Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Name: Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 4 medium carrots, sliced; 3 medium potatoes, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a warm and hearty meal that's easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.

Created by

Marley Quinn

Last updated on 2025-12-28T18:34:10.960Z

This chicken stew is not only budget-friendly but also packed with flavors. It's perfect for meal prep and can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Hearty and filling, perfect for chilly days
Simple ingredients that are easy to find
One pot means less cleanup and more time to enjoy

      

A Hearty Meal for Everyone

This Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is ideal for families or gatherings, providing a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and rich broth creates a dish that warms both the body and soul. Perfect for chilly evenings, this stew not only delights the taste buds but also fills the stomach, making it a go-to recipe for feeding a crowd without emptying your wallet.

Moreover, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family's preferences. Whether you want to add more vegetables like green beans or switch chicken for beef, the slow cooker makes it easy to adapt this stew to your liking.

Effortless Preparation

One of the best aspects of this slow cooker chicken stew is its simplicity. With minimal preparation, you can have a delicious meal simmering away while you go about your day. Just chop your vegetables, dice the chicken, and let the slow cooker do all the work. This recipe is perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, as it requires very little hands-on time.

In addition, the one-pot cooking method means less cleanup afterward. You can enjoy your meal and then simply wash one pot instead of multiple pans and dishes. This convenience makes this stew not only a tasty option but also a practical choice for any home cook.

Nutritional Benefits

Not only is this stew budget-friendly, but it is also packed with nutrients. The chicken provides a good source of protein, while the carrots and potatoes contribute vitamins and fiber to your diet. Cooking in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring that you get a hearty and wholesome meal in every bite.

Furthermore, you can enhance the nutritional value by adding beans or lentils to the stew. This not only boosts the protein content but also adds a variety of textures and flavors. This flexibility allows you to make a meal that is not only delicious but also nourishing.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
4 medium carrots, sliced
3 medium potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables or beans!

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by chopping the vegetables and mincing the garlic. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.

Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

Place the chicken, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes.

Season the Stew

Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine.

Cook the Stew

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

Serve and Enjoy

Once done, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious stew!

This stew keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for longer storage.

Tips for the Perfect Stew

To achieve the best flavor in your chicken stew, consider browning the chicken pieces in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step enhances the overall taste, giving your stew a rich, savory depth. While it adds a few extra minutes to your prep time, the flavor payoff is well worth it.

Another fantastic tip is to use homemade chicken broth if you have it available. Homemade broth is often richer and more flavorful than store-bought options, which can elevate the taste of your stew significantly. If you opt for store-bought, consider choosing low-sodium varieties to control the saltiness of your dish.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, you're in for a treat! This stew stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the stew for up to three months. To do this, allow it to cool fully and then portion it into freezer-safe containers. When you're ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove for a quick and easy meal that tastes just as good as the first time.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your chicken stew experience by serving it with crusty bread or fluffy rice. A slice of warm, buttered bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth, while rice adds a nice texture and helps to make the meal even more filling. You could also serve a side salad to add freshness and balance to the meal.

For those who enjoy a little kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to your bowl. This simple addition can elevate the flavors and bring a new dimension to your hearty stew. Don't forget to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a vibrant touch!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just increase the cooking time by 30 minutes.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add green beans, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

→ How do I thicken the stew?

You can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

→ Can I make this stew in a regular pot?

Yes, you can make it on the stovetop. Just simmer it on low for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken is cooked through.