When cold weather rolls in, nothing beats coming home to the comforting aroma of this slow-simmered Crockpot Chicken Stew. Packed with succulent chicken thighs, smoky turkey bacon, and chunky farm-fresh root vegetables, this effortless one-pot dinner delivers rustic homestyle richness with minimal morning prep.
If you love nourishing slow-simmered poultry dishes, you’ll also love our Cozy Chicken and Rice Soup.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Stew
- Effortless Hands-Off Cooking: Just chop, toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and let time work its magic.
- Rich and Naturally Wholesome: Loaded with lean protein, hearty potatoes, carrots, and healing chicken broth seasoned with fragrant herbs.
- Smoky Twist: Crisp turkey bacon adds an irresistible savory depth that elevates traditional chicken stew to gourmet comfort status.
Ingredients and Substitutions
What You’ll Need
Here are the core ingredients required for this delicious Crockpot Chicken Stew:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 slices turkey bacon
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Smart Swaps and Variations
- Chicken Cuts: Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs, though thighs stay remarkably juicy during long slow cooking.
- Bacon Options: Regular smoked bacon or pancetta can replace turkey bacon if desired.
- Broth Variations: Use bone broth for an extra boost of collagen, protein, and silky mouthfeel.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Stew
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the turkey bacon by cooking until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: In the crockpot, add the chicken thighs, diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic.
Step 3: Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients and stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Top with the chopped crispy turkey bacon.
Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours until chicken is tender.
Step 6: Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker with two forks. Stir well, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Chef’s Success Tips
- Cut potatoes and carrots into uniform 1-inch chunks so they become fork-tender without falling apart.
- For a thicker stew gravy, whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
Storage & Reheating
How to Store
Allow stew to cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave in 1-minute increments, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Crockpot Chicken Stew
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the turkey bacon by cooking until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In the crockpot, add the chicken thighs, diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic.
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients and stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Top with the chopped crispy turkey bacon.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker with two forks. Stir well, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I put raw chicken directly into the slow cooker?
Yes! Raw chicken thighs cook completely through and turn extraordinarily tender and easy to shred after 6 hours on LOW.
Can I freeze this chicken stew?
Yes, chicken stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Note that potatoes may soften slightly in texture upon thawing, but flavor remains superb.
Do I need to sear the chicken first?
Searing is optional. The slow cooker extracts immense flavor from the aromatics and bacon without requiring pre-browning.
What side dishes go best with crockpot chicken stew?
Warm buttermilk biscuits, crusty sourdough bread, or a crisp green side salad make ideal accompaniments.
Final Thoughts
This comforting Crockpot Chicken Stew is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dinner that proves comfort food can be wholesome, nourishing, and ridiculously easy to prepare.
