Description
This creamy slow cooker chicken stew is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with tender chicken breasts, vibrant vegetables like carrots, celery, red potatoes, and savory seasonings, all simmered slowly to meld flavors beautifully. The addition of cream of chicken soup and heavy cream creates a rich, velvety texture that makes this stew a satisfying family favorite.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 6 red potatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup (approx. 10.5 oz each)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1-2 bone-in chicken breasts
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
Dairy
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly coat the slow cooker insert with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Add the vegetables: Place the sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced red potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker, creating a flavorful base.
- Mix soup and broth: Stir together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until combined, then pour the mixture over the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Add chicken and seasonings: Nestle the bone-in chicken breasts on top of the vegetables, then sprinkle salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning evenly over everything. Add the bay leaf for additional aroma and flavor.
- Cook the stew: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and the vegetables tender.
- Remove chicken: Carefully take the chicken breasts out of the slow cooker and set aside to cool slightly.
- Add cream: Stir the heavy cream into the stew until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Shred chicken: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker and stir to combine evenly with the stew.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the stew and add additional salt and pepper if desired to enhance the flavors.
- Serve warm: Ladle the creamy chicken stew into bowls and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Using bone-in chicken breasts adds extra flavor, but you can substitute with boneless if preferred.
- For a thicker stew, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas or corn in the last hour of cooking for variety.
- This stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
