Slow Cooker Fall Chicken Stew Recipe

This is the kind of recipe I reach for when the weather turns cooler and I want something warm without spending the entire evening in the kitchen.

A slow cooker chicken stew feels steady and familiar, especially when it leans into fall flavors like pumpkin, cinnamon, and thyme. It’s comforting in a quiet way not heavy, just reassuring.

What I like most is how balanced it feels.

The pumpkin adds body without sweetness, the herbs keep it grounded, and the chicken makes it filling enough to stand on its own.

Behind the Recipe

This stew was designed to be simple, seasonal, and practical. Using canned pumpkin adds natural thickness and depth without cream, while cooked chicken keeps the prep minimal.

Cinnamon and thyme bring warmth without overpowering the dish, making it ideal for slow cooking.

It’s a recipe that works well for busy days, meal prep, or when you want something comforting that still feels light.

Why I Love This Recipe?

• The aroma of simmering spices instantly transports me to autumnal markets.
• It makes weeknights feel special with minimal effort.
• The leftovers develop deeper, richer flavors overnight.
• Perfect for pre-winter meal planning just set it and forget it.
• It’s heartwarming without feeling heavy or overly indulgent.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Pumpkin has long been used in savory dishes, especially in fall cooking across many cultures.

While often associated with sweet recipes, pumpkin adds richness and body to soups and stews without dominating the flavor.

Slow cooker stews became popular for exactly this kind of meal simple ingredients, gentle heat, and time doing most of the work.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use unsweetened pumpkin puree only.
2. Shred chicken into larger pieces so it doesn’t dry out.
3. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning gently.
4. Cook on LOW for the best flavor development.
5. Let the stew rest briefly before serving.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

1. Slow cooker
2. Knife and cutting board
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Spoon for stirring
5. Garlic press (optional)

Ingredients in This Recipe

• 2 cups cooked chicken
• 1 cup canned pumpkin 
• 1 small onion, diced 
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme fresh
• 2 cups chicken broth 
• To taste Salt and black pepper

Ingredient Substitutions

• Cooked chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey.
• Pumpkin puree: Substitute butternut squash puree.
• Chicken broth: Use vegetable broth if needed.
• Dried thyme: Use fresh thyme (double the amount).

Ingredient Spotlight

Pumpkin Puree:
Adds thickness and richness without cream, making the stew feel hearty but still light.

Cooked Chicken:
Keeps the recipe efficient while allowing the flavors of the broth and spices to shine.

Instructions for Making This Recipe

Step 1: Chopping the onion into small dice. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the diced onion in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Transfer the cooked onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the shredded chicken, pumpkin, cinnamon, thyme, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low. Let the stew simmer for about 6 hours, or until the flavors meld and the mixture is thickened and tender.

Step 5: Open the lid and season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a gentle stir and let it cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes if you prefer a slightly thicker consistency.

Step 6: Serve the hot stew in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy its smooth, hearty, and aromatic qualities as a perfect fall meal.

Fall Chicken and Pumpkin Stew

This dish is a hearty stew made with leftover cooked chicken, pumpkin, and aromatic spices simmered together in a slow cooker. The result is a thick, tender mixture with a fragrant, pumpkin-orange hue, garnished with gentle hints of cinnamon and herbs. The final stew has a smooth, comforting texture that is perfect for chilly evenings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Autumn, Comfort Food

Servings 4

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon for stirring
• Garlic press (optional)

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded leftover roasted chicken works well
• 1 cup canned pumpkin unsweetened preferred
• 1 small onion, diced for flavor base
• 2 cloves garlic, minced adds depth
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon warm spice accent
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme fresh or dried
• 2 cups chicken broth for simmering
• To taste Salt and black pepper adjust seasoning

Instructions

 

• Chopping the onion into small dice. Set aside.
  
• Sauté the diced onion in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant but not browned.
  
• Transfer the cooked onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the shredded chicken, pumpkin, cinnamon, thyme, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
  
• Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low. Let the stew simmer for about 6 hours, or until the flavors meld and the mixture is thickened and tender.
  
• Open the lid and season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a gentle stir and let it cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes if you prefer a slightly thicker consistency.
  
• Serve the hot stew in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy its smooth, hearty, and aromatic qualities as a perfect fall meal.
  

Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving, 4 servings)

Texture & Flavor Secrets

• Pumpkin naturally thickens as it heats.
• Cinnamon adds warmth without sweetness.
• Slow cooking mellows the garlic and onion.
• Chicken absorbs flavor as it simmers.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Stir once halfway through for even consistency.
• Add extra broth if you prefer a thinner stew.
• Use freshly ground black pepper for better aroma.
• Serve hot for the best texture.

What to Avoid

1. Don’t use pumpkin pie filling.
2. Avoid over-seasoning with cinnamon.
3. Don’t cook on HIGH too long, it can dull flavors.
4. Avoid adding chicken too early if it’s very finely shredded.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–5 hours
• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Store leftovers up to 3 days refrigerated.
• Reheat gently on stovetop or slow cooker.
• Add broth when reheating if thickened.
• Not ideal for freezing due to pumpkin texture.

What to Serve With It

• Crusty Bread
• Dinner Rolls
• Simple Green Salad
• Roasted Vegetables
• Cornbread

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Turn into a creamy soup with extra broth
• Use as a pot pie filling
• Spoon over rice or quinoa
• Add noodles for a heartier meal
• Serve as a warm lunch bowl

Additional Tips

• Keep seasoning light and adjust at the end.
• Let stew sit for 10 minutes before serving.
• Pumpkin flavor deepens as it rests.
• Garnish simply if desired.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve the stew in wide bowls with a swirl of broth on top and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The warm color and thick texture make it feel seasonal and inviting without any extra effort.

Variations to Try

1. Creamy Version: Add a splash of cream at the end.
2. Vegetable-Heavy: Add carrots or celery.
3. Spiced-Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg.
4. Turkey Stew: Use leftover turkey instead of chicken.
5. Soupier Version: Increase broth to 3 cups.

FAQs

1. Can I use raw chicken instead?
   Yes, but increase cook time slightly.
2. Is this stew sweet?
   No, pumpkin adds body, not sweetness.
3. Can I freeze it?
   Freezing is not recommended.
4. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, if your slow cooker is large enough.
5. What pumpkin should I use?
   Unsweetened canned pumpkin only.
6. Can I make it on the stovetop?
   Yes, simmer gently for 30–40 minutes.
7. Does it thicken as it cooks?
   Yes, naturally.
8. Can I add vegetables?
   Yes, add early in cooking.
9. Is this kid-friendly?
   Very, mild and comforting.
10. How do I thin it out?
    Add more chicken broth.