Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

The Easiest Stew You’ll Ever Make

I love a good kitchen shortcut. This stew is my favorite for a busy day. You just open some cans and let the slow cooker do the work.

The house fills with a warm, cheesy smell. It makes everyone’s stomachs rumble. Doesn’t that smell amazing? I think it’s the best part.

A Story From My Kitchen

My grandson calls this “Magic Stew.” He watched me make it once. He was amazed I used no raw meat.

I just stirred in the cooked chicken. His eyes got so wide. I still laugh at that. It showed me that easy meals can be the most special.

Why This Simple Meal Matters

This stew matters because it brings people together. It is warm and comforting. A full belly makes a happy heart.

It also matters because it is not fussy. You do not need to be a fancy cook. Good food should be easy to share. What is your favorite easy meal to make?

The Secret in the Pot

The Velveeta cheese is the magic. It melts into the broth. It makes everything so creamy and smooth.

The tomatoes with green chiles give it a little kick. It is not too spicy. Just a nice warmth. Fun fact: Shoepeg corn is a type of sweet white corn with small kernels. It is extra crunchy!

Let’s Make It Together

Get your slow cooker. Dump everything in. The chicken, broth, corn, beans, tomatoes, and soup.

Stir in the cheese cubes last. Put the lid on. Let it cook on high until the cheese melts. Then turn it to low. Do you prefer chunky stews or smooth, creamy soups?

Your Turn to Share

This recipe is so flexible. You can use different beans. Or add some chopped onion. Make it your own.

That is the fun of cooking. You get to create. Tell me, what would you add to make this stew perfect for your family? I would love to hear your ideas.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Shredded cooked chicken	2 1/2 cups	or 2 (10-ounce) cans cooked chicken, drained
Chicken broth	1 (14.5-ounce) can
Shoepeg corn	2 (11-ounce) cans	drained
Northern beans	2 (15-ounce) cans
Tomatoes with green chiles	2 (10-ounce) cans	like Rotel
Cream of mushroom soup	1 (10.5-ounce) can
Velveeta cheese	1 (16-ounce) package	cut into cubes

My Cozy Chicken Stew for a Busy Day

Hello, my dear. Come sit a while. Let’s talk about a good, simple stew. This is my easy slow cooker recipe. It makes the whole house smell wonderful. I love that.

You just toss everything in the pot. Then you can go about your day. I first made this when my grandson had his soccer game. We came home to a ready dinner. I still laugh at that. We were so hungry and happy.

Step 1

Get out your big slow cooker. A four to six-quart one is perfect. Put your cooked chicken right in the bottom. I like to use leftover roast chicken. It feels so clever, using up leftovers.

Step 2

Now for all the good stuff from the pantry. Open all those cans. Pour in the broth, corn, and beans. Then add the tomatoes and the mushroom soup. Doesn’t that look colorful already? It’s like a rainbow in a pot.

Step 3

Here is the best part. Cut that big block of Velveeta into cubes. Stir all those cheesy pieces into the pot. (A hard-learned tip: cut the cheese small. It melts so much faster that way!). Now put the lid on.

Step 4

Turn your slow cooker to high. Let it cook until the cheese is all melted and bubbly. Then you can turn it down to low. It will wait for you, warm and ready. What’s your favorite thing to smell cooking? Share below!

Cook Time: 3-4 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner, Soup

Let’s Mix It Up!

This stew is like a good friend. It is always welcoming. But sometimes, I like to give it a little twist. It keeps things fun in the kitchen. You can try these ideas too.

The Spicy Fiesta

Use hot tomatoes with green chiles. Add a sprinkle of chili powder. It will warm you right up.

The Garden Patch

Skip the chicken. Add a can of black beans instead. It makes a wonderful vegetarian meal.

The Autumn Harvest

Stir in a cup of cubed sweet potato. It gets so soft and sweet in there. It tastes like a cozy fall day.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Bowl

Now, let’s talk about serving your beautiful stew. A bowl of this deserves a good friend. I love to crumble some cornbread on top. It soaks up the broth so nicely. Or you can scoop it over a baked potato. That makes a very filling meal.

For a drink, a tall glass of iced tea is just right. It is cool and refreshing. My husband always likes a pale ale with his stew. The flavors are a happy match. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Stew Cozy for Later

This stew is a wonderful friend to your freezer. Let it cool completely first. Then, pack it into containers. Leave a little space at the top. This space lets the stew expand as it freezes.

I once put a hot container right in the fridge. The lid popped right off. What a mess I had to clean up. Now I always let it cool on the counter. This keeps my fridge happy and my stew safe.

Batch cooking this stew saves your future self. On a busy night, a warm meal is waiting for you. It is like giving yourself a hug later. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Fixing Common Stew Troubles

Is your stew too thick? Just add a splash of broth or water. Stir it in until it looks right to you. I remember when my stew turned into a paste. A little liquid fixed it right up.

If it is too thin, take the lid off. Let it cook on high for a bit longer. The extra steam will escape. This helps the stew thicken naturally. Getting the texture right matters for a comforting feel.

Not cheesy enough? Make sure your Velveeta is cut into small cubes. Big chunks take forever to melt. Small pieces blend in smoothly and evenly. This ensures every spoonful is creamy and delicious. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Stew Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. Check your chicken broth label too.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Absolutely. Combine everything in the slow cooker insert the night before. Keep it covered in the fridge.

Q: What other beans can I use?
A: Great northern beans are my favorite. But canned cannellini or pinto beans work well too.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: You can, but use a large six-quart slow cooker. You need room for everything to bubble.

Q: Any extra tips?
A: A dash of garlic powder is my secret. It makes the flavors sing. Which tip will you try first?

Fun fact: Shoepeg corn is a type of sweet white corn. It has smaller, narrower kernels than yellow corn!

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope this stew becomes a favorite in your home. It always makes my kitchen smell wonderful. I love knowing you are cooking along with me. Sharing food is one of life’s greatest joys.

I would be so happy to see your creation. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! My handle is @ElowensCozyKitchen. Let’s build a community of happy cooks together.

Happy cooking!

—Elowen Thorn.