On chilly evenings, I crave comfort food that feels like a warm hug. This Creamy Chicken Stew quickly became my go-to recipe when I want something easy, cozy, and satisfying. Whether I have a few minutes or all afternoon, I love that you can make it on the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot. Let me show you how to bring this creamy, hearty dinner to your table any way you like.
Creamy Chicken Stew
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter in a soup pot over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sauté until cooked through. Remove from pot.
- Add olive oil and vegetables to the pot, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Return chicken to the pot.
- Combine cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and Ranch seasoning, then add to the pot and stir well.
- Simmer until potatoes and carrots are tender, about 45 minutes.
- Optional: Serve over biscuits.
Notes
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Chicken Stew
- Incredible flavor from simple ingredients, including a ranch seasoning hack that adds extra savory goodness
- Versatile cooking methods: stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, fitting every schedule
- Hearty and satisfying with tender chicken and fresh veggies, perfect for family dinners
- Comforting creaminess that transforms basic staples into a soul-warming meal
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Chicken Stew calls for familiar, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create rich flavor and satisfying texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 boneless chicken breasts (uncooked & cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt/Pepper
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 large red potatoes (sliced)
- 1 cup baby carrots
- ½ cup celery (diced)
- ¾ cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup whole milk (don’t substitute low-fat)
- 1 cup sour cream (at room temp)
- 1 oz. ranch seasoning mix
Why These Ingredients Matter
Why Full-Fat Dairy is a Must
Whole milk and room temperature sour cream create the creamy base that makes this stew luscious and indulgent. Low-fat substitutions can result in less flavor and a watery texture.
The Magic of Ranch Seasoning
This secret ingredient adds a burst of herbs and tang that enhances the chicken and vegetables in a way simple salt and pepper can’t.
Best Potatoes for Stew
Red potatoes hold their shape well during long simmering, preventing your stew from becoming mushy and keeping a nice bite in every spoonful.
Choosing Your Chicken: Breast vs. Thighs vs. Rotisserie
| Chicken Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | Lean, cooks quickly, mild flavor | Can dry out if overcooked |
| Chicken Thighs | Juicier, more flavorful, forgiving texture | Takes slightly longer to cook |
| Rotisserie Chicken | Pre-cooked, convenient, adds smoky flavor | Less control over seasoning, usually pricier |
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stew (Stovetop Instructions)
- Melt butter in a soup pot over medium heat.
- Season cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add to the pot and sauté until cooked through. Remove chicken from the pot.
- Add olive oil and vegetables (onion, potatoes, carrots, celery, green beans) to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Return chicken to the pot.
- Combine cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Add to the pot and stir until well combined.
- Simmer soup gently until potatoes and carrots are fork tender, about 45 minutes. For an extra creamy texture, you can learn more about achieving a rich stew base here.
- Optional: Serve over biscuits for extra comfort.
Each major step here should have a process photo to help guide you visually.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Stew Instructions
This slow cooker method is perfect for busy days when you want a hands-off meal that’s ready when you walk in the door.
- Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Melt butter on the bottom of the crock pot. Add olive oil, vegetables, and chicken. Stir to coat everything.
- Mix soup, milk, sour cream, and ranch seasoning together and pour over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Low and slow is key to keep milk and dairy from breaking down.
- Optional: Serve over biscuits for a cozy finish.
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Stew Instructions
The Instant Pot method is your fastest way to a creamy, hearty stew when time is tight.
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add butter, olive oil, and vegetables. Cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add 1 cup chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom.
- Season cubed chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add to the pot.
- Seal lid and set Pressure Cook for 8 minutes. When finished, do a quick pressure release.
- Switch to Sauté mode. Mix cream of chicken soup and ranch seasoning with half the milk and sour cream. Stir into the stew.
- Simmer for 5 minutes. (Add remaining milk and sour cream if you want it soupier.)
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Stew Every Time
- Always bring sour cream to room temperature before adding to avoid curdling.
- Don’t let the stew simmer too long once potatoes are tender to prevent mushiness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end for perfect balance.
- Use fresh or frozen vegetables for best texture and flavor.
- For a richer stew, brown the chicken well before adding veggies.
Variations and Dietary Swaps
| Dietary Need | Ingredient to Replace | Recommended Substitution |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Creamy Chicken Stew | Cream of chicken soup | Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup or substitute with a homemade cornstarch slurry sauce |
| Dairy-Free Creamy Chicken Stew | Whole milk and sour cream | Replace with full-fat coconut milk and cashew cream for creaminess without dairy |
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Stew
Breads for Dipping
- Warm biscuits
- Crusty artisan bread
Simple Salads
- Mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette
- Classic garden salad
Easy Vegetable Sides
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Garlic sautéed green beans
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
Store leftover creamy chicken stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the creamy texture smooth and prevent splitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I thicken my chicken stew?
To thicken your stew, simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during simmering.
How do I fix a curdled or broken sauce?
Whisk a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch into a small amount of cold water and slowly stir into the stew while heating gently. Avoid boiling to prevent further curdling.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes! This stew actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Store it in the fridge overnight and gently reheat before serving.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers based on your preference and what you have on hand.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Stew is a simple way to bring comfort and warmth to your dinner table any night of the week. No matter if you choose stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, you’re just a few easy steps away from a hearty, delicious meal your family will love. Give it a try, then come back and leave a comment and star rating below—I can’t wait to hear which method you picked and what you served it with! Let’s keep making dinner easy and comforting together.
