Last weekend, I had the joy of preparing Slow Cooker White Wine Chicken Stew for my family, and let me tell you—it was an absolute hit! The rich flavors and the comforting aroma filled our kitchen, turning a regular evening into something special. My family, who can sometimes be picky eaters, couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was. Even the leftovers didn’t stand a chance! As someone who loves sharing recipes that bring people together, this is one I highly recommend trying.
Cooking is an art, but it’s also a way to connect with loved ones. Every dish tells a story, and this recipe is no different. As I was preparing it, I thought about how food brings us together—whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion, there’s always something magical about gathering around a table.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker White Wine Chicken Stew
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can prepare something hearty and flavorful with minimal effort.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have at home. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to break the bank.
Quick and Easy: The slow cooker does all the work for you, so you can focus on other things while it simmers to perfection.
Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, spices, or herbs to tailor the flavor exactly to your liking.
Crowd-Pleasing: A warming, satisfying stew that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need. The full ingredient list and measurements are below in the recipe card.
- Chicken thighs: Tender, juicy cuts of chicken that hold up well in slow cooking.
- Carrots: Sweet, earthy flavor that balances the richness of the stew.
- Celery: Adds a subtle, aromatic crunch to the mix.
- Potatoes: Hearty and filling, they soak up the stew’s delicious flavors.
- Onion: A classic base for soups and stews, providing depth and sweetness.
- Garlic: Infuses the stew with its bold, savory aroma.
- White wine: Adds a bright, tangy complexity to the stew’s flavor.
- Chicken broth: The foundation of the stew, offering a savory richness.
- Fresh thyme: Herbaceous notes that elevate the overall flavor.
- Bay leaves: For a subtle, earthy undertone.
- Flour or cornstarch: Helps thicken the stew, creating a velvety consistency.
- Butter or olive oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
PREPARE YOUR INGREDIENTS
Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and season the chicken with salt and pepper. Set aside.
SEAR THE CHICKEN
Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs until golden on both sides. This step locks in the juices and adds flavor to the stew.
ASSEMBLE THE SLOW COOKER
Layer the potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the seared chicken thighs on top.
ADD LIQUID AND SEASONINGS
Pour in the white wine and chicken broth, ensuring the liquid covers most of the ingredients. Add the fresh thyme and bay leaves for aromatic depth.
COOK TO PERFECTION
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
THICKEN THE STEW
Mix flour or cornstarch with a small amount of water to form a slurry. Stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking to achieve a creamy consistency.
SERVE AND ENJOY
Remove the bay leaves and garnish the stew with fresh thyme. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side of your choice.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: Approximately 320
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
How to Serve Slow Cooker White Wine Chicken Stew
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the stew’s flavorful broth. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
Creamy Accompaniments: Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta make excellent bases for the stew.
Vegetable Sides: Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts add a pop of color and nutrients.
As a Standalone: This hearty stew is satisfying enough to be enjoyed on its own.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a bolder flavor.
Dietary Adjustments: Substitute chicken with plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.
Double the Batch: This stew freezes beautifully. Consider making extra to store for a quick, ready-made meal.
Slow Cooker White Wine Chicken Stew
This creamy, hearty, and flavorful slow cooker white wine chicken stew is the ultimate comfort food for chilly months. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich herb-infused broth, it’s a perfect hug-in-a-bowl. Serve with crackers, cornbread, or biscuits for a cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Seasonings:
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional:
- 1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Chop the vegetables and mince the garlic.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Place the chicken thighs or breasts on top of the vegetables.
- Season and Add Liquid:
- Sprinkle the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the chicken and vegetables.
- Pour in the white wine and chicken broth. Add the bay leaf.
- Cook in Slow Cooker:
- Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add Creaminess (Optional):
- Stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream for a creamy consistency. Let the stew cook for an additional 15 minutes on low.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf, then ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or biscuits.
Notes
- Substitute white wine with additional chicken broth if desired.
- For a thicker stew, mash a few potato pieces or add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the final cooking stage.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of stew
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg