When the weather turns chilly or you’ve had “one of those days,” nothing hits quite like a bowl of chicken stew. It’s the kind of dinner that warms you from the inside out — hearty veggies, tender chicken, and a broth or sauce that always tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. And the best part? Chicken stew comes in about a million delicious forms.
Whether you love a classic creamy stew, a spicy Korean-style pot bubbling away, a slow cooker “dump and go” situation, or something full of beans, sweet potatoes, coconut, or dumplings, there’s a version here with your name on it. These 20 chicken stew recipes are cozy, family-friendly, and perfect for those nights when you just want dinner to feel like a hug. Grab a bowl… it’s stew time. 🍲✨
The Best Chicken Stew Recipes
Warm up with 20 delicious chicken stew recipes perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. From creamy classics to slow cooker favorites, these hearty, comforting stews are easy to make and full of flavor.
Instant Pot Chicken Stew
This is one of those set-it-and-forget-it dinners that turns out so good with barely any effort. The Instant Pot turns chicken, veggies, and potatoes into a fork-tender, cozy stew with a rich, flavourful sauce in no time at all. It’s the kind of recipe you make once and immediately add to your weekly rotation. And if you’re not using an Instant Pot today — no worries. There are stovetop, slow cooker, and oven instructions too, so you’re covered either way. This recipe tastes so good!
Chicken Sambal (One Pot, with Coconut)
This quick and flavour-packed Chicken Sambal is such a great weeknight option. The chicken simmers gently in a creamy coconut base, and you can toss in loads of veggies — bell peppers, tomatoes, carrots, whatever you’ve got on hand. If you use boneless, skinless chicken, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, but you can use any cut you like (just adjust the cook time). One pot, big flavour, and dinner sorted. You’ll want to make this on repeat!
Chicken Stew Recipe
This is the kind of stew you crave the minute the temperature drops. Tender chicken, chunky veggies, and those cosy thyme-and-white-wine flavours all simmer together into a warm, comforting bowl that fills you right up. It’s an easy one-pot dinner and perfect for meal prep — guaranteed to make your lunches or weeknights feel a whole lot cozier. Click here for the recipe
Slow Cooker Curry Chicken Thighs: Low Carb Chicken Stew
This easy slow cooker curry is perfect for those days when you just need a pot of something warm and reliable bubbling away in the background. It’s low-carb, Whole30-friendly-ish, and made with mild curry so it works for everyone — you can always add hot sauce at the table if you like a kick. The chicken thighs turn beautifully tender, the sauce is cozy and comforting, and it’s a great “make it once, eat it all weekend” kind of dish, especially when you’ve got little ones to feed throughout the day. This recipe is great!
French Poule au Pot
This classic French dish is the definition of simple, hearty winter comfort. A whole chicken simmered slowly with veggies and aromatic herbs turns into the coziest Dutch oven dinner — warming, wholesome, and perfect for family nights around the table. It’s rustic in the best way and feels like a gentle hug from the French countryside. This way for the recipe
Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings
Nothing says comfort quite like a bowl of chicken and dumplings, and this version is pure Southern cozy. Tender chicken thighs, soft veggies, and plenty of herbs simmer in a creamy broth, and then you drop in those light, fluffy dumplings that make everyone at the table smile. It’s warm, soothing, and honestly feels like a big hug on the coldest nights. This way for the recipe.
Chicken Stew with Sweet Potatoes
This is one of those stews that makes the whole table happy — cozy, hearty, and somehow both healthy and luxurious. It’s naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and totally fits Whole30 and paleo, but honestly you’d never guess. Savory chicken, sweet potatoes, and a subtle coconut aroma all simmer together into a warm, curry-style stew that feels perfect for wintry nights. It’s comfort food with a healthy twist, and every spoonful is just… lovely. This recipe will become a new favorite
Deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie
This is basically chicken pot pie in its coziest, comfiest form — all the creamy, savoury filling you love, but cooked in one pot for maximum ease. Juicy chicken thighs, tender veggies, and a rich, velvety broth come together fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights. And the best part? The crust bakes separately, so it stays crisp and buttery and you can pop a piece on top of every bowl. Total comfort without the fuss. You’ll love this recipe!
