Creamy & Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew: An Easy Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Comfort Food Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of stew to bring comfort and satisfaction, especially after a long day. This easy slow cooker chicken stew recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect weeknight meal or a cozy weekend indulgence. Imagine tender, succulent chicken pieces, deeply infused with savory herbs and spices, swimming in a rich, creamy broth, alongside an abundance of hearty vegetables. This isn’t just any stew; it’s a bowl of pure, wholesome goodness.

What sets this particular crock pot chicken stew apart is its thoughtful composition, making it inclusive for various dietary needs without sacrificing an ounce of its deliciousness. Crafted with almond milk for a luscious creaminess and tapioca starch to achieve that perfect, comforting thickness, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. You get all the rich, soul-warming flavors you expect from a classic chicken stew, but with a lighter, healthier twist that everyone can enjoy. Prepare to cozy up to a truly exceptional meal that comes together effortlessly.

I’ve teamed up with Dandy® to share today’s slow-cooker recipe. I love to use their celery sticks for extra crunch and flavor. Bonus: they’re pre-washed, making for incredibly easy ingredient prep and saving valuable time in the kitchen!

When the craving for ultimate comfort food strikes, a warm, savory stew is often the first thing that comes to mind. While my mom’s beef stew holds a special place, this creamy chicken stew in the crockpot is a close second and quickly becoming a family favorite. It features tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken thighs enveloped in a thick, velvety broth, bursting with an array of wholesome vegetables. This slow cooker chicken stew truly embodies everything you could possibly crave in a hearty, satisfying meal.

The Magic of Slow Cooking for Stews

There’s a reason why slow cookers are beloved for stews: they’re champions of flavor development and convenience. The prolonged, low-temperature cooking method allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods. Chicken becomes incredibly tender, falling apart with ease, and vegetables soften perfectly while retaining their nutritional value. Beyond the taste, the “set it and forget it” nature of a slow cooker means you can prep in the morning and come home to a delicious, hot meal ready to serve. This makes our creamy slow cooker chicken stew an ideal choice for busy weeknights, ensuring a wholesome meal without last-minute culinary stress.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Chicken Stew

This slow cooker chicken stew recipe is thoughtfully designed to be a gluten-free and dairy-free delight, primarily relying on coconut aminos for umami depth, tapioca starch for thickening, and a certified gluten-free chicken broth. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the robust flavor profile and comforting texture. Don’t worry if you need to make adjustments; simple substitutions and swaps are always possible and are conveniently listed in the recipe card below.

• Chicken Thighs: We recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces. Thighs are fantastic for slow cooking because their higher fat content helps them remain incredibly tender and flavorful over long cooking times. They absorb the rich broth beautifully.
• Chicken Broth: This forms the savory base of your stew. Opt for a low-sodium and gluten-free chicken broth to control the overall saltiness and ensure it meets dietary requirements. It adds a crucial layer of rich, foundational flavor.
• Coconut Aminos: A fantastic gluten-free and soy-free alternative to soy sauce, coconut aminos contribute a wonderful layer of umami flavor with a hint of sweetness, enhancing the overall savory profile of the stew. For those without dietary restrictions, soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can be used as alternatives (be sure to check labels for gluten-free if needed).
• Hearty Vegetables: A vibrant mix of celery, carrots, onions, and potatoes forms the backbone of this comforting stew. These classic root vegetables not only add essential nutrients and fiber but also provide varying textures and absorb the delicious broth, becoming wonderfully tender during the slow cooking process. Feel free to add other favorites like peas, corn, or green beans towards the end of cooking for extra color and freshness.
• Aromatic Herbs and Spices: Minced garlic, alongside a blend of dried oregano, rosemary, thyme, and a touch of sage, infuse the stew with classic, warming flavors. These herbs are perfectly suited for slow cooking, as their flavors deepen and mellow over time, creating a truly aromatic experience. Don’t forget salt and pepper, which are crucial for seasoning the chicken and the stew itself to taste.
• Creamy Slurry: To achieve the stew’s signature thick and creamy texture, we utilize a simple slurry made with unsweetened almond milk and tapioca starch. This combination ensures a dairy-free and gluten-free thickening solution that provides a silky smooth finish. Common alternatives include cornstarch or arrowroot powder (both gluten-free) or, if not dairy-free, regular cow’s milk or heavy cream can be used. For those not avoiding gluten, a simple flour slurry would also work.

Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?

• Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs in this slow cooker chicken stew recipe. However, it’s worth noting that chicken thighs generally offer more flavor and tend to remain more tender and moist during the prolonged slow cooking process due to their higher fat content.
• If you opt for chicken breasts, which are leaner, they can sometimes become a bit drier if overcooked. To mitigate this, I suggest cutting the breasts into larger chunks (e.g., 1.5-2 inch pieces) to prevent them from drying out.
• Another excellent option is to add whole chicken breasts to the slow cooker and then shred them with two forks once the stew is fully cooked. This method helps keep the chicken moist.
• Alternatively, for a super-fast meal, you can incorporate pre-cooked leftover rotisserie chicken. Simply add it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking, along with the slurry, allowing it just enough time to heat through and absorb the delicious flavors without becoming tough.

