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If you are craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with Vegetables and Herbs Recipe is just what you need. It brings together tender chicken thighs simmered to perfection alongside hearty baby potatoes, sweet carrots, and aromatic herbs, making every spoonful a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This stew is incredibly easy to prepare yet impressively rich and satisfying, perfect for cozy family dinners or when you want to unwind with a wholesome, homemade dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black slow cooker filled with a thick stew made of shredded cooked chicken, round yellow baby potatoes, and sliced bright orange carrots, all mixed in a rich, dark brown sauce with visible herbs. The stew layers mix together inside the cooker, with the vegetables and chicken pieces scattered evenly throughout. The slow cooker is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe is in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in balancing flavor, texture, and vibrant color, turning humble staples into a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onions and celery, building the stew’s savory base.
White Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and depth to the broth when cooked slowly.
Garlic: Infuses a warm, fragrant aroma that enhances all the other ingredients.
Celery: Offers a mild, slightly peppery crunch that balances the stew’s softness.
Bone-in Skinless Chicken Thighs: Provide juicy, tender meat that stays moist through slow cooking.
Dried Italian Seasoning: A classic herbal blend that layers in Mediterranean flair.
Onion Powder: Amplifies onion flavor and brings extra savoriness.
Salt and Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
Coconut Aminos: Adds a mild umami with a touch of sweetness—feel free to swap with low-sodium soy sauce.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful but light base for simmering the stew.
Tomato Sauce: Brings rich tomato sweetness and balances the herbaceous notes.
Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and deepens the color.
Carrots: Add natural sweetness and vibrant color, plus a tender bite after slow cooking.
Baby Potatoes: Soak up the broth’s richness and keep the stew hearty and filling.
Bouquet Garni (thyme, rosemary, bay leaf): These fresh herbs infuse the stew with fragrant, earthy notes.
Fresh Parsley or Chives (optional): A bright garnish that adds freshness and visual appeal.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with Vegetables and Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Adding the chopped onion and celery first allows them to soften gently, creating a sweet and tender base. Stir in the minced garlic last so it releases its fragrance without burning. This step is crucial because it deepens the stew’s overall flavor and texture.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the bone-in, skinless chicken thighs directly into the slow cooker. Adding the sautéed onion, celery, and garlic mixture on top builds flavor from bottom to top. Sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper evenly, then pour in the coconut aminos, chicken broth, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Finish by adding the chopped carrots and halved baby potatoes, giving everything a gentle stir to combine without disturbing the chicken too much.

Step 3: Add the Bouquet Garni

Tuck the tied bundle of fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf right into the stew. This method allows the herbs to slowly release their essence throughout the cooking process while making them easy to remove before serving.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Perfectly Tender

Set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and falling off the bone, soaking up the rich flavors of the broth and vegetables.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Carefully transfer the chicken thighs to a plate. Remove and discard the bones, then shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces. Returning the shredded chicken to the stew ensures each bite is packed with tender protein.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Herb Removal

Remove the bouquet garni from the slow cooker. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your palate perfectly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the stew for a burst of color and freshness. It’s now ready to warm your soul!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with Vegetables and Herbs Recipe

A large wooden board holds many ingredients on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a white bowl filled with raw pink chicken thighs. Around the bowl, there are small yellow potatoes, some cut in half. Toward the right side, there are two whole bright orange carrots, part of a celery stalk, and a halved white onion with its skin. A knife with a wooden handle lies near the vegetables. To the far right, a white bowl contains thick red tomato sauce. On the left side of the board, several small white bowls hold green chopped herbs, dark sauce, dried herbs, and red paste. There is also a glass container with olive oil and a few sprigs of rosemary and thyme tied together. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or chives brings a beautiful contrast of green and fresh flavor to the hearty stew. These garnishes lift the dish visually and tastefully, brightening each spoonful.

Side Dishes

This stew is fabulous on its own, but serving it with crusty bread is like adding the perfect partner to a dance—it soaks up that luscious broth and adds a delightful crunch. Alternatively, a crisp side salad offers a refreshing counterpoint to the stew’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic touch, serve the stew in individual bowls with a sprig of fresh rosemary on top. You can also ladle it over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for a heartier meal. Presentation is all about enhancing the cozy, homey feel of this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with Vegetables and Herbs Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover stew to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy perfect leftovers during busy weekdays.

Freezing

This stew freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings, but stirring halfway through helps maintain an even temperature and preserves that lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can, but chicken thighs hold up much better to slow cooking due to their higher fat content, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. Breasts may become dry or tough if cooked too long.

Is it necessary to use bone-in chicken?

The bones add fantastic flavor and richness to the stew during cooking. Using boneless chicken is possible but might result in a milder-tasting broth.

What can I substitute for coconut aminos?

If you don’t have coconut aminos, low-sodium soy sauce or tamari work well and provide a similar savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with Vegetables and Herbs Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose gluten-free chicken broth and soy sauce substitutes. Always check labels to be certain.

Can I add more vegetables to this stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to include chopped parsnips, green beans, or mushrooms. Just keep in mind how cooking times may vary with additional ingredients, so add heartier veggies earlier and delicate ones later in the process.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with Vegetables and Herbs Recipe is the kind of dish that warms your heart and fills your home with irresistible aromas. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal, full of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fresh herbs that feel like a culinary embrace. Whether you’re serving it up for a family gathering or making it ahead for a busy weeknight, I promise this stew will become one of your go-to comfort foods. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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