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; 4 medium potatoes, diced; 3 carrots, sliced; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This hearty and affordable chicken stew is perfect for busy weeknights and will warm you from the inside out.

Created by

Skylar Jennings

Last updated on 2025-12-30T00:01:12.998Z

This Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a family favorite, packed with vegetables and tender chicken, all simmered together for a deliciously comforting meal. It's easy to prepare and perfect for those on a budget.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Wholesome ingredients that are easy on your wallet
Set it and forget it – perfect for busy families
Packed with flavor and nutrition for the whole family

      

A Hearty Meal on a Budget

In today's fast-paced world, finding meals that are both satisfying and budget-friendly can be a challenge. This Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is designed to fit right into your weekly meal plan without breaking the bank. With simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store, you can whip up a delicious meal that your entire family will love.

Using chicken thighs not only makes this dish affordable but also adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Thighs are known for their juiciness and tenderness, especially when cooked slowly. Paired with hearty vegetables like potatoes and carrots, this stew is a wholesome choice that doesn't compromise on taste.

Convenience of Slow Cooking

One of the best features of this chicken stew is the convenience of slow cooking. Just prep your ingredients in the morning, set the slow cooker, and go about your day. You return home to an enticing aroma that fills your kitchen and a meal that is ready to serve. It's an easy way to ensure that dinner is ready without any last-minute stress.

Slow cooking not only saves time but also enhances the flavors of your ingredients. The longer cooking time allows the spices and herbs to meld beautifully, creating a rich and savory broth. This method also ensures that the chicken becomes fork-tender, making it easy to shred and mix into the stew before serving.

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you're looking to streamline your weekly dinners, this chicken stew is perfect for meal prep. You can easily make a large batch and portion it out for the week ahead. It also freezes well, so you can store leftovers for those nights when cooking feels like too much effort. Just reheat and enjoy a comforting bowl of stew any day of the week.

This recipe is also versatile. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. This flexibility makes it a great go-to recipe that can adapt to your family’s preferences while still being economical.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a comforting stew:

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
4 medium potatoes, diced
3 carrots, sliced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Make sure to have everything prepped before starting your slow cooker!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your stew:

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large bowl, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Set aside.

Layer the Vegetables

In the slow cooker, layer the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic at the bottom.

Add the Chicken and Broth

Place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and drizzle with olive oil.

Cook the Stew

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Serve the Stew

Shred the chicken in the pot and stir to combine. Serve hot and enjoy!

This stew is perfect for leftovers and can be easily reheated!

Tips for the Best Chicken Stew

To ensure your chicken stew turns out perfectly, consider browning the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step enhances the flavor and adds a nice color to the meat. Additionally, you can sauté the onions and garlic until they are fragrant before layering them with the vegetables for an extra flavor boost.

Don't hesitate to customize your stew with seasonal vegetables. Adding green beans, peas, or even bell peppers can provide a delightful twist. Just remember to add them in the last hour of cooking to prevent them from getting too soft.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your chicken stew with a slice of crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth, while rice adds an extra layer of heartiness. A fresh garden salad on the side can also be a great way to add some crunch and freshness to your meal.

For a comforting touch, top each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream. These simple additions can elevate the dish, making it feel even more special for family dinners or gatherings.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover chicken stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick.

For longer storage, freeze the stew in individual portions. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above for a quick and satisfying meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just increase the cooking time by about 1 hour.

→ What can I serve with the stew?

This stew is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with crusty bread or over rice for a more filling meal.

→ Can I make this stew in advance?

Absolutely! This stew keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add green beans, peas, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.