How to Make the Best Chicken Stew in a Slow Cooker

Making this hearty chicken stew in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, but a few key steps ensure maximum flavor and perfect texture. Follow these simple instructions for a delicious and comforting meal:

1. Season and Brown the Chicken: This initial step is a game-changer for flavor. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your diced chicken pieces, generously season them with salt and pepper (about 1 teaspoon of each), and brown the meat on all sides for about 5-6 minutes until nicely seared. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this stage; the goal is to develop a rich, caramelized crust which locks in juices and adds immense depth to the stew. Once browned, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker. If you’re pressed for time or prefer not to dirty an extra pan, you can skip this step and add the raw chicken directly to the slow cooker. In this case, consider adding whole chicken pieces and shredding them at the end for tenderness.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: To the slow cooker with the browned chicken, add all your prepared vegetables: diced celery, chopped carrots, diced onion, and diced potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and coconut aminos. Next, add the minced garlic and your blend of dried herbs and spices: oregano, rosemary, thyme, and sage, along with any additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and coated with the flavorful liquid and seasonings.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook the stew on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours. This longer, slower cooking time allows the flavors to truly meld and the chicken and vegetables to become wonderfully tender. Alternatively, if you’re in a bit more of a hurry, you can cook it on the HIGH setting for 4-6 hours. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Thicken with the Slurry & Serve: Approximately 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, it’s time to thicken your stew. In a small bowl, whisk together the almond milk and tapioca starch until a smooth slurry forms. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker, stirring it into the hot stew. Leave the slow cooker uncovered and continue to cook on the LOW setting for another 30 minutes. This will allow the tapioca starch to activate and beautifully thicken the stew to a rich, creamy consistency. Once thickened, your delicious gluten-free and dairy-free slow cooker chicken stew is ready to be served and enjoyed!

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Don’t Overfill Your Slow Cooker: For optimal cooking and even heat distribution, ensure your slow cooker is filled no more than two-thirds to three-quarters full.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your stew towards the end of the cooking process, especially before adding the slurry. Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed to suit your preference.
• Vary Your Vegetables: This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or rutabaga, or incorporate frozen peas, corn, or green beans during the last hour of cooking for added color and nutrients.
• Herbs for Freshness: While dried herbs are used for the main cooking, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme just before serving can brighten the flavors and add a professional touch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Proper storage ensures your delicious slow cooker chicken stew remains fresh and flavorful for days, and even weeks. Here’s how to manage leftovers:

• To Store: Once the stew has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight storage container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it an excellent meal prep option for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
• To Reheat: For best results, gently rewarm your chicken stew leftovers. Place the desired portion in a large saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until the stew is thoroughly warm, ensuring it doesn’t come to a rapid boil, which can sometimes break down the texture of the vegetables. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through.
• To Freeze: This slow cooker chicken stew freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for future quick meals. Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it into an airtight, freezer-safe storage container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop as described above. The texture and flavor will remain largely intact, offering a convenient homemade meal whenever you need it.

Delicious Sides to Serve with Chicken Stew

While this hearty slow cooker chicken stew is undeniably a complete meal on its own, packed with protein and vegetables, pairing it with a simple side can truly elevate the dining experience or help stretch it further for more servings. Here are some fantastic options:

• Fresh Salad: A light and crisp simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.
• Cornbread Muffins: Fluffy einkorn cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth. Their slightly sweet flavor also complements the savory stew beautifully.
• Mashed Cauliflower: For a low-carb and vegetable-rich option, serve the stew over creamy roasted garlic parmesan mashed cauliflower. It provides a similar comforting base as mashed potatoes but with fewer carbs.
• Crusty Bread: A classic pairing! A warm, crusty loaf of gluten-free bread is ideal for dipping into the rich sauce.
• Brown Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of fluffy brown rice or quinoa for an additional wholesome grain that soaks up the stew’s flavors and adds substance.

More Cozy Soup and Stew Ideas

If you’ve enjoyed the comforting warmth of this slow cooker chicken stew, you’ll love exploring these other delightful and cozy soup and stew recipes from our kitchen. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a bowl of soul-soothing goodness, these recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures to please any palate:

• Cozy Minestrone Soup: A classic Italian favorite, packed with vegetables, pasta, and beans in a savory tomato-based broth.
• Creamy Corn and Cauliflower Chowder: A rich and creamy chowder with a hint of smoky chipotle, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Tender Beef Stew (Instant Pot): A hearty and robust beef stew that uses the Instant Pot for incredibly tender meat and deep flavors in a fraction of the time.

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