 3 to 4 hours good. You 27re watching for that tender pull on the chicken and soft veggies.

When it 27s done, give the stew a good stir. You might wanna adjust seasoning now. Taste it 27does it need more salt or pepper? Easy fix.

For thickening, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot with a bit of almond milk then stir it into the stew and let it cook a few more minutes. That natural release will help everything come together better.

Quick Tricks That Save Your Time

Chop vegetables the night before. You 27ll save yourself a headache when you 27re ready to cook.
Sear chicken and then keep it warm in the oven while prepping the rest. No cold chicken slowing down the slow cooker.
Use pre-chopped frozen veggies if you 27re really pressed. They work surprisingly well here.
Mix your herbs and spices ahead into a little jar for easy sprinkle action.
Skip peeling potatoes for extra fiber and texture if you 27re okay with a little rustic feel.

What It Tastes Like Fresh From the Pot

That first spoonful is warm and soothing. The broth 27s silky with just enough tang from the coconut aminos to keep you interested.

The chicken just falls apart with that tender pull you always hope for. It 27s juicy and packed full of the herbs soaking in every bite.

Potatoes and carrots hold their shape but are nice and soft, making the stew hearty without feeling heavy.

The garlic and onion give a little sharpness that balances the sweet root veggies. You 27re gonna wanna go back for seconds.

Slow cooker chicken stew served fresh in a bowl with garnish — A bowl of hearty slow cooker chicken stew ready to enjoy.

Smart Storage That Actually Works

Let your stew cool down a bit before moving it to airtight containers. This keeps the flavors fresh without getting mushy.

Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat with a splash of broth or almond milk to keep it nice and cozy.

You can freeze portions too. Use freezer-safe tubs and thaw overnight in the fridge when you want a quick meal ready to go.

When reheating, aim for slow release of steam so the texture stays perfect. Nobody wants rubbery chicken from quick zapping.

What People Always Ask Me

Can I use chicken breasts instead? You can but thighs give you that juicy tender pull that breasts can lack.
What if I don 27t have coconut aminos? Soy sauce works okay, but coconut aminos brings a sweeter, less salty vibe.
How do I thicken the stew? Mix cornstarch or arrowroot with milk before stirring in at the end. Let it cook for a few mins under natural release.
Can I add other veggies? Heck yeah! Green beans or peas go great but add 8em at the last hour so they don 27t get mushy.
What does slow release mean? It means you let the pressure come down on its own instead of opening the valve quick. Helps keep food tender.
Is almond milk necessary? Nope, swap it out for any milk you like or leave it out if you want a clearer broth.

For related recipes, you might like our Classic Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa, perfect for an easy slow cooker meal, or try our Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives for a savory snack option. Also check out the Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole Dump Meal Recipe for another comforting dish packed with flavor.