This Slow Cooker White Wine Chicken Stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for colder months. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with fresh herbs, vegetables, and tender chicken. The addition of dry white wine adds a rich depth of flavor, making it an unforgettable dish that’s ideal for a cozy dinner. Easy to make in a slow cooker, this stew is a great option for busy days.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 cups chicken broth

• ½ cup dry white wine

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar

• 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped

• 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 6 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 large yellow onion, cut into chunks

• 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into ½-inch diagonal slices

• 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk/heavy cream)

• ⅔ cup frozen peas

Directions

1. Brown the Chicken
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and brown them for about 5-6 minutes. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through; just sear for flavor. Transfer the browned chicken to a slow cooker.

2. Add Broth & Herbs
   In the slow cooker, add the chicken broth, white wine, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic, onion, carrots, and potatoes. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

3. Thicken the Stew
   Once cooked, remove ½ cup of the broth from the slow cooker. Stir in the milk and whisk in the flour until smooth. Add the mixture back into the slow cooker, then stir in the frozen peas. Cook uncovered on high for another 15-20 minutes until the stew thickens.

4. Adjust & Serve
   Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with fresh thyme and your favorite sides, like toasted French bread, cornbread, or biscuits.

Nutrients

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 427 kcal

• Protein: 39.1 g

• Carbohydrates: 35.2 g

  • Fiber: 5.6 g

  • Sugars: 6.1 g

• Fat: 11.6 g

  • Saturated Fat: 2.4 g

Why Slow Cookers Are Perfect for Stews

The beauty of using a slow cooker for a stew lies in its ability to develop deep, rich flavors over time. As the ingredients cook slowly, they meld together, and the flavors intensify. The long, slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, the vegetables to soften and absorb all the flavors, and the broth to thicken into a creamy, flavorful sauce. This method ensures that you get a stew that’s rich and hearty, without having to monitor it constantly.

Using a slow cooker is also a time-saver. You can prep the ingredients in the morning, set the slow cooker on low, and come home to a hot, comforting stew after a long day. For busy families or anyone looking for an easy yet delicious dinner option, a slow cooker stew like this is an absolute game-changer.

The Role of White Wine in the Stew

White wine is a key ingredient in this stew, adding a layer of depth and richness that makes the dish truly stand out. The wine helps to tenderize the chicken while infusing the broth with a slightly fruity and aromatic flavor that complements the savory vegetables and fresh herbs. The acidity of the wine also helps balance the richness of the other ingredients, creating a harmonious and well-rounded dish.

In this recipe, dry white wine is recommended, as it adds a subtle sharpness without being too sweet. However, if you prefer a sweeter stew, you could experiment with a white wine that has a touch more fruitiness. The white wine also serves as a great base for the broth, enhancing the overall flavor and making the stew more complex and satisfying.

The Essential Vegetables and Herbs

What makes this white wine chicken stew so hearty and flavorful is the combination of vegetables and fresh herbs. Carrots, Yukon Gold potatoes, and onions form the base of the stew, offering a natural sweetness and earthy flavor. These vegetables not only provide great texture and body to the stew but also absorb the savory broth, making every bite satisfying.

Fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano infuse the stew with their fragrant, earthy flavors, elevating the dish and giving it a comforting, homemade taste. Garlic adds another layer of aromatic depth, enhancing the richness of the broth while complementing the freshness of the herbs and vegetables.

The Creamy, Velvety Texture

One of the most delightful aspects of this stew is its creamy, velvety texture. The addition of almond milk (or regular milk/heavy cream, depending on your preference) helps to create a smooth, rich broth that coats the vegetables and chicken beautifully. The flour acts as a thickening agent, giving the stew a luxurious consistency without being overly heavy. The creamy texture is balanced with the freshness of the vegetables, making each spoonful a comforting treat.

The thickened broth also allows the stew to cling to the chicken and vegetables, ensuring that each bite is full of flavor and richness. The peas added at the end bring a pop of color and a slight sweetness, creating a lovely contrast to the savory flavors of the stew.

Adjusting the Flavor to Your Taste

One of the best things about making this Slow Cooker White Wine Chicken Stew is that it’s easily customizable. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, whether that means adding more salt, pepper, or fresh herbs. If you prefer a little heat, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the broth. You can also experiment with different types of wine – a more robust wine could add a deeper flavor to the stew, while a lighter white wine will keep the dish delicate and fresh.

Additionally, if you want to make this stew a little richer, you can swap out the almond milk for heavy cream, or even add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche just before serving for an extra creamy finish.

Serving Suggestions

This stew is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a truly comforting meal, serve the stew with freshly baked bread, like crusty French bread or soft, warm cornbread, to soak up the delicious broth. Biscuits also make a great accompaniment, adding a flaky, buttery element that complements the stew’s richness.

If you’re looking for a lighter side, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the stew. The acidity of the salad dressing will cut through the creaminess, offering a refreshing contrast.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider sprinkling some freshly chopped herbs like parsley or more thyme over the stew just before serving. This adds a fresh, vibrant note that enhances the overall dish and makes it look even more appetizing.

Health Considerations

While this Slow Cooker White Wine Chicken Stew is comforting and indulgent, it’s also a relatively healthy option, especially if you opt for unsweetened almond milk or another light milk alternative. The chicken thighs provide lean protein, while the vegetables offer essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The stew is naturally low in carbs, especially if you reduce the amount of potatoes or use a lower-calorie milk option.

The wine adds depth of flavor without contributing significant calories, and you can always adjust the richness by choosing a lighter milk or cream. For those looking to make the dish even healthier, you could substitute some of the potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb version.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker White Wine Chicken Stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in. The combination of tender chicken, savory vegetables, fresh herbs, and creamy broth, all enhanced by the addition of dry white wine, makes this stew a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity – with minimal prep time and the help of a slow cooker, you can create a hearty, mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for busy days. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or as part of a special gathering, this stew is sure to impress with its delicious flavors and comforting warmth.