Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe | Creamy & Comforting

When the weather turns cold, few dishes comfort the soul like a warm, creamy stew. Imagine tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich parmesan-garlic broth melding together over hours of slow cooking. That is exactly what you get with a Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew. This recipe combines the ease of a slow cooker with the robust flavors of garlic, parmesan, and herbs to create a dish that feels indulgent yet nourishing. Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or entertaining, this stew will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For this hearty stew, precise measurements matter to achieve the right balance of creaminess and flavor.

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into large chunks)

• 4 medium potatoes (about 1.5 pounds, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes)

• 3 large carrots (peeled and cut into slices)

• 2 celery stalks (chopped into small pieces)

• 1 medium onion (diced)

• 5 cloves garlic (minced)

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for subtle smokiness)

• 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped, added at the end)

Save

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by washing, peeling, and chopping all vegetables. Cut the chicken into medium-sized chunks. Having everything ready before cooking ensures smooth preparation.

Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker

Place the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion at the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, add the chicken pieces on top. Sprinkle in garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 3: Add Liquid Base

Pour the chicken broth evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Stir gently to distribute seasonings without breaking up the vegetables.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6–7 hours or high heat for 3–4 hours. The chicken should be fork-tender and the vegetables soft.

Step 5: Make the Garlic-Parmesan Cream Mixture

About 30 minutes before the stew finishes, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a smooth paste (roux). Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in grated parmesan until smooth.

Step 6: Incorporate the Cream Base

Pour the creamy parmesan mixture into the slow cooker and stir until fully combined. Allow the stew to cook for an additional 20–30 minutes, giving the sauce time to thicken and meld with the broth.

Step 7: Add Spinach and Finish

Just before serving, stir in chopped spinach. Let it wilt into the stew for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8: Serve Hot

Ladle the stew into bowls and serve immediately with bread, biscuits, or over rice for a complete meal.

Conservation and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors intensify overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring to prevent curdling of the cream.

Variations

• Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with turkey breast, pork tenderloin, or even firm white fish for different flavor profiles.

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and double the vegetables. Add white beans or chickpeas for protein.

• Extra Creaminess: Stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese along with the parmesan mixture.

• Spice Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for gentle heat.

• Herb Twist: Fresh rosemary or basil can replace thyme and parsley for a different aroma.

Serving Suggestions

• Bread Pairing: Serve with crusty French bread, garlic knots, or warm biscuits to soak up the creamy broth.

• Over Grains: Spoon the stew over cooked rice, egg noodles, or quinoa for a heartier plate.

• Side Salad: Balance the richness with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette.

• Garnish Ideas: Sprinkle extra parmesan, fresh parsley, or even toasted breadcrumbs on top for added texture.

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew offers a perfect balance of creamy richness, comforting vegetables, and savory herbs. It is versatile enough to adapt with different proteins, vegetables, or spices while remaining easy to prepare. With a slow cooker handling most of the work, this stew becomes a reliable dish for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or meal prepping. Whether you serve it with bread, over rice, or enjoy it as-is, this stew showcases how simple ingredients can transform into a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal.

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew

---

• Author: Eleanor
• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A creamy and comforting chicken stew made in the slow cooker, featuring tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich garlic-parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

See also  Creamed Lobster Sauce: A Decadent Step-by-Step Guide

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into chunks)

• 4 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)

• 3 large carrots (peeled and sliced)

• 2 celery stalks (chopped)

• 1 medium onion (diced)

• 5 cloves garlic (minced)

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

• 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped, added at the end)

---

Instructions

• Place potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion at the bottom of the slow cooker.

• Add chicken on top. Sprinkle in garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika.

• Pour chicken broth evenly over the mixture. Stir gently.

• Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

• About 30 minutes before done, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour to form a roux.

• Slowly whisk in heavy cream. Stir in parmesan until smooth.

• Pour cream mixture into the slow cooker. Mix well.

• Cook for another 20–30 minutes until stew thickens.

• Stir in spinach just before serving.

• Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

Notes

• For extra creaminess, add 4 oz cream cheese with the parmesan.

• To lighten, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

• Best served with crusty bread or over rice.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1½ cups)
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken stew, creamy chicken crockpot stew, garlic parmesan stew recipe