Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 210 min
Total time: 230 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1 small yellow onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 ½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes (or red potatoes, cut into ½-inch pieces); 2 medium carrots (diced); 1 rib celery (diced); 1 cup frozen corn (thawed); 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts; ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves; 3 cups chicken broth (or chicken stock); 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or evaporated milk); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 cup frozen green beans (thawed)

Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Flavor: Savory poultry seasoning, thyme, and chicken broth create a classic flavor. Chicken, potatoes, vegetables, and a splash of cream make the broth rich and comforting without feeling heavy.

Why Make It: The chicken breasts go into the slow cooker whole, making prep easy, and shred effortlessly once they’re tender.

Total Time: 3 Hrs 50 Mins (20 Min Prep) Servings: 6 Cook Method: Slow Cooker

Ingredient Notes

broth , garlic , green beans , carrots , celery, cornstarch , whipping cream , corn , onion , chicken , poultry seasoning , thyme , potatoes , butter , salt and pepper with labels to make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew.

Potatoes: Yukon gold or red potatoes hold their shape well in the slow cooker while staying creamy inside. Cut them into small, even pieces so they cook through evenly and are tender when the stew is ready.

Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts whole and shred them once they’re tender. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which will give the stew a slightly richer flavor.

Corn: Frozen corn keeps prep quick and easy. Thaw it before adding so it doesn’t lower the slow cooker’s temperature and slow down cooking.

Poultry Seasoning: Poultry seasoning adds classic savory chicken flavor to the stew. Use either store-bought or homemade poultry seasoning.

Cream: Heavy cream gives the stew a rich, velvety texture, while evaporated milk is a lighter option that still adds plenty of creaminess.

Broth: Store-bought broth or homemade chicken stock both work well in this stew.

Green Beans: Add the green beans near the end of cooking so they stay tender without becoming too soft. Swap with frozen peas for an easy substitute.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Sauté the onion and garlic in butter.

adding seasoning to chicken and vegetable in the pot to make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Add the onion mixture to the bottom of the slow cooker with the potatoes, carrots, celery, and corn. Add chicken, seasonings, and broth. Cook.

shredding cooked chicken to make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Remove chicken and shred. In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cream (full recipe below).

adding cooked chicken and green beans to pot to make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Add chicken, the cornstarch mixture, and green beans to the slow cooker and cook a little longer.

Prefer to make dinner on the stove? Try my easy stovetop chicken stew.

For Even Cooking: Cut the potatoes and carrots into similar small pieces so they cook evenly and finish at roughly the same time.
Keep the Lid Closed: Keep the lid closed during the main cooking time, as opening the slow cooker releases heat and can extend the cooking time.
Test the Potatoes: Potatoes should be tender and easily pierced with a fork before adding the final ingredients.
Mix the Cornstarch Smooth: Whisk cornstarch into the cold cream until smooth before adding it to the hot stew to prevent lumps.
For Better Texture: Add the cream and green beans during the final cooking period to keep the cream smooth and the beans bright and fresh.