Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Name: Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 4 medium carrots, sliced; 3 potatoes, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a hearty, comforting dish that is perfect for any day of the week. Packed with tender chicken and vegetables, it's an easy and affordable meal.

Created by

Harper Collins

Last updated on 2025-12-29T23:37:16.706Z

This Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is not only economical but also bursting with flavor. It’s a one-pot meal that makes dinner a breeze, allowing you to spend more time with your family and less time in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a recipe that even the busiest home cooks can appreciate.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Affordable ingredients that won't break the bank
A warm, comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings
Minimal prep time with maximum flavor

      

A Perfect Meal for Any Occasion

This Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is not only economical but also incredibly versatile. Whether you're feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or preparing a comforting dish for a Sunday gathering, this stew fits the bill perfectly. The combination of tender chicken and hearty vegetables creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You can easily customize the stew by adding your favorite vegetables or using whatever is left in your fridge. Seasonal ingredients can be swapped in for a fresh twist, making this dish a staple in your meal rotation throughout the year.

Slow Cooking Made Easy

One of the standout features of this recipe is the convenience of the slow cooker. By allowing the ingredients to simmer together for hours, flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and hearty stew. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it, making dinner time stress-free.

Slow cooking also ensures that the chicken remains moist and tender, while the vegetables absorb all the savory goodness from the broth and seasonings. This method not only enhances the taste but also makes cleanup a breeze, as you’ll have just one pot to wash.

Nutritional Benefits

This chicken stew is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Chicken thighs provide a good source of protein, while the colorful array of vegetables adds essential vitamins and minerals to your diet. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, potatoes offer potassium, and onions provide antioxidants.

By making this stew at home, you can control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary preservatives often found in store-bought options. This means you get a wholesome meal that is both nourishing and satisfying, perfect for promoting overall health and well-being.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
4 medium carrots, sliced
3 potatoes, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to adjust the vegetables according to your preference or what you have on hand.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the onions, slice the carrots, and dice the potatoes. Mince the garlic and set aside.

Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the carrots, potatoes, and onions on top. Add the minced garlic, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cook the Stew

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Serve

Once cooked, shred the chicken in the slow cooker and stir to combine with the vegetables before serving.

Enjoy your hearty chicken stew with some crusty bread!

Tips for Perfecting Your Stew

For an extra layer of flavor, consider browning the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step enhances the taste and provides a delightful depth to your stew. Additionally, feel free to experiment with herbs and spices. Adding a bay leaf or a splash of lemon juice can elevate the dish further.

If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little bit of cold water and stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before it's done cooking. This simple trick will help achieve a heartier consistency that’s perfect for serving over rice or with crusty bread.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers from this chicken stew make for an excellent lunch or dinner option the next day. Store any remaining stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier upon reheating.

To reheat, simply transfer the desired portion to a pot and warm it over medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave for quick reheating. If the stew thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty chicken stew pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with warm crusty bread or homemade biscuits to soak up every last bit of the flavorful broth. A simple green salad can add a refreshing contrast and round out the meal perfectly.

For a complete experience, you might also serve it alongside a glass of your favorite white wine. The lightness of the wine complements the savory nature of the stew, creating a delightful dining experience that’s both comforting and enjoyable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just ensure they are fully cooked before serving.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add green beans, peas, or any other vegetables you enjoy.

→ Can I make this stew in advance?

Absolutely! This stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.