Creamy Slow-Cooker Chicken & Mushroom Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting, one-pot stew with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety cream sauce, perfect for chilly evenings. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, extra-virgin olive oil, large yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes, and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper; cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 diced large yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, and sauté over medium heat for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until mushrooms release their liquid and brown slightly.
  4. Step 4: Pour 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits, then stir in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a slurry.
  5. Step 5: Pour the slurry mixture into the slow cooker with the chicken, then add 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, and 1 cup heavy cream. Stir to combine, cover, and cook on low for 6 hours.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh parsley and taste for seasoning. Adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Slow-Cooker Chicken & Mushroom Stew take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Slow-Cooker Chicken & Mushroom Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra-virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Slow-Cooker Chicken & Mushroom Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Slow-Cooker Chicken & Mushroom Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Creamy Slow-Cooker Chicken & Mushroom Stew?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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