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
Scale
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.
