There’s something so comforting about a warm, hearty stew, especially one that’s lovingly infused with the bright, delicate flavors of wine. This White Wine Chicken Stew Recipe strikes the perfect balance between rustic coziness and elegant flavor, making it a true kitchen favorite that I can’t wait to share with you.

A close-up view of a dark crockpot filled with a creamy white soup that has chunks of light brown chicken pieces, bright orange carrot cubes, yellow potato pieces, small green peas, and translucent onion bits mixed in. The soup is thick and creamy with visible small green herb specks spread throughout. The crockpot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make White Wine Chicken Stew Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve White Wine Chicken Stew Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
White Wine Chicken Stew Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly make this stew whenever I want something simple but full of those deep, satisfying flavors that feel like they’ve simmered slowly all day—yet the slow cooker does all the work for you. Plus, the white wine adds a subtle fruity brightness that really elevates the dish beyond your usual stew.

Hands-Off Cooking: Thanks to the slow cooker, you just set it and forget it, freeing up your day.
Rich, Comforting Flavor: The mix of fresh herbs and garlic alongside white wine makes every bite a cozy delight.
Wholesome Ingredients: Loaded with tender chicken, perfectly cooked potatoes, carrots, and peas for a balanced meal.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, this stew fits right in and impresses.

A close-up view of a thick creamy stew filled with chunks of light tan meat, bright orange carrot pieces, vibrant green peas, small yellow potato cubes, and some translucent onion slices held on a large metal spoon above a pot. The creamy sauce is light beige with subtle herbs sprinkled throughout, and the ingredients are mixed evenly in the stew. The background shows more of the same stew inside the pot with soft textures and warm colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each component in this White Wine Chicken Stew Recipe plays a part in creating a stew that’s balanced, flavorful, and comforting. Selecting fresh herbs and a good-quality white wine will really take the flavor to the next level—trust me, it’s worth it!

Flat lay of a small pool of golden olive oil on a simple white ceramic dish, three boneless skinless chicken breasts with clean cuts, a white ceramic bowl filled with rich golden chicken broth, a white bowl holding pale dry white wine, a small white bowl of glossy Worcestershire sauce, a neat pile of fresh rosemary sprigs, a bunch of fresh thyme stems, four plump garlic cloves unpeeled, one large yellow onion halved and chopped, two large peeled and sliced bright orange carrots, a mound of diced pale yellow Yukon gold potatoes, a small white bowl with plain all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of smooth heavy cream, a small white bowl containing vibrant frozen green peas, a small pile of coarse kosher salt crystals, and a small heap of freshly ground black peppercorns—all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Great for browning the chicken and building the stew’s base flavor.
Chicken breast: Tender and lean—cut into manageable chunks for even cooking.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and a savory background without overpowering.
Dry white wine: The star ingredient that adds brightness and subtle acidity; pick something you'd enjoy drinking.
Worcestershire sauce: A secret umami booster that deepens the stew’s flavor without overwhelming it.
Fresh rosemary and thyme: Aromatic herbs that brighten the stew and give it that homemade charm.
Garlic cloves: Minced for robust flavor and fragrance.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and body to balance the wine’s acidity.
Carrots: Provide a subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
Yukon gold potatoes: Creamy yet sturdy potatoes that cook perfectly in stews without falling apart.
All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the stew at the end for that luscious texture.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness for a comforting finish.
Frozen peas: Added last for a pop of color and gentle sweetness.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential to season perfectly and balance flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I adore the classic combination in this stew, I’m always tweaking little things to keep it interesting or to fit whatever’s on hand. Feel free to make it your own—there’s plenty of room for creativity here!

Variation: I sometimes swap chicken breast for thighs—they stay juicier and make the stew extra tender, especially if you like a bit richer flavor.
Herb swaps: If you don’t have rosemary or thyme, sage or oregano work surprisingly well to keep that herbal warmth.
Dairy-free option: Skip the heavy cream and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a creamy texture without the dairy.
Veggie upgrades: Throw in mushrooms, parsnips, or celery for added layers of flavor and variety.

Step-by-Step: How I Make White Wine Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the chicken to build flavor

I like to start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. After seasoning the chicken chunks with salt and pepper, I brown them for about 5 to 6 minutes—not to cook through, but to get that beautiful golden crust that adds depth. It really makes a difference in the final taste and appearance.

Step 2: Combine your stew ingredients in the slow cooker

Once the chicken is browned, I transfer it to the slow cooker and add my chicken broth, white wine, Worcestershire sauce, fresh herbs, garlic, onion, carrots, and Yukon gold potatoes. A quick stir to mix it all, then cover and let the slow cooker work its magic on low for 7-8 hours or high for about 4-5 hours.

Step 3: Thicken and finish with cream and peas

After the slow cooker’s done, I scoop out about half a cup of the cooking liquid into a bowl. Stir in heavy cream, then whisk in flour until smooth—this little trick thickens the stew beautifully without lumps. Pour it back in, stir everything together, then toss in frozen peas, cooking uncovered on high for another 15-20 minutes. At this stage, I taste and adjust salt and pepper to bring the flavors into harmony.

Top Tip

From making this stew countless times, I’ve learned a few things that really help make it foolproof and delicious every time.

Browning is key: Don’t skip browning the chicken. That caramelization creates deep, savory notes that make the stew taste like it’s been simmering for hours.
Choose your wine wisely: Use a dry white wine you’d enjoy drinking, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, as its flavor shines through in the stew.
Don’t rush the thickening: Whisk the flour into cream carefully to avoid lumps, and let the stew bubble after adding it so it thickens perfectly.
Season at the end: Since broth and Worcestershire sauce add saltiness, wait until the stew is done before final seasoning to avoid over-salting.

How to Serve White Wine Chicken Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing this stew with a handful of fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves. It adds a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness that complements the rich wine and cream beautifully. If you’re into a bit of zing, a dash of lemon zest on top livens it right up.

Side Dishes

This stew is fantastic on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted green beans or a simple mixed greens salad keep things fresh alongside the hearty stew. When I want to make it feistier, I add some garlic mashed potatoes for extra creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this White Wine Chicken Stew Recipe in rustic mini cast-iron skillets or individual stoneware bowls—makes it feel so cozy and elegant. Adding a sprig of fresh rosemary on top as a final touch is always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stew in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so I often find leftovers even better the next day. Just give it a gentle stir before reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well. I divide leftovers into portion-sized freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the stew gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened too much during storage helps return it to that perfect, silky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more richness and stay tender when cooked in the slow cooker. Just follow the same process—browning them first helps lock in flavor.

What type of white wine should I use?

Choose a dry white wine you enjoy drinking, like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. Avoid sweet wines since they can alter the stew's flavor balance.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply omit the heavy cream or substitute it with coconut milk or another dairy-free cream alternative. The stew will still be creamy and flavorful.

How thick should the stew be at the end?

The final stew should be thick enough to coat your spoon but still have a bit of gentle movement—not too watery or gluey. This comes from whisking the flour into the cream and cooking for 15-20 minutes uncovered at the end.

Final Thoughts

This White Wine Chicken Stew Recipe is one of those dishes that’s become a go-to for me when I want a cozy meal that’s both effortless and impressive in flavor. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it fills your kitchen with warmth and good aromas as you share it with family or friends. Trust me, it’ll soon be one of your favorites too!