Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a classic comfort dish designed for busy days when you want a nourishing, home-cooked meal without standing over the stove. Slow cooking allows the chicken to become beautifully tender while the vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness into the gravy. The result is a rich, well-rounded stew that feels familiar and deeply satisfying.

This recipe serves 4 people and requires minimal hands-on effort. Once everything is in the slow cooker, time does the rest of the work.

What Makes This Recipe Worth Making

• Set-and-forget cooking – ideal for busy schedules and family meals
• Tender, juicy chicken – slow heat prevents drying out
• Rich, comforting gravy – thickens naturally as it cooks
• Simple, affordable ingredients – no complicated shopping list
• Excellent leftovers – flavours deepen after resting

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?

Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a slow-cooked stew made with chicken, vegetables, herbs, and stock, cooked gently over several hours. The low heat allows flavours to blend gradually, creating a hearty dish that focuses on comfort, balance, and ease rather than complex techniques.

Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Ingredients List

• 800 g chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, thickly sliced
• 2 celery sticks, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 500 ml chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon tomato purée
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for serving)

Similar recipes to add to your list

• Jamie Oliver Broccoli and Stilton Soup
• Jamie Oliver Pumpkin Ginger Soup
• Jamie Oliver Chestnut Soup

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Stew – Simple Steps

Step 1: Brown the chicken

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper, then brown it on both sides until golden. This step adds depth and improves the final flavor of the stew.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetables

Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker. Spread them evenly so they form a base for the chicken to sit on.

Step 3: Add the chicken

Place the browned chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. This helps the meat stay moist while slowly absorbing flavour from the stew.

Step 4: Build the sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the chicken, then add the tomato purée, thyme, bay leaf, and chicken stock. Stir gently so the flour dissolves into the liquid.

Step 5: Slow cook

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The stew is ready when the chicken is very tender, and the gravy has thickened.

Step 6: Finish and serve

Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving for a fresh finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making This Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Skipping the browning step – this reduces the depth of flavour
• Adding too much stock – slow cookers retain moisture
• Over-seasoning early – flavours intensify during cooking
• Opening the lid often – heat loss slows cooking

Delicious Side Dishes to Serve With This Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Creamy mashed potatoes – soak up the rich gravy
• Steamed rice – simple and filling
• Crusty bread – ideal for dipping
• Light green vegetables – balance the richness

Expert Tips to Get This Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Right

• Use chicken thighs – they stay tender during long cooking
• Cut vegetables evenly – ensures consistent texture
• Cook on low when possible – better flavour development
• Let it rest briefly – thickens naturally before serving

How to Add More Flavour to Chicken Stew

• Fresh herbs at the end – brighten the stew
• A knob of butter before serving – adds richness
• Extra black pepper – sharpens the finish

How to Adjust Chicken Stew for Kids

Keep seasoning mild, remove the bay leaf early, and shred the chicken into smaller pieces. The soft vegetables and gentle gravy make it easy for kids to enjoy.

Is Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Gluten-Free?

This stew is not gluten-free as written due to the flour. Swap the flour with cornflour or a gluten-free thickener to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.

Best Way to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Leftovers

• Cool completely first – prevents excess moisture
• Use airtight containers – keep fresh for up to 3 days
• Freeze in portions – stores well for up to 2 months

Best Ways to Reheat Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Leftovers

• Stovetop reheating – warm gently, stirring occasionally
• Microwave method – heat in short bursts
• Add a little stock – loosens the gravy if it’s thick

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: ~32 g
• Carbohydrates: ~18 g
• Fat: ~24 g

FAQs

Can I Put Raw Chicken Directly Into the Slow Cooker for Chicken Stew?

Yes, raw chicken can be added straight to the slow cooker and it will cook safely as the stew simmers for several hours. Browning the chicken first is optional but adds a deeper, richer flavor to the final dish.

How Do I Stop Slow Cooker Chicken Stew From Becoming Watery?

Use less stock than you would for stovetop cooking, as slow cookers trap moisture. Keeping the lid closed and adding a small amount of flour or cornflour helps the stew thicken naturally.

Is It Better to Cook Chicken Stew on Low or High in a Slow Cooker?

Cooking on low is better for chicken stew. The longer, gentler heat makes the chicken more tender and allows the flavours to develop evenly throughout the dish.

Can I Freeze Slow Cooker Chicken Stew After Cooking?

Yes, this stew freezes well. Let it cool completely, transfer to airtight containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a dependable, comforting recipe that fits real-life cooking. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for family dinners, batch cooking, or relaxed weekends when you want something warm and satisfying.

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