Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

The Easiest Stew You’ll Ever Make

I love a good kitchen shortcut. This stew is my favorite kind. You just put everything in the pot and let it do the work.

It makes the whole house smell wonderful. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It feels like a warm hug. That is why this matters. A good meal can make a tough day feel better.

A Little Story About My Grandson

My grandson Leo is a very picky eater. He once turned his nose up at my stew. So I called this one “Cheesy Sunshine Soup.”

He tried a small spoonful. Then he asked for a whole bowl. I still laugh at that. Sometimes, all you need is a fun name.

Let’s Talk About That Cheese

The Velveeta makes this stew so creamy. It melts into the broth perfectly. It creates a smooth, cheesy sauce that coats everything.

Fun fact: Velveeta was invented in 1918. It was made to use up extra bits of cheese from other factories. What is your favorite cheesy food? Tell me in the comments.

Why This Recipe Is a Keeper

This stew is full of protein from the chicken and beans. That keeps you full and gives you energy. It is a complete meal in one bowl.

That is why this matters. Feeding your family a hearty meal is an act of love. Do you have a busy day ahead? This stew will be ready when you are.

Make It Your Own

The best recipes are the ones you can change. You can use leftover turkey instead of chicken. You could add a can of green beans, too.

What would you add to make it special for your family? I would love to hear your ideas. Cooking is all about sharing and trying new things.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Shredded cooked chicken	2 1/2 cups	or 2 (10-ounce) cans cooked chicken, drained
Chicken broth	1 (14.5-ounce) can
Shoepeg corn	2 (11-ounce) cans	drained
Northern beans	2 (15-ounce) cans
Tomatoes with green chiles	2 (10-ounce) cans
Cream of mushroom soup	1 (10.5-ounce) can
Velveeta cheese	1 (16-ounce) package	cut into cubes

My Cozy Chicken Stew for a Busy Day

This stew is my go-to on a busy day. It just fills the whole house with a happy smell. I love how simple it is to make. You just put everything in the pot and let it do its magic. It reminds me of the stew my own grandma used to make. Her secret was always a little patience.

• Step 1: First, find your big slow cooker. You know, the one that’s perfect for a family meal. Open all those cans from your pantry. Don’t worry about being neat. I still get a little broth on the counter sometimes.
• Step 2: Now, put everything right into the pot. I mean the chicken, broth, corn, and beans. Add the tomatoes and that creamy mushroom soup, too. (A hard-learned tip: spray the pot with a little oil first. It makes cleaning up so much easier later!).
• Step 3: Next, cube up that Velveeta cheese. It makes the stew so rich and creamy. Stir it all together until it looks like a happy mess. Doesn’t that mix of colors look wonderful already? This is when my grandson always sneaks a taste.
• Step 4: Put the lid on and set it to high. Let it cook until the cheese is all melted and bubbly. Then, just turn it down to low. You can leave it for up to four hours. Do you prefer stews with noodles or rice? Share below!

Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner, Soup

Let’s Mix It Up!

This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change with you. Feel free to get creative with what you have. Here are a few fun twists I like to try on different days.

• Spicy Fiesta: Use a can of spicy Rotel tomatoes. Add a sprinkle of chili powder too. It gives the stew a little kick that wakes you up.
• Garden Veggie: Skip the chicken and add more beans. Toss in some chopped carrots or zucchini. It’s a wonderful way to eat your vegetables.
• Potato Lover’s: Add a cup of frozen diced potatoes. They make the stew extra hearty and thick. It’s perfect for a chilly evening.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Bowl

Now, let’s talk about serving your beautiful stew. A good bowl needs a few friends. I love to scoop it over a piece of warm cornbread. The way it soaks up the broth is just perfect. A simple green salad on the side is nice, too.

For a drink, a cold glass of iced tea is my favorite. It cuts through the richness so well. If you’re having a special night, a light lager beer works wonderfully. It’s a simple, comforting combination. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Stew Cozy for Later

This stew is a wonderful friend to have in your fridge. Let it cool completely first. Then it will stay good in a container for about three days.

You can also freeze it for a busy night. I use old yogurt containers for single portions. My grandson calls it my treasure chest.

Reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of broth. This stops it from getting too thick. Batch cooking like this saves you time and stress.

It means a warm meal is always close by. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for a Perfect Stew

Is your stew too thin? Let it cook with the lid off for a bit. The extra liquid will steam away and thicken it up nicely.

I once added far too much pepper. We just stirred in a little more cream of mushroom soup. It balanced the flavor right out.

If it tastes a bit bland, salt is your best friend. Add a little at a time and taste as you go. Fixing small problems makes you a more confident cook.

It also makes your food taste so much better. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Stew Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Yes! Just use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. Check your broth label too.

Q: Can I make it ahead?

A: Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day. The flavors get to know each other.

Q: What if I don’t have Velveeta?

A: You can use cheddar cheese. It will be a little less creamy but still good.

Q: Can I double the recipe?

A: Only if your slow cooker is big enough. You do not want it to overflow.

Q: Any optional add-ins?

A: A dash of hot sauce is nice for a little kick. Which tip will you try first?

Share Your Kitchen Creations

I hope you love this cozy stew. It always makes my kitchen smell like home. I would love to see your version of it.

Fun fact: Stews are found in almost every culture around the world. Everyone loves a one-pot meal!

Your stories and photos make my day. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Happy cooking!

—Olivia Hartwell.