Nothing says comfort quite like a generous bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew. This soul-warming dish features juicy chunks of chicken, vibrant sweet potatoes, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered gently in a deliciously seasoned broth. As the stew bubbles away in your slow cooker, the ingredients meld into something magical — the perfect remedy for chilly days or those weeknights when you crave simplicity and heartiness. If you’re searching for an easy, flavorful dinner that feels cozy and nourishing, this is the dish to savor.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses humble, wholesome ingredients that come together for big flavor with minimal effort. Each item has a special role in making Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew so satisfying, from the tender chicken to the sweet, earthy vegetables and savory herbs.

Chicken thighs or breasts (1 ½ lbs, boneless and skinless): Pick thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner stew; both become meltingly tender in the slow cooker.
Sweet potatoes (2 medium, peeled and cubed): Their natural sweetness adds a delightful twist, balancing the savory flavors beautifully.
Carrots (2, sliced): Bring extra color, gentle sweetness, and subtle texture that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.
Celery stalks (2, diced): These add crunch and a mild, aromatic base that rounds out the stew.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): Aromatic and essential, onion creates savory depth throughout the slow-cooked broth.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): The backbone of flavor — don’t skip the garlic, it infuses the stew with rich, mellow warmth.
Chicken broth (4 cups): Use low-sodium broth for control over seasoning and a flavorful liquid base.
Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz, optional): Add for a touch of acidity and even more richness, or leave out for a lighter broth.
Dried thyme (1 tsp): A classic herb for stews, bringing woodland aroma that complements chicken and veggies.
Dried rosemary (1 tsp): Sturdy and fragrant, rosemary imparts an earthy, slightly piney note.
Bay leaf (1): Adds a subtle herbal flavor that develops as the stew simmers; just remember to remove it before serving.
Paprika (½ tsp): Offers gentle warmth and a hint of smokiness that ties everything together.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for blending and brightening all the flavors.
Olive oil or melted butter (2 tbsp, optional): Stirred in at the end, this adds a silky finish and a touch of richness.
Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped, for garnish): Sprinkled over the top, parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to every serving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew

Step 1: Prep the Fresh Ingredients

Start by cutting your chicken into generous bite-sized chunks, then peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Slice up the carrots, dice the celery, chop your onion, and mince the garlic. The chopping is all quick and easy — and spending a few minutes here means all those veggies will melt together into beautiful, hearty spoonfuls later.

Step 2: Layer Everything in the Slow Cooker

Add the chicken, sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic right into your slow cooker. There’s no need for anything fancy; just pile them in. This is all about creating those cozy layers of flavor that will slowly marry as they cook.

Step 3: Pour in the Liquids

Slowly pour the chicken broth over the mixture. If you love deeper flavor and a touch of tang, add in the diced tomatoes here as well. The broth and tomatoes will soak up every bit of the aromatics as the stew simmers away for hours.

Step 4: Season Thoroughly

Sprinkle the dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over everything. Toss in the bay leaf, which will quietly work its magic as the stew cooks. Give everything a gentle stir now to distribute those herbs and spices.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The star moment is when your chicken is fork-tender and your sweet potatoes are wonderfully soft. (Your kitchen will smell amazing!)

Step 6: Finish With Richness

When the stew is done, give it a taste. Stir in the olive oil or melted butter for a luscious finish. If you’re craving extra creaminess, add a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream at this point, too.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

To serve, ladle your Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Each bowl is a warm, colorful invitation to relax and enjoy a truly comforting meal.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew

Garnishes

Don’t skip a simple flourish of chopped fresh parsley before serving — it brings a bright, fresh note that contrasts gorgeously with the rich stew. For an added kick, a squeeze of fresh lemon, a sprinkle of red chili flakes, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt can make the flavors pop even more.

Side Dishes

Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew with hunks of warm, crusty bread for dipping — it soaks up the savory broth like a dream. If you’re looking for something lighter, a crisp green salad drizzled with olive oil is a refreshing complement. A side of steamed rice or buttered noodles also works wonders for extra heartiness.

Creative Ways to Present

Fancy things up by serving this stew in bread bowls for a rustic, show-stopping presentation. Or ladle it over a bed of quinoa or mashed potatoes for a fun twist. If you’re entertaining, try serving smaller portions in mugs for easy, cozy eating around the fire or television.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it taste just as good — if not better — on day two or three. Just be sure to let it cool a bit before popping it into the fridge.

Freezing

This stew freezes like a champ! Spoon it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Store for up to three months, and remember to label it for easy weeknight reheating on busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking and to encourage even heating. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. A splash of extra broth will help loosen the texture if it thickens in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts make a leaner stew and become beautifully tender in the slow cooker, though thighs offer a bit more richness if you prefer. You can even use a mix for the best of both worlds.

Is it possible to make this stew dairy-free?

Yes! Simply use olive oil instead of butter to finish, and skip the optional cream or yogurt garnish. If you crave creaminess, coconut milk stirred in at the end is a wonderful dairy-free option.

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course. Kale, spinach, or even chunks of butternut squash make delicious additions. Add leafy greens in the last 10 minutes of cooking so they stay bright and tender.

How spicy is Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew?

This stew is gently seasoned and not spicy as written, making it family friendly. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the seasoning step.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, you can easily double all the ingredients. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold everything, and add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time as needed to ensure everything cooks through.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a supremely cozy, flavorful dinner, Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew is always a winning choice. It’s easy enough for weeknights and delicious enough to share with guests. I hope it becomes one of your new favorite ways to warm up and gather around the table.