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Craving a hearty, home-cooked meal but short on time? This Chicken Onion Stew is the perfect solution! Made with just three simple ingredients, this slow cooker recipe requires no prep or fuss. Let the chicken and onions simmer away, creating a rich, savory dish that’s perfect for dipping with bread or serving over rice!

This chicken onion stew recipe is made in a slow cooker and it uses only 3 ingredients. No pre-cooking of any kind required – just put the chicken pieces, chopped onions and ketchup in a slow cooker, press the “Cook” button and come back to a hot cooked dinner. This is a lazy person’s dream come true!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Onion Stew

Effortless to prepare: This recipe is perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to spend in the kitchen. With just three simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you’ll have a delicious meal without any hassle.
Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: Despite using just chicken, onions, and ketchup, the slow cooking process brings out deep, savory flavors that make this stew rich and comforting.
Versatile and customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning or even add more vegetables if you’d like to make it your own. It’s a great base recipe for all sorts of variations.
Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does all the work! Just set it up and forget about it until mealtime—perfect for days when you need a low-maintenance dinner.
Family-friendly: This stew is mild, hearty, and perfect for the whole family. Serve it with bread, rice, or your favorite sides for a wholesome dinner everyone will enjoy.

Chicken Onion Stew Recipe

Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

1 cut-up chicken: Provides the base of the stew, becoming tender and flavorful as it cooks in the slow cooker.
5 onions: Adds natural sweetness and forms a rich, savory sauce as they break down during cooking.
1/2 cup ketchup: The secret ingredient that brings a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the stew, perfectly complementing the onions.
1 tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and onions, ensuring the stew is well-seasoned and balanced.
1/4 tsp pepper: Adds a subtle touch of heat and depth to the dish, bringing out the savory elements of the stew.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Chicken Onion Stew

Slow Cooker: The star of this recipe, it does all the cooking while you relax.
Knife: For chopping the onions and cutting the chicken (if needed).
Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for preparing your ingredients.
Measuring Cups: To measure out the ketchup for the perfect balance of flavor.
Measuring Spoons: For measuring the salt and pepper to season the chicken just right.

Instructions

Peel and chop the onions.
Rub the chicken pieces with salt and pepper all over.
Put chicken, onions and ketchup in a slow cooker. Toss all ingredients.
Cook in a slow cooker for 4 hours on “High” or 8 hours on “Low”.

After simmering for hours in a slow cooker, the onion sauce in this chicken onion stew is absolutely delicious! You can dip the piece of bread in the sauce to eat up every last drop!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Chicken Onion Stew with warm, challah bread for dipping into the rich onion sauce.
Pair it with steamed rice or mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious juices.
A side of roasted vegetables, like carrots or broccoli, would complement the stew’s savory flavors.
For a lighter option, serve it over a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the stew.

Tips For Success

Use bone-in chicken for added flavor: While you can use boneless chicken, bone-in pieces, like thighs or drumsticks, add more depth of flavor to the stew as it cooks. The bones help enrich the broth and make the stew more flavorful.
Don’t skip the onions: Onions are a key ingredient in this recipe, and as they cook down, they create a flavorful, slightly sweet sauce. Use enough onions to get the best result—at least five medium onions, as the recipe suggests.
Adjust the ketchup to taste: The ketchup provides sweetness and a touch of tanginess to the stew. If you prefer a more savory dish, you can reduce the ketchup slightly, or add a pinch of paprika for a smokier flavor.
Layer ingredients evenly: When adding the chicken and onions to the slow cooker, make sure everything is evenly distributed. This helps the flavors meld together and ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
Patience is key: For the most tender chicken and best flavor, use the “Low” setting on your slow cooker for 8 hours. While cooking on “High” for 4 hours works well too, the longer cooking time allows the flavors to develop more fully.

Variations And Substitutions

Use different cuts of chicken: This recipe works well with any part of the chicken. You can use thighs, drumsticks, or even chicken breasts. If you prefer leaner meat, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Keep in mind that bone-in pieces will provide more flavor, but boneless options are quicker to shred and serve.
Add vegetables for extra nutrition: While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to add vegetables to make it a more complete meal. Carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers would work well, adding more texture and flavor to the stew. Simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and toss them in with the chicken and onions.
Try different seasonings: While salt and pepper keep things simple, you can experiment with other seasonings to change the flavor profile. Add some garlic powder, smoked paprika, or thyme to the chicken for extra depth. You could also try adding a bay leaf or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the stew’s savory notes.
Swap ketchup for tomato paste or crushed tomatoes: If you’re not a fan of ketchup or want a different flavor, you can use tomato paste or crushed tomatoes instead. Tomato paste will give the stew a more concentrated tomato flavor, while crushed tomatoes will add a bit more liquid and a fresher taste.
Make it spicy: If you love a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the slow cooker. The stew will take on a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Once cooled, store any leftover Chicken Onion Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze this stew for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the stew in a pot and warm it over medium heat until fully heated through. If it has thickened in the fridge or freezer, you can add a bit of water or broth to loosen it up. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken works well in this recipe, especially if you prefer an easier option for shredding. However, using bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the stew and makes the sauce richer.

Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to make this stew heartier and more nutritious. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker along with the chicken and onions.

What can I use instead of ketchup?

If you’re not a fan of ketchup, you can substitute it with tomato paste or crushed tomatoes for a more traditional tomato-based flavor. Tomato paste will give a deeper, richer taste, while crushed tomatoes will provide a lighter, fresher flavor.

How long does it take to cook Chicken Onion Stew?

In a slow cooker, this stew takes 4 hours on the “High” setting or 8 hours on the “Low” setting. The longer you cook it, the more tender the chicken will be, so if you have the time, the “Low” setting is ideal for the best results.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this stew freezes well. Simply let the stew cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Other Easy Chicken Recipes

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Simple Chicken Fajitas Recipe: These simple chicken fajitas are packed with juicy, seasoned chicken and fresh veggies, ready in just minutes for a flavorful, easy meal.

Hearty Chunky Chicken Salad: This chunky chicken salad is loaded with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing for a satisfying, protein-packed lunch.

Frozen Chicken Parmesan In Air Fryer: Make crispy, golden chicken parmesan from frozen in your air fryer for a quick and easy Italian-inspired dinner.

Other Easy Onion Recipes

Crispy Air Fryer Onions: These crispy air fryer onions are perfectly crunchy and golden, an irresistible topping for burgers, salads, or soups.

Sautéed Red Onions Recipe: This sautéed red onions recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, perfect for topping steaks, burgers, or as a side dish.

Air Fryer Roasted Peppers and Onions: Roast peppers and onions in the air fryer for a quick, healthy side dish that’s bursting with smoky, caramelized flavors.

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