Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

I absolutely love how comforting and creamy this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe turns out every time. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, and the garlic-parmesan combo gives it just the right amount of savory, cheesy goodness without overpowering the mellow veggies and tender chicken. When I first tried this recipe, the slow cooker did all the heavy lifting, letting me come home to an aroma that made the whole house feel cozy.

You’ll find that this stew is perfect for a busy weeknight because it’s hands-off but delivers an impressive, homemade flavor. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser in my family – we all go crazy for it, especially when served with some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious broth. If you’re searching for a Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe that really hits the spot, this one’s got your back!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient plays a role in building this stew’s comforting, creamy profile, with fresh veggies balancing the rich Parmesan and tender chicken. Here’s a bit about choosing what works best for this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe.

• Red potatoes: I like reds because they hold their shape well and give a nice creaminess to the broth.
• Carrots: Peel and slice thin so they soften perfectly during the slow cook without turning into mush.
• Celery: Adds subtle freshness and crunch if you don’t overcook it.
• Onion: Finely chopped to melt down into natural sweetness.
• Garlic: Minced to release all those wonderful, pungent flavors that marry so well with Parmesan.
• Salt: I suggest starting with a good pinch so you can always adjust later.
• Dried parsley: A little herbaceous note that keeps things bright.
• Italian seasoning: Brings in familiar aromatic warmth.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground for a gentle kick.
• Low sodium chicken or vegetable broth: Low sodium lets you control saltiness better and enhances the natural flavors.
• Corn starch: This is key to getting that silky stew texture without flour clumps.
• Heavy cream: The secret to that luxurious creaminess—you can’t skip this!
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender; I find they shred beautifully after slow cooking.
• Frozen peas (optional): I toss these in at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.
• Shredded Parmesan cheese: The crowning glory, stirred in just before serving for maximum melt and flavor.

Variations

I love playing around with this recipe depending on what I have around and who I’m cooking for. You can customize it easily to suit whatever season or dietary preference you’ve got.

• Variation: Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier, richer stew—I use thighs when I want extra tenderness and flavor.
• Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with hearty mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth for a meatless meal.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a little warmth and depth.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to cut down on richness without losing creaminess.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Layer Your Veggie Base

Start by adding your chopped potatoes, sliced carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, salt, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, and black pepper directly into your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir so the seasonings spread out evenly. This helps infuse all those lovely herbs and spices into the vegetables as they cook, setting a flavorful foundation that’s so important for the stew’s depth.

Step 2: Mix Broth and Cornstarch, Then Add Cream

In a small bowl, whisk together the low sodium chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth—this trick is what thickens your stew so beautifully without lumps. Pour this mixture over the veggies in your slow cooker, then add in the heavy cream. The cream turns the broth into that signature silky sauce you’ll absolutely fall in love with.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Cook Low and Slow

Place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetable and broth mixture, gently pressing them down so they’re partially submerged. Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 7 hours. The key here is patience—slow cooking transforms the chicken into tender, shreddable perfection, and the potatoes soften just right. If you’re in a hurry, slicing potatoes smaller can shave off some time.

Step 4: Shred Chicken and Final Touches

Once your potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Toss the shredded chicken back in along with the frozen peas and Parmesan cheese. Give everything a good stir, taste for salt, and adjust the seasoning as needed—this last step pulls it all together into a creamy, cheesy, veggie-packed stew you won’t want to stop eating.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a little extra shredded Parmesan and fresh parsley on top when serving—it brightens the stew’s rich flavor and adds a nice fresh pop of color. Sometimes, I drizzle a touch of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice to lift the dish, especially when serving in colder months.

Side Dishes

My go-to side is crusty artisan bread—perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. You could also serve it alongside a crisp green salad to balance the richness, or some garlic roasted green beans to keep things light yet satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For cozy dinner parties, I like to serve this stew in individual rustic bowls garnished with herbs and Parmesan crisps (made by baking cheese until crispy). It turns a humble slow cooker stew into something a bit more gourmet and special without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find that the flavors actually deepen after a day, making it even tastier as leftovers. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

I freeze portions of this stew in freezer-safe containers, minus the peas (they can get mushy). When thawed, I add fresh peas during reheating for brightness. It freezes well for up to 3 months, which makes it a lifesaver for busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring gently so the cream doesn’t separate. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the stew if it thickened too much in the fridge. Microwave works too, but stove reheating keeps the texture just right.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe has become my go-to comfort meal whenever I want something hearty without standing over the stove for hours. I love knowing I can throw everything in the slow cooker before heading out, and come home to a stew bursting with flavors that feel homemade and special. Give it a try—you and your family will thank me (and the crusty bread helps, too!).

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