Easy Korean Spicy Chicken Stew (Dakbokkeumtang)
If you haven’t tried dakbokkeumtang yet, you’re in for such a treat. This Korean classic is warm, cozy, and packed with bold, deeply satisfying flavours — the kind that feel like a food hug on a chilly day. Tender chicken simmers in a spicy, savoury broth with potatoes and veggies, creating a stew that’s hearty, comforting, and totally unforgettable. One bowl and you’ll get why it’s a staple in so many Korean homes. This recipe will become a new favorite
Chicken of The Woods Minestra Soup
This hearty minestra is the kind of bowl that makes you stop and go, “Oh wow, that’s good.” Chicken of the woods mushrooms, veggies, smoked pork ribs, and soft homemade dumplings all simmer together into a rich, comforting soup that feels like late summer giving you one last warm squeeze. It’s rustic, cozy, and exactly the sort of dinner that makes everyone drift back for seconds. This recipe will become a new favorite
Instant Pot Chicken Stew
This is the kind of “press a button and let dinner happen” recipe every busy evening needs. It’s hearty, savory, and totally comforting — the Instant Pot turns chicken and veggies into a rich, cozy stew in no time at all. Bonus: the leftovers taste even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a hungry family without extra effort. This way for the recipe
Cozy Chicken Corn Chowder
When the weather turns chilly, a warm bowl of chicken corn chowder just hits different. It’s creamy, hearty, and so comforting you’ll catch yourself cupping the bowl like it’s a tiny hand-warmer. This version uses a whole rotisserie chicken plus plenty of fresh herbs, and the simple roux gives it that rich, velvety texture everyone loves. The best part? It’s super flexible, so you can tweak it based on whatever you’ve got lurking in the fridge. A proper cosy-night-in kind of dinner. This recipe will become a new favorite
Chicken Stew with Apples and Cabbage
This stew is a whole autumn hug in a bowl. You’ve got tender chicken, smoky bacon, earthy veggies, and just enough cream to make everything silky and rich. Then the tart apples swoop in to cut through the heaviness and brighten every bite. Add a little sage and suddenly it tastes like the coziest winter evening. Honestly… it might be one of the best stews out there. This way for the recipe
Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
This cozy classic brings all the big Caribbean flavours right to your dinner table. Chicken thighs get marinated in a gorgeous mix of herbs, spices, and a little sweetness, then braised until they’re fall-apart tender in a rich, savory sauce. It’s hearty, warming, and absolutely packed with flavour — the kind of stew that makes everyone go quiet for a minute while they tuck in. Spoon it over rice and you’ve got a comforting, family-style dinner that feels like a little trip to the islands. This way for the recipe
Crockpot Chicken Stew
This is cold-weather comfort food at its finest. Chicken, potatoes, carrots, and onions simmer all day in a flavorful broth until everything is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Then you stir in a little cream right at the end — just enough to make it cozy without feeling heavy — and finish with sweet peas for a pop of color. It’s simple, homemade, and the kind of stew that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking when dinner’s ready. This way for the recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
This is one of those “dump it in, walk away, feel like a hero later” meals. It takes less than 10 minutes to prep, and the slow cooker does the rest — turning chicken, veggies, and plenty of protein-packed goodness into a cosy, one-pot stew everyone happily digs into. Perfect for those days when you want something hearty without hovering over the stove. You’ll want to make this on repeat!
Coq au Vin
If you’ve never tried Coq au Vin before, get ready — one spoonful and you’ll instantly understand why the French are so smug about this one. The chicken braises until it’s fall-apart tender in a rich red wine gravy loaded with herbs, veggies, and all the good aromatics. It tastes like something you’d order at a tiny bistro, but honestly? It’s way easier than it looks. Perfect for a cosy “company’s coming” dinner… and no one needs to know you didn’t stress over it. This recipe tastes so good!
Slow Cooker Chunky Chicken Barley Stew
This is the kind of slow cooker dinner that feels like it’s been bubbling away on the stove all day… without you actually doing anything. Tender chicken, pearl barley, and loads of fresh veggies cook down into a hearty, cozy stew that’s perfect for cold evenings. It’s healthy, comforting, and pretty much the definition of “effortless dinner.” This way for the recipe.
Chicken and White Bean Stew Recipe with Cabbage and Dill
This one’s a healthy, cozy spin inspired by Alison Roman’s Twenty Twenty Stew, and honestly, it’s such a keeper. You’ve got chicken, cabbage, spinach, mushrooms, and white beans all simmering together into a lemony, peppery bowl of comfort. The beans make it just thick enough to feel hearty, but it’s still fresh and veggie-packed in the best way. Even without fancy beans, it turns out incredibly satisfying every single time. You’ll love this recipe!
Chicken Stew with Onions and Cabbage
This is the kind of cozy, warm-you-to-your-toes dinner you want on a cold night. Tender chicken, soft onions, and cabbage simmer together in a creamy broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s simple, comforting, and exactly what you reach for when you need something hearty but still soothing. You’ll want to make this on repeat!
What is the secret to a really flavorful chicken stew?
Building flavor starts with browning the chicken and sautéing the veggies before adding liquid — it gives the stew a richer, deeper taste. Using broth instead of water, adding herbs like thyme or bay leaf, and letting everything simmer long enough to meld together also makes a huge difference.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in chicken stew recipes?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep an eye on cooking time so they don’t dry out. Chicken thighs stay juicier and more tender in stews, especially slow cooker and Instant Pot versions, but both cuts work if seasoned well and cooked gently.
Do chicken stew recipes freeze well?
Most chicken stews freeze beautifully, especially those without dairy or potatoes. Cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to three months. When reheating, warm gently on the stove and add a splash of broth if the stew has thickened.
