Name: Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb red potatoes, cut into ½ inch 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); 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb); 1½ cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth; ⅔ cup heavy cream; ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons corn starch

If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and downright comforting that practically prepares itself, then you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket during those chilly days, full of tender chicken, creamy garlic-parmesan goodness, and veggies that make it feel like a full meal in one bowl. Stick with me here—I promise this stew will quickly become your go-to for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Comfort Food: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and forget it until dinner time—perfect for busy days.
Rich, Creamy Flavor: The garlic and parmesan create this luscious broth that turns simple ingredients into a luxurious stew.
Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this dish, and it sneaks in veggies that even picky eaters happily devour.
Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customize with your favorite veggies or seasonings to make it your own.

A bowl filled with thick creamy chicken soup showing multiple layers of ingredients: at the bottom, chunks of soft potatoes with skins on, then bright orange carrot slices and vibrant green peas spread evenly throughout, with shredded white chicken pieces mixed in. The soup base is pale with a smooth, slightly thick texture, topped with small sprinkles of chopped fresh parsley and some grated cheese. A shiny silver spoon rests on the edge of the white bowl, partially dipped in the soup. The entire scene sits on a white marbled surface with small bowls of extra chopped herbs and cheese nearby, and a striped blue cloth and a wooden board with bread crumbs visible at the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully in this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe to create a creamy, savory dish. I usually opt for fresh veggies when possible, but I’ll share a few tips on making ingredient choices easier.

Red potatoes: I love red potatoes here because they hold their shape well when slow cooked—no mushy blobs!
Carrots: Thin slices cook evenly and add a natural sweetness that balances the parmesan’s savory flavor.
Celery: Adds an aromatic crunch and depth to the stew’s flavor base.
Onion: Finely chopped so it fully integrates and enhances the broth’s flavor without any big chunks.
Garlic: The star of this stew—fresh minced garlic really elevates everything with a punch of aroma and taste.
Salt: Essential for seasoning; I prefer low sodium broth so I can control saltiness better.
Dried parsley: A subtle herb that brightens the dish without overpowering other flavors.
Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs that complements the parmesan and garlic beautifully.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked if you can for a little spice and warmth.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Low sodium helps keep the seasoning balanced.
Corn starch: Used to thicken the broth into a creamy stew—mix it well before adding to avoid lumps.
Heavy cream: This is the magic that makes the stew decadent and silky smooth.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They shred easily after slow cooking and soak up all the flavors.
Frozen peas (optional): I add these near the end for a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
Shredded Parmesan cheese: Stirred in last for that signature cheesy richness.

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

I like to keep things simple, but I’ve played around with a few swaps to keep this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe fresh and tailored to different dietary needs—feel free to experiment and find what works best for you!

Variation: Use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, more tender outcome—my family loves the extra juiciness.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and skip the Parmesan (or use a dairy-free alternative) to make the stew just as creamy without dairy.
Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with hearty mushrooms or chickpeas and swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a satisfying meatless option.
Extra Veggies: Add green beans, bell peppers, or zucchini for more color and nutrition; just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Veggies

First things first, toss the cut potatoes, thin carrot slices, chopped celery, finely diced onion, minced garlic, salt, parsley, Italian seasoning, and black pepper into your slow cooker. I like stirring it up right away so those herbs and spices get evenly distributed among the veggies—the base of all that amazing flavor!

Step 2: Mix the Broth and Thickeners

In a small bowl, whisk together your chicken or vegetable broth with the cornstarch until smooth. Then pour the mix over the veggies in your slow cooker, followed by the heavy cream. This combo is what gives the stew that silky, creamy texture you’re after—just make sure to whisk well so there are no lumps in the final dish.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Slow Cook

Place the chicken breasts right on top and gently press them into the liquid a bit so they’re nicely submerged. Cover and set your slow cooker on low for about 6 to 7 hours. This long, slow cooking makes the chicken so tender it practically melts in your mouth, and it gives the potatoes enough time to soften without falling apart. Just a heads-up, depending on your slow cooker’s heat, it might take slightly longer—patience here is key!

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Finish Up

Carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred or chop them however you prefer. Stir the chicken back into the stew along with the frozen peas and shredded Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan melts right in, adding that perfect garlicky, salty finish. Taste your stew and adjust seasonings if needed—sometimes a little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew hot with crusty bread on the side. I can’t recommend the bread enough—it’s divine for soaking up all that creamy, garlicky sauce. You’ll find that this combination is pure comfort on a spoon.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

Cut Potatoes Uniformly: Cutting potatoes into consistent ½-inch pieces ensures they cook evenly without turning to mush.
Avoid Overcooking Chicken: If your slow cooker runs hot, check the chicken earlier to prevent it from drying out before potatoes are tender.
Cornstarch Mix First: Always whisk cornstarch with broth before adding; this prevents clumping and creates a smoother sauce.
Add Delicate Ingredients Last: Adding peas and Parmesan near the end keeps their texture fresh and flavors bright.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

A white slow cooker bowl is filled with creamy chicken soup showing three main layers: an off-white creamy broth base with visible specks of herbs, a middle layer with bright orange carrot slices and vibrant green peas, and a top layer with shredded light beige chicken pieces and chunks of white and brown-skinned potatoes. A silver spoon dips into the soup, lifting a portion that clearly shows all layers mixed together with the creamy broth holding the colorful vegetables and chicken. The background is a white marbled texture and some green herbs are blurred in the back. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I personally sprinkle a little extra shredded Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley right before serving. It adds a pop of color and layers of cheesy, herbal goodness that make every bite more special. Sometimes, a light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors wonderfully too.

Side Dishes

I always pair this stew with crusty bread—trust me, dipping that bread into the creamy broth is pure magic. Other favorites include a crisp green salad dressed simply with vinaigrette or some roasted Brussels sprouts for extra veggies on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch during gatherings, I serve the stew in individual mini bread bowls—hollowed-out sourdough rolls add rustic charm and make it super fun to eat. Alternatively, topping the stew with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs provides a delightful crunch contrast that surprises guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and usually eat them within 3 to 4 days. The stew thickens as it cools, so I find a gentle stir and a short reheat on the stove or microwave brings it back to its velvety, perfect consistency.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew freezes really well. I like to freeze it without adding the peas and Parmesan first—those can be stirred in fresh when reheating for a brighter, fresher flavor. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, I recommend warming it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps the creamy texture stay smooth and keeps the chicken tender. If it gets too thick, just thin it a bit with extra broth or water.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this stew?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, giving the stew a richer flavor and a bit more tenderness. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly, as thighs might cook a bit faster in the slow cooker.
Is it possible to make this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a creamy dairy-free alternative, and either omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. It’ll still be creamy and delicious with these changes.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out during slow cooking?

Keeping the chicken submerged in the liquid helps retain moisture. Also, cooking on low heat rather than high usually results in juicier chicken. If your slow cooker runs hot, check the stew a bit earlier to avoid overcooking.
Can I add more vegetables to this stew? Which ones are best?

Definitely! Vegetables like green beans, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms are excellent additions. Just keep in mind that some veggies cook faster, so add them later in the cooking process to avoid over-softening.
What can I serve alongside this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe?

Crusty bread is my favorite for dipping, but a fresh green salad or roasted veggies work wonderfully too. The stew is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but sides help round it out beautifully.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe, I immediately fell in love with how easy it was to prep and how rich and satisfying it tasted after hours of slow cooking. It’s the kind of recipe that gives you major comfort without any fuss. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—because nothing beats coming home to a warm, creamy stew made with love. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this cozy meal that everyone will be asking for again and again!