Get ready to fall in love with cozy, old-fashioned comfort with my Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew Recipe. Imagine tender chicken, bite-sized chunks of sweet potatoes, and colorful vegetables all coming together in a rich, savory broth. This stew isn’t just hearty—it’s the kind of fragrant, soul-soothing meal everyone craves after a long day or on a chilly evening. The best part? It practically cooks itself, leaving you more time to relax and look forward to dinner. If you’re on the hunt for a simple, gluten-free, and wildly flavorful recipe, this stew is about to become your new favorite.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew Recipe is in how a handful of wholesome ingredients deliver such vibrant flavor. Each ingredient has a starring role—building depth, adding satisfying texture, or bringing a pop of color to the bowl. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Chicken thighs or breasts: These become melt-in-your-mouth tender and create the stew’s backbone of protein and flavor.
Sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with savory flavors and thickens the broth wonderfully.
Carrots: Offer color and a gentle sweetness that balances the earthier notes.
Celery: Lends a subtle aromatic crunch and deepens the stew’s savory base.
Onion: The starting point for building a sweet and complex flavor profile.
Garlic: Adds that essential, mouthwatering aroma and depth.
Chicken broth: Carries all the other flavors and keeps the final stew wonderfully moist.
Diced tomatoes (optional): For extra depth and a richer, almost tangy undertone—so good if you want that little something extra.
Dried thyme: Earthy, woodsy, and delicious with both chicken and sweet potatoes.
Dried rosemary: Brings an unmistakable fragrance and classic comfort stew note.
Bay leaf: Rounds out the flavors as the stew simmers; a little goes a long way.
Paprika: Adds a hint of color and gentle warmth to the whole pot.
Salt and black pepper: A must for perfect seasoning—don’t forget to taste and adjust.
Olive oil or melted butter (optional): Stirred in at the end, this adds a silken richness and finishes the stew beautifully.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): A sprinkle of green makes every bowl feel special and bright.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew Recipe

Step 1: Layer the Base

First things first—get your slow cooker ready and layer in the chicken chunks, sweet potato cubes, sliced carrots, diced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic. This foundational step ensures the chicken and vegetables soak up all the goodness right from the beginning.

Step 2: Add Broth and Tomatoes

Next, pour in the chicken broth. If you’d like that extra layer of richness, now’s the time to add the diced tomatoes too. The broth will help all the flavors gently mingle together as they cook low and slow.

Step 3: Season with Herbs and Spices

Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, and tuck in a bay leaf. Season generously with salt and black pepper—remember, you can always adjust later. Gently stir everything together to prepare the ultimate Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew Recipe base.

Step 4: Let It Simmer

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 7 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. As the hours tick by, the chicken becomes fork-tender while the sweet potatoes and veggies soften, infusing the broth with their distinct flavors.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the stew has finished cooking, stir in the olive oil or melted butter for that last decadent touch. Remove the bay leaf, give everything a gentle stir, and your hearty Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew Recipe is ready to serve. Top with fresh parsley and enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew Recipe

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color, but also a lovely herbal note that brightens the stew. If you want to get extra fancy, try a touch of lemon zest or a sprinkling of freshly cracked pepper for a sophisticated finish.

Side Dishes

This stew is a showstopper on its own, but serving it alongside some crusty gluten-free bread or warm rolls is pure magic. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is also a lovely, fresh pairing that keeps the meal balanced and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining or just want to shake things up, serve the stew in individual bread bowls or ladle it over a scoop of warm brown rice or quinoa for an even more filling meal. For a fun family dinner, set up a “stew bar” with bowls of extra garnishes for everyone to customize their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors become even richer overnight—a delicious bonus!

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream. Spoon completely cooled stew into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It will keep well for up to three months—perfect for meal prepping or busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, simply thaw (if frozen) and warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. For individual portions, the microwave works just fine—heat in one-minute bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well in the Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew Recipe. Thighs tend to be more forgiving and stay extra juicy, but breasts are a lean alternative and become tender if cooked as directed.

How can I make the stew creamier?

For a luxe, creamy finish, stir in half a cup of coconut milk or heavy cream right at the end of cooking. It instantly transforms the stew into a rich, velvety bowl of comfort. Dairy-free options work perfectly too!

What vegetables can I add or substitute?

Feel free to get creative! Kale, spinach, or chopped bell peppers are great additions. You can swap sweet potatoes for regular potatoes or butternut squash if that’s what you have on hand—the Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew Recipe is super flexible.

Is this recipe suitable for special diets?

Yes indeed! This stew is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free if you use olive oil and skip any cream. It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome option for many lifestyles.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prep all the veggies and chicken up to a day in advance. Just keep everything in the fridge so it’s ready to go in the slow cooker in the morning, making the Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew Recipe even more weeknight-friendly.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as filling your home with the comforting aroma of a slow-cooked meal. If you’re craving warmth in a bowl, I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew Recipe enough. Give it a try and let it become a staple in your kitchen—it’s wholesome, delicious, and always a hit.