One Day at a Time Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
There are seasons in life when simply making it through the day feels like an accomplishment. The laundry piles up. The to-do list grows longer. The worries feel heavier than usual. Maybe you’re navigating heartbreak, burnout, grief, a major life transition, or simply trying to carry the weight of responsibilities that seem never-ending.
Part of the Mom Needs a Night Off Collection
As women, we’re often the ones caring for everyone around us. We make the appointments, prepare the meals, support our families, and keep everything moving forward. Somewhere along the way, it’s easy to forget that we need care too.
This recipe was inspired by those moments.
The moments when you need something simple.
Something comforting.
Something nourishing.
Something that reminds you that it’s okay to slow down.
This One Day at a Time Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the kind of meal that works quietly in the background while you focus on what matters most. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savoury broth, it delivers the kind of comfort that only a homemade meal can provide.
There’s something reassuring about a slow cooker meal. You add the ingredients, put on the lid, and let time do the work. No rushing. No standing over the stove. No complicated steps.
Just patience.
And perhaps that’s a lesson life teaches us too.
Not everything needs to be solved today.
Not every challenge needs to be conquered by tomorrow.
Some things require time, grace, and the willingness to keep moving forward one small step at a time.
Whether you’re feeding your family after a busy day, meal-prepping for the week ahead, or simply looking for a comforting bowl of homemade goodness, this stew is here to remind you that nourishment isn’t just about food.
It’s about caring for yourself.
It’s about creating moments of comfort.
It’s about giving yourself permission to rest.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy slow cooker comfort food
- Budget-friendly and family-friendly
- Made with wholesome, everyday ingredients
- Perfect for busy weekdays
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Packed with tender chicken and hearty vegetables
- Cozy, satisfying, and nourishing
A Gentle Reminder
You don’t have to have everything figured out today.
You don’t have to heal all at once.
You don’t have to carry the weight of tomorrow.
Just focus on today.
One meal.
One step.
One breath.
One day at a time.
From our kitchen at Canadian Cooking Adventures to yours, we hope this recipe brings a little comfort to your day and reminds you that even small steps forward still count.
— Jacqueline
One Day at a Time Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- For Thickening (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Place the chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into a 6-quart slow cooker.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the tomato paste, thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
Step 2: Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- LOW for 7–8 hours
- HIGH for 4–5 hours
The chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Add the Peas
Stir in the frozen peas.
Cover and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes until heated through.
Step 5: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
For a thicker stew, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl.
Stir the mixture into the slow cooker.
Cover and cook for another 15 minutes or until thickened.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the bay leaves.
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve with crusty bread, biscuits, or buttered rolls.
Notes
- Chicken thighs create a richer, more flavourful stew.
- Add mushrooms for extra heartiness.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooled portions for up to 3 months.
- For extra comfort, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream just before serving.
- Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- If using chicken breasts, avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 426Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 188mgSodium: 1319mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 6gSugar: 6gProtein: 43g
These calculations are based off Nutritionix