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: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 3 cups diced potatoes; 2 cups chopped carrots; 1 cup chopped celery; 1 medium onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the perfect comfort food that doesn’t break the bank. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, it's a hearty meal that the whole family will love.

Created by

Marley Quinn

Last updated on 2025-12-28T19:04:11.154Z

This Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a rich broth that simmers to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a delicious meal on a budget, this stew is a fantastic choice.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Affordable ingredients that won’t compromise on flavor
Hands-off cooking with a slow cooker for ultimate convenience
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers that taste even better the next day

      

The Comfort of Home-Cooked Meals

Home-cooked meals have a way of bringing families together. They not only nourish the body but also the soul. A warm bowl of chicken stew can evoke memories of cozy dinners, laughter, and shared stories around the table. This Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a perfect example of that comfort food that warms you from the inside out.

Moreover, cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that your meals are both healthy and delicious. With this stew, you can pack in plenty of vegetables and lean protein, making it a nutritious option for busy weeknights. Plus, the slow cooker does all the hard work for you!

Perfect for Busy Families

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a nutritious meal can be a challenge. This slow cooker chicken stew is designed with busy families in mind. Simply prep your ingredients in the morning, set your slow cooker, and return home to a delicious, home-cooked meal waiting for you.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With minimal hands-on time, you can focus on other tasks throughout the day while the slow cooker works its magic. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy wholesome meals without the stress of evening cooking.

Versatile and Customizable

One of the best features of this Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is its versatility. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Add green beans, corn, or even some peas for an extra pop of color and nutrition.

You can also customize the flavors to suit your family’s taste. If you like a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes. For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth. This stew is a canvas for your culinary creativity!

Ingredients

For the Stew

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

Gather all the ingredients before starting for a smooth cooking experience.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by dicing the potatoes, chopping the carrots and celery, and dicing the onion. Mince the garlic and set all the vegetables aside.

Layer the Slow Cooker

In the slow cooker, add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic. Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.

Add the Broth and Seasonings

Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle the dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper on top.

Cook the Stew

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, shred the chicken in the pot with two forks. Stir everything together and serve hot!

Enjoy your delicious stew with some crusty bread or over rice!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

One of the greatest advantages of this chicken stew is that it tastes even better the next day! After it cools, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will last for up to 3-4 days, making it a perfect option for meal prep.

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. If the stew seems a bit thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. The flavors will have melded beautifully, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

This Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your meal by pairing it with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A side of whole grain bread is perfect for soaking up all that flavorful broth, while a crisp green salad adds a refreshing contrast.

For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple grain like rice or quinoa. These options provide additional fiber and nutrients, rounding out your dinner plate and keeping everyone satisfied.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just increase the cooking time by an hour.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as peas, corn, or bell peppers.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.