If there’s one cozy dish I never get tired of making, it’s this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe. Honestly, it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, with tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and that irresistible creamy garlic parmesan broth that just melts in your mouth. What I love most is how easy it comes together—you basically throw everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you get on with your day. Stick around, because I’m going to share all my best tips to help you make this stew a new family favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hands-Off Cooking: Just combine ingredients and let the slow cooker do all the work—even on busy days.
  • Rich, Creamy Flavor: The perfectly balanced garlic parmesan broth adds comfort without being heavy.
  • Family Approved: I’ve never met a picky eater who didn’t go back for seconds of this stew.
  • Flexible and Easy: Swap veggies or tweak seasoning easily to suit your pantry or mood.
A deep white bowl filled with creamy soup showing three main layers: a white thick broth base with a smooth texture, scattered bright green peas and thinly sliced orange carrots floating throughout, and chunks of white shredded chicken and potato pieces with a light brown skin visible. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side, with some soup on it. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some fresh green parsley leaves and shredded cheese in small white bowls nearby, and a piece of bread on a wooden board at the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe really pulls its weight to create that cozy, comforting flavor profile. Using simple, fresh veggies and that blend of seasonings makes a huge difference. When choosing your potatoes, I like red ones because they hold their shape nicely—no mushy stew here!

  • Red potatoes: Cut into ½” pieces so they cook evenly without falling apart.
  • Carrots: Peel and slice thinly to mix sweetness and texture perfectly.
  • Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and classic stew flavor.
  • Onion: Finely chopped to melt into the broth, no big chunks here!
  • Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives that signature punch every stew needs.
  • Salt: Key for balancing the flavors – I use about 1½ teaspoons, but adjust for your taste.
  • Dried parsley: For a bit of color and mild herbal notes.
  • Italian seasoning: Guides the savory flavor in a delicious, familiar direction.
  • Black pepper: Freshly ground if you can—adds the perfect gentle spice.
  • Chicken or vegetable broth: Low sodium keeps it from getting too salty and lets the other flavors shine.
  • Corn starch: I use this to thicken the stew gently for that velvety texture.
  • Heavy cream: Adds richness without making it too heavy—just right for comfort food.
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and easy to shred once cooked.
  • Frozen peas (optional): I throw these in last to keep their bright color and slight sweetness intact.
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that amps up the garlic flavor and adds creamy depth.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This stew is one of those recipes that you can really tailor to your family’s tastes or whatever you have on hand. I like to experiment by adding or swapping veggies and seasoning to give it new twists.

  • Switch Up Veggies: Once, I added mushrooms and green beans, which added a lovely earthiness and texture.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan—you won’t miss a thing!
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a gentle warmth that wakes up the garlic parmesan flavors.
  • Herb Variations: Fresh thyme or basil gives this stew a more garden-fresh vibe that’s wonderful in summer.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Mix the Base

Start by chopping your potatoes, slicing those carrots thin, and dicing celery and onion finely so each bite has a nice balance of textures. Toss all your veggies with the minced garlic, salt, parsley, Italian seasoning, and pepper right into your slow cooker. This mix is the flavor foundation, so don’t skip seasoning now!

Step 2: Add Broth, Cornstarch, and Cream

Whisk the chicken broth and cornstarch together in a small bowl until smooth—this trick helps thicken your stew as it cooks. Pour this over the veggies in the slow cooker, then stir in the heavy cream right away. This step infuses the broth with rich creaminess that you’ll love.

Step 3: Cook Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken breasts on top of everything and gently press them down so they’re partially submerged in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 7 hours. Be patient—this slow, gentle cooking tenderizes the chicken beautifully without drying it out. If your slow cooker runs hot, start checking at 5 hours to ensure potatoes don’t get mushy.

