There’s something incredibly cozy about a slow simmering stew that wraps you up like a warm blanket. This White Wine Chicken Stew Recipe offers a wonderful balance of tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and a rich broth enhanced by white wine—it’s a dish you’ll want to come back to again and again.

A close-up view of a creamy chicken stew in a black crockpot showing a thick white sauce mixed with visible chunks of light brown chicken, bright orange carrot pieces, yellow potato chunks, small green peas, and bits of translucent onion, all seasoned with small green herbs. The stew fills the crockpot almost to the top, creating a rich, hearty look with a mix of soft textures above the black rim of the pot, all set 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 can’t get enough of how this stew effortlessