If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you absolutely must try this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that fills your home with the most inviting aroma and fills your belly with rich, savory flavors that deepen with every bite. The tender chicken, earthy potatoes, and sweet carrots swim in a creamy garlic parmesan broth that’s both luxurious and rustic, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a special meal to share with friends and family. This recipe takes the guesswork out of dinner, letting your slow cooker do the magic while you go about your day, and the result is pure comfort food bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient is straightforward but crucial for building those layers of flavor and creating the perfect balance between creamy, savory, and fresh.
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy and tender during slow cooking, absorbing all the flavors wonderfully.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Acts as the flavorful, savory base for your stew’s broth.
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced: Add natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced: Provide creamy texture and make the stew satisfying and filling.
- 1 yellow onion, chopped: Builds the stew’s savory foundation with sweet and aromatic depth.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the heart of this recipe, delivering bold and comforting flavors.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant herbiness that complements the parmesan beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and a hint of spice.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Gives the stew its signature nutty, cheesy richness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy, velvety texture that makes the stew crave-worthy.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds silkiness and richness to the broth.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water: Optional thickening agent if you want a heartier stew.
- Fresh chopped parsley, for serving: Brightens every bowl with freshness and color.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Assemble the Base Ingredients
Start by tossing your boneless chicken thighs, carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic straight into your slow cooker. It’s so carefree and casual here—no fancy prep or stirring required. This step sets the stage for all those delicious flavors to gently mingle throughout the long cooking process.
Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth over the veggies and chicken, then sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. If you’re feeling like it, give everything a light stir to distribute the seasonings evenly. This broth will slowly soak up all the goodness from your ingredients.
Step 3: Slow Cook Low and Slow (or Fast and Furious)
Pop on the lid and set your cooker to low for about 7 to 8 hours, allowing the stew to develop deep, rich flavors as the chicken tenderizes beautifully. If you’re short on time or hangry, crank it up to high for 4 to 5 hours instead. Either way, you’re on your way to comfort in a bowl.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
About 30 minutes before the cooking ends, fish out the tender chicken thighs, shred them using two forks, then toss the shredded chicken right back into the slow cooker. This step helps infuse the stew with a wonderfully rich meaty texture without any fuss.
Step 5: Enrich with Parmesan, Cream, and Butter
Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and unsalted butter. Watch everything melt and mingle into a creamy, cheesy broth that’s both indulgent and satisfying. I’ll admit, this is the perfect moment sneaky tasting is allowed—just to confirm it’s as delicious as you imagined.
Step 6: Thicken if Desired
If you prefer your stew thicker and more stew-like, stir in the cornstarch slurry. It may look a bit strange at first, but have faith—it blends in beautifully as it simmers. This step is optional but highly recommended for a heartier finish.
Step 7: Final Simmer and Serve
Put the lid back on and crank the cooker to high if it isn’t already. Let it simmer for an additional 20 to 30 minutes so the flavors can marry perfectly. Or, if patience isn’t your virtue, turn it off and dig in early—either way, you’re about to enjoy something fantastic!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top brings a burst of color and a pop of fresh, herby brightness that balances the creamy richness of the stew. For a little extra, some freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice finishing touch.
Side Dishes
While this stew is wonderfully filling all on its own, serving it with thick slices of crusty toasted bread is an absolute must. The bread’s crunch and chewiness are perfect for soaking up that luscious, garlicky parmesan broth. A simple green salad with a zingy vinaigrette can lighten things up beautifully, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve your Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe in rustic, deep bowls with a little drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a grating of parmesan on top. Pair with a glass of white wine and some warm, buttery dinner rolls to impress your guests effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stew keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making your next meal just as comforting, if not more so, than the first.
Freezing
Because it’s such a rich and creamy stew, freezing is possible but with a little caution. Freeze in portion-sized containers without the cream and parmesan added—you can stir those in fresh when reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through and creamy again. If it thickens too much when chilled, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to that perfect stew consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but chicken thighs are preferred because they stay juicy and tender during slow cooking. Breasts tend to dry out and may not be as flavorful in this stew.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in this stew?
The heavy cream gives the stew its creamy, luscious texture. If you want a lighter version, you could substitute with half-and-half or milk, but the stew won’t be quite as rich.
How can I make the stew thicker without cornstarch?
If you prefer not to use cornstarch, you can mash some of the potatoes in the stew to naturally thicken it, or cook uncovered for the last half hour to reduce the liquid.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, just start the slow cooker as directed for a no-fuss dinner.
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
Using two forks is the classic method, pulling the meat apart gently right after cooking while the chicken is still hot. If forks aren’t handy, a spoon or even your hands (once cooled a bit) work just as well.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe has an effortless charm that invites you to slow down and savor every comforting bite. It’s one of those dishes that turns a regular evening into something special without needing a lot of fuss. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, I promise this recipe will quickly become one of your most beloved go-tos when you crave a warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying meal. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did.
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with vegetables in a rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for a cozy family meal, this stew requires minimal prep and slow cooks to tender perfection, making it an ideal hands-off recipe for busy days.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced into bite-size chunks
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Toss whole boneless, skinless chicken thighs, peeled and sliced carrots, diced Yukon gold potatoes, chopped yellow onion, and minced garlic directly into the slow cooker. No need to stir.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour chicken broth over the ingredients. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir lightly if desired.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until vegetables and chicken are tender.
- Shred Chicken: About 30 minutes before cooking is done, remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, then return shredded chicken back to the pot.
- Add Dairy and Butter: Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and unsalted butter until fully combined and melted.
- Thicken Stew: If desired, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew. It may look thin at first but will thicken as it simmers.
- Final Simmer: Put the lid back on, increase heat to high if necessary, and cook for an additional 20–30 minutes to let the flavors meld and stew thicken.
- Serve: Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve with toasted bread on the side for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness; chicken breasts may dry out.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or peas if desired.
- The slurry helps thicken the stew; adjust amount depending on desired thickness.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
