This Slow Cooker White Wine Chicken Stew is rich, creamy, deeply comforting, and full of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a silky white-wine infused sauce that tastes like something from a cozy countryside kitchen. Everything simmers low and slow until the chicken becomes fall-apart tender and the vegetables soften into a thick, stew-like base that warms you from the inside out. This recipe is perfect for winter nights, busy days when you need a hands-off meal, or anytime you want a big bowl of creamy comfort food without any complicated steps.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Hands-off slow cooker recipe: After a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the work, making this stew perfect for busy days or cold evenings when you want a comforting meal ready with no effort.
• Creamy, cozy, and flavorful: The white wine adds brightness, the chicken becomes incredibly tender, and the creamy base gives the stew a luxurious texture.
• Hearty and satisfying: Loaded with carrots, potatoes, celery, and chicken, this stew is filling enough to serve as a complete meal without needing any sides.
• Flexible and customizable: You can swap vegetables, adjust the thickness, or use different herbs to match your taste or what you have on hand.
• Even better the next day: Like most stews, the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers unbelievably delicious.
Ingredients
• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
• 4 large carrots, sliced
• 3–4 potatoes, diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tbsp flour (for thickening)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp salt (more to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Recommended Tools
These tools make slow cooker recipes easier and help everything cook evenly.
6-Quart Crockpot – the perfect size for chicken, soups, roasts, and family meals.
Slow Cooker Liners – prevent sticking and make cleaning super easy.
Silicone Spoon Set – great for stirring without scratching the pot.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – helps you measure spices and liquids accurately.
Glass Storage Containers – perfect for storing leftovers safely.
Preparation Steps
- Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and brown the chicken in batches. Sear the pieces until they develop a golden crust on the outside, about 3–4 minutes per side. This step adds deep flavor to the stew and keeps the chicken juicy. Transfer the browned chicken directly into your slow cooker.
- Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped celery, diced onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken in the slow cooker. These vegetables will soften slowly and release their natural sweetness into the stew as it cooks. Sprinkle in the rosemary, thyme, black pepper, salt, and bay leaf, allowing the herbs to sit on top so they can infuse the stew gradually.
- Pour the chicken broth and dry white wine over the chicken and vegetables. The liquid should come up around the ingredients without fully covering them. Lightly stir everything to ensure the herbs and seasonings are well-distributed. This broth-wine combination will create the signature rich and aromatic base of the stew.
- Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. During this slow simmer, the chicken becomes tender enough to shred, the vegetables soften, and the broth deepens in flavor. Avoid opening the lid early, as it will release heat and increase cooking time.
- About 20 minutes before serving, prepare the creamy thickener. Melt the butter in a small bowl, then whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste with no lumps. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream until you have a silky mixture. This step transforms the broth into a creamy, velvety stew.
- Stir the cream mixture into the slow cooker until fully combined. You’ll see the broth start to thicken immediately. Continue cooking on high for 20–30 minutes so the stew can reach the perfect creamy consistency and the flavors can fully blend.
- Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf, stir in fresh parsley for brightness, and let the stew rest for a few minutes so the flavors settle. Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes for a cozy, satisfying meal.
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Cooking Notes
• Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness
• Let the wine cook fully for best flavor
• If stew gets too thick, add a splash of broth
• If too thin, add extra flour-butter paste
• Fresh herbs boost flavor
• Don’t skip sautéing flour with butter, it prevents lumps
Variations
• Add mushrooms
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes
• Swap heavy cream for coconut milk
• Add peas or corn at the end
• Use turkey instead of chicken
• Add Parmesan cheese for richness
Serving Suggestions
• Serve with crusty bread
• Ladle over rice or mashed potatoes
• Pair with a green salad
• Add biscuits on top
• Serve in bread bowls
• Finish with extra parsley or cracked black pepper
Tips
• Cut vegetables evenly for even cooking
• Use dry white wine like sauvignon blanc
• Don’t lift the slow cooker lid early, heat escapes
• Make ahead for deeper flavor
• Store leftovers in airtight containers
• Reheat gently to keep sauce creamy
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 7 hours
• Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Approx. 470 calories – 35g protein – 22g fat – 28g carbs
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
- Yes, but for food safety it’s better to thaw it first. Frozen chicken releases extra liquid, which may make the stew thinner and delay cooking time.
What type of white wine works best?
- A dry white wine like sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, or chardonnay adds flavor without being sweet. Avoid cooking wines because they contain salt and additives.
Can I make this dairy-free?
- Yes. Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk and skip the butter, using olive oil instead to mix with the flour. The stew stays creamy and delicious.
How can I thicken the stew more?
- Add more flour mixed with softened butter, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) and cook on high for 10–15 minutes.
Does the alcohol cook off completely?
- Most of it does during the long slow cooking time, leaving only the flavor behind. If avoiding alcohol, substitute extra chicken broth.
Can I make this ahead?
- Absolutely. This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store in containers and reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze this stew?
- Yes, but keep in mind that cream-based stews may separate slightly after freezing. Stir well when reheating and it will come back together.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker White Wine Chicken Stew is the ultimate comforting, creamy, and hearty meal that requires minimal effort and delivers big flavor. With tender chicken, soft vegetables, and a silky white wine sauce, it’s a dish you’ll want to make all winter long. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal-prepping, or warming up on a cold evening, this rich and cozy stew is always a perfect choice.
