If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe. It’s the kind of comfort food that’s packed with tender chicken, hearty veggies, and a creamy garlic parmesan broth that seeps into every bite. When I first tried this stew, I was hooked instantly—it’s such an effortless way to get dinner on the table, especially on busy days when you want something nourishing but hands-off. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my best tips for making it perfectly every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless and Hands-Off: Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and come back to a meal that smells heavenly.
Rich and Creamy Flavor: The garlic parmesan broth is luscious without the heaviness, a perfect balance every time.
Family-Friendly Comfort Food: My family goes crazy for this stew, and it’s a hit even with picky eaters.
Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily customize the veggies or add a twist to suit your taste.

A white bowl filled with creamy chicken soup sits on a white marbled surface. The soup has layers of white shredded chicken, bright orange carrot slices, and vibrant green peas mixed with chunks of pale potatoes, all covered in a thick, light beige broth. There are small bits of green herbs sprinkled on top for color. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl with some soup on it. Around the bowl, there are white small dishes holding grated cheese and green chopped herbs, along with fresh parsley on the side and a piece of bread placed on a wooden surface. A blue and white striped cloth is partially visible near the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew, Healthy slow cooker chicken recipes, Comfort food chicken stew, Easy garlic parmesan chicken dish, Hearty slow cooker dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe is in the simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Each item complements the others, giving you a stew that’s hearty but not overwhelming. When I shop for this, I look for firm red potatoes and fresh carrots, and I recommend good-quality Parmesan cheese for that perfect savory finish.

Flat lay of vibrant red potato chunks, thinly sliced bright orange carrots, crisp green celery pieces, finely chopped white onion, peeled garlic cloves, fresh green peas, tender raw chicken breasts, and a small pile of shredded pale yellow Parmesan cheese, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew, Healthy slow cooker chicken recipes, Comfort food chicken stew, Easy garlic parmesan chicken dish, Hearty slow cooker dinner

Red Potatoes: I like red potatoes here because they hold their shape well during the long cooking time.
Carrots: Thinly sliced carrots soften perfectly and add a touch of sweetness.
Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and depth to the stew’s flavor.
Onion: Finely chopped for even cooking and rich aroma.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for that bold garlic parmesan taste.
Salt, Parsley, Italian Seasoning, Black Pepper: These seasonings layer the flavors beautifully without being overpowering.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Choose low sodium so you can control the saltiness better.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the broth to a silky consistency.
Heavy Cream: For creaminess that’s indulgent but not greasy.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: They cook tender and shred easily without losing moisture.
Frozen Peas (Optional): I throw these in at the end for a pop of color and freshness.
Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded is best for maximum flavor.

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 love that this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe is totally adaptable to your cravings or what you have on hand. I often tweak it to keep things interesting or to fit dietary needs, and you might find your favorite twist too.

Adding Mushrooms: I once added sliced cremini mushrooms for earthiness and loved how it deepened the flavor profile.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast to make it dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess.
Using Thighs Instead of Breasts: Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and richness. It’s what I use when I want a heartier stew.
Extra Herbs: Throw in fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist. Fresh herbs stirred in at the end really brighten the dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Layer Your Vegetables and Seasonings

Start by placing your diced red potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped celery, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic into your slow cooker. Sprinkle on the salt, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir right in the crock. This layering sets the foundation of flavors, so take a moment to smell those fresh garlic and herbs – it’s like a warm welcome.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Broth and Cornstarch, Then Add the Cream

In a small bowl, whisk your chicken broth with cornstarch until smooth — this combo will thicken your stew beautifully. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and add the heavy cream right on top. Don’t forget this bit: the cream turns the broth silky and luxurious without overpowering the other flavors.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Let It Cook

Nestle your boneless skinless chicken breasts into the liquid, pressing them down so they’re mostly submerged. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. Here’s a tip I learned the hard way: if your slow cooker runs cooler, your potatoes might take longer. Cutting them smaller is an easy fix for speeding things up without sacrificing texture.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Finish with Peas and Parmesan

Once your potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Stir it back into the stew with frozen peas (if using) and the shredded Parmesan cheese. Adjust the seasoning with a quick taste — sometimes a little extra salt or pepper makes a big difference!

Serve warm with a big hunk of crusty bread for dipping. I promise it’s the best way to enjoy every last drop of that garlicky, creamy goodness.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

Don’t Skip the Cornstarch Mix: This step thickens the stew gently; adding it directly to the slow cooker without whisking first can cause lumps.
Cut Potatoes Uniformly: I learned that uneven sizes can mean some potatoes stay hard; slicing them consistently helps everything cook evenly.
Stir in Cheese at the End: Adding Parmesan too early can make it clumpy; folding it in just before serving preserves that creamy texture.
Beware of Overcooking: Cooking chicken too long can dry it out; remove and shred once done to keep it tender in the stew.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick creamy chicken soup shows several layers: the base is a light cream broth, with chunks of light beige shredded chicken, bright orange carrot slices, small green peas, and white potato pieces with reddish skin. A silver spoon lifts a scoop of the soup, filled with all these colorful ingredients, positioned slightly above the bowl. The background is a white marbled texture, giving a clean and fresh look to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew, Healthy slow cooker chicken recipes, Comfort food chicken stew, Easy garlic parmesan chicken dish, Hearty slow cooker dinner

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley or chopped chives on top — it adds brightness and a pop of color. Sometimes I throw on a few more shreds of Parmesan right before serving because, honestly, you can never have too much cheese with this stew.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is my go-to with this stew—it’s perfect for soaking up all that creamy goodness. I also like pairing it with a simple green salad to lighten the meal or even some roasted garlic mashed potatoes for extra indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I serve the stew in rustic bread bowls, which gets everyone smiling at the table. Another fun trick I tried was adding a sprinkle of crunchy toasted breadcrumbs on top for contrast—it adds a lovely texture that surprises your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stew in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that the flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the texture fresh.

Freezing

Freezing works surprisingly well for this stew! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. When thawed, the texture stays pretty close to fresh, and the garlic parmesan flavor holds strong. It’s perfect for prepping meals ahead on busy weeks.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the cream from separating. If it thickens too much, a splash of broth or water helps loosen it back up. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through is key to even warming.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and tend to stay tender even after long cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, but generally, they work perfectly in this stew.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap heavy cream with coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative and replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar savory taste. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious and creamy.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out in the slow cooker?

Cooking the chicken breasts just until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before shredding helps. Also, removing and shredding the chicken before the end of cooking and returning it to the stew prevents overcooking.
Can I make this stew in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! Use the sauté function to lightly cook your aromatics first, then add everything and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, followed by a quick release. Finish with the cream and Parmesan after pressure cooking to keep textures perfect.
What’s the best way to thicken the stew if it’s too watery?

Mix a little more cornstarch with cold broth or water and stir it into the hot stew on the stovetop. Bring it to a gentle simmer while stirring until it thickens to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for cozy nights when you want something easy but extraordinary. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cared for—and it’s hard not to smile when that creamy garlic aroma fills your kitchen. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a go-to in your house, too. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!