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Looking for a comforting, nourishing, and hands-off dinner that’s packed with flavor and nutrition? This slow cooker chicken stew with tender chunks of chicken and fresh vegetables like zucchini, paprika (bell pepper), carrots, and tomatoes is a perfect meal to cozy up with.
It’s rich in flavor yet light on carbs—making it ideal for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get in your daily vegetables without feeling like you’re eating a salad. If you’ve ever come home to the aroma of stew simmering slowly all day, you know exactly how satisfying this dish can be.
Why Make This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?
1. Easy, Hands-Off Cooking
With a slow cooker, dinner practically makes itself. You simply toss in the ingredients, set the timer, and return hours later to a complete, ready-to-serve meal.
2. Nutritious and Keto-Friendly
Low in carbs and high in protein and fiber, this stew is a nutritional powerhouse. Zucchini, bell pepper, carrots, and tomatoes provide vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants, all while keeping carbs in check.
3. Family-Approved Flavors
This stew is mild, savory, and cozy. It appeals to kids and adults alike—no strange ingredients or complicated steps. It’s a weeknight winner.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep
Make a large batch and enjoy it for several days. It’s even better reheated, and it freezes well, too.
Want more nourishing, keto-approved meals? Download the FREE Keto Cookbook – 21 Delicious Recipes and discover flavorful dishes made with real, whole ingredients.
Ingredients List
Main Ingredients:
1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and sliced into ½-inch pieces
1 red bell pepper (paprika), chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into coins
2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (or 1 can of diced tomatoes, drained)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil, for sautéing
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional Additions:
½ tsp red pepper flakes, if you like a touch of heat
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, to brighten the flavor at the end
1 bay leaf, added during cooking for depth
Read More: Cheesy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by washing and prepping your vegetables. Slice the zucchini and carrots, chop the bell pepper and onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Try to keep your veggies roughly the same size for even cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic (Optional but Highly Recommended)
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
This step deepens the flavor and gives the stew a more savory base. It’s optional, but worth it.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic into the slow cooker. Add the chicken, zucchini, carrots, bell pepper, and tomatoes.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the tomato paste until fully incorporated. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper over everything. Stir to mix evenly.
Step 4: Cook on Low and Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. The chicken should be fork-tender, and the vegetables soft but still holding their shape.
Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this can extend the cooking time.
Step 5: Taste and Finish
About 10 minutes before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning. Add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors if desired.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with your favorite keto sides or as a stand-alone meal.
For more slow-cooker-friendly keto meals, check out the FREE Keto Cookbook – 21 Delicious Recipes—filled with hearty, low-carb comfort food you can make any day of the week.
Tips and Substitutions
This recipe is easy to adapt to your taste or dietary needs. Here’s how:
Protein Options
Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender, and great for long cooking times.
Chicken Breasts: Leaner and firmer but still delicious.
Pre-cooked Chicken: Add near the end to avoid overcooking.
Vegetable Swaps
Mushrooms: Add earthy flavor and meaty texture.
Green Beans or Kale: Stir in during the last hour.
Spinach: Add fresh spinach 5–10 minutes before serving.
Spice & Flavor Boosters
Add a bay leaf for a deeper aroma.
Use cumin, coriander, or curry powder for different cultural twists.
Red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
To Make it Creamy
Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk at the end.
Cream cheese also works for a thicker, tangy texture.
To Thicken the Broth
Blend a cup of the stew and stir it back in.
Or use a teaspoon of xanthan gum or a tablespoon of almond flour.
Read More: Bacon Egg and Cheese Muffins
Recipe Variations
Make this stew your own with these easy variations:
Mexican-Inspired Chicken Stew
Use chili powder and cumin instead of oregano. Add lime juice and diced green chiles. Garnish with avocado and cilantro.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Stew
Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Finish with cream and Parmesan.
Lemon Dill Chicken Stew
Add lemon zest and juice with fresh dill and parsley. Light, fresh, and spring-inspired.
Root Veggie Version
Use low-carb root alternatives like radishes or turnips instead of carrots.
Ready to explore new keto flavor profiles? Let the FREE Keto Cookbook – 21 Delicious Recipes guide you through international twists on your favorite dishes.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 245
Protein: 28g
Fat: 10g
Total Carbs: 10g
Net Carbs: 7g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 540mg
Vitamin A: 80% DV
Vitamin C: 90% DV
Potassium: 850mg
Read More: Easy Keto Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Storage
Refrigerator: Keeps well in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
Serving Ideas
Serve alone or pair with:
Cauliflower rice
Mashed cauliflower
Zucchini noodles
Keto bread or biscuits
Top with shredded Parmesan or a spoonful of sour cream.
Looking for side dishes to complete the meal? The FREE Keto Cookbook – 21 Delicious Recipes offers full meal pairings for every recipe.
Common Questions
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes. Use a large pot or Dutch oven. Sauté the aromatics and chicken, add the rest, and simmer covered for 45–60 minutes.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes. One 14-oz can of diced tomatoes, drained, works well.
What can I use instead of tomato paste?
Try doubling the fresh tomatoes or using a small amount of tomato sauce or sugar-free ketchup.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu (note: chickpeas are not keto) and use vegetable broth.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, the base recipe is dairy-free. Just skip creamy add-ins and cheese toppings.
Conclusion
This slow cooker chicken stew brings together the perfect balance of simplicity, nutrition, and comfort. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and deep, slow-cooked flavor, it’s a dish that satisfies both the body and the appetite—ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a cozy weekend meal.
Designed to be both wholesome and low in carbs, this stew fits seamlessly into a keto-friendly lifestyle while offering flexibility for various tastes and dietary needs. Its ease of preparation, rich flavor, and nourishing ingredients make it a standout addition to any healthy meal rotation.
You May Also Like:
1. Avocado Chicken Salad Without Mayo
2. Keto Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers
3. Keto Chicken Cauliflower Casserole