Step 4: Shred Chicken and Finish the Stew

When your potatoes are fork-tender, take the chicken out and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Stir it back into the slow cooker along with frozen peas and Parmesan cheese. Give everything a good stir, then taste and tweak seasoning if you want a little more salt or pepper. I love how the peas add pops of green and freshness at this stage.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

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  • Cut Veggies Uniformly: This ensures even cooking—no unexpected hard or mushy bites.
  • Use Low Sodium Broth: Helps you control saltiness, especially important when adding Parmesan.
  • Don’t Skip the Cornstarch Mix: Mixing it with broth before adding prevents lumps and gives that smooth, luscious stew texture.
  • Shred Chicken After Cooking: Helps the meat soak up flavors better and keeps it super tender.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

A white bowl filled with a thick creamy soup showing three main layers: on the top, bright green peas and orange carrot slices, in the middle, chunks of white shredded chicken, and at the bottom, small pieces of light brown potato with skin in a creamy pale yellow broth mixed with herbs, a silver spoon lifting a scoop of the soup showing all layers close up, the background is a white marbled surface with a bit of green leafy decoration blurred above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top right before serving for that cheesy finish, plus a few fresh parsley leaves for color and brightness. A dash of cracked black pepper adds a nice final kick. These subtle touches lift the stew from everyday to special.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is my go-to here; it’s perfect for dipping and soaking up all the creamy goodness. You can also serve it with a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like to serve this stew in individual rustic bread bowls—guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Another fun idea is layering it over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta for an extra comforting vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The stew thickens up nicely overnight, so if it feels too thick when reheating, just stir in a splash of broth or milk.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I divide portions into freezer-safe containers or bags before cooking, though you can freeze leftovers as well. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is gently on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring often to keep the texture smooth and prevent sticking. Microwave works too if you’re short on time—just add a splash of broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option and tend to stay juicier during slow cooking. Just note that cooking times remain similar, but thighs may shred slightly easier, which some people prefer for stew.

  2. How can I make this stew gluten-free?

    Simply substitute the cornstarch with a gluten-free thickener like arrowroot powder or potato starch. Both will thicken the stew nicely without altering the flavor.

  3. Can I prepare this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe in advance?

    Yes, you can prep all the veggies and seasoning the night before, then add the chicken and liquids in the morning before starting the slow cooker. This makes busy mornings easier!

  4. What if my slow cooker runs hot and the potatoes start to overcook?

    Great question! If that happens, try cutting the potatoes smaller to shorten cooking time or check the stew an hour or so earlier. You can also cook on high for less time instead of low for longer.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe turns out every single time—warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. The best part is how effortlessly it fits into my busy routine, leaving me with a satisfying meal ready when life pulls me in a million directions. I really hope you give it a try and see for yourself why it’s become a total staple in my kitchen. Once you make it, your family might just start requesting it regularly—mine sure does!

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Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

4.4 from 118 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Stew
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and hearty Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew featuring tender chicken breasts, potatoes, carrots, and peas simmered in a creamy garlic parmesan broth. This easy-to-make stew is perfect for a cozy family meal, requiring minimal prep and delivering rich flavors after slow cooking.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 lb red potatoes, cut into ½” pieces
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 rib celery, chopped
  • ½ medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Seasonings & Spices

  • 1½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Liquids & Dairy

  • 1½ cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch
  • ⅔ cup heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Protein

  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker Base: Place the cut potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped celery, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, and black pepper into a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
  2. Mix Broth and Cornstarch: In a small bowl, whisk together the low sodium chicken or vegetable broth with the cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker along with the heavy cream, stirring gently to incorporate.
  3. Add Chicken: Nestle the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker, pressing them down slightly into the liquid and vegetable mixture to ensure they are fully submerged.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker. For faster cooking, cut the potatoes into smaller pieces.
  5. Shred Chicken and Add Finishing Touches: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and chop or shred them into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, add the frozen peas (if using), and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve: Serve the stew immediately. For an optimal experience, pair with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

  • This stew offers a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting family dinner with minimal hands-on time.
  • If you want to speed up cooking, dice the potatoes smaller to reduce the slow cooker time.
  • Frozen peas are optional but add a nice pop of color and sweetness.
  • Adjust salt and seasoning to preference after cooking, especially if using salted broth.
  • Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic parmesan broth.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 365 grams
  • Calories: 294 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 817 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.01 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 71 mg
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Hi, I’m Julia! A foodie who believes in keeping cooking simple, fun, and full of flavor. From quick weeknight meals to tasty treats, I’m here to share recipes that make life a little easier—and a lot more delicious. Let’s get cooking!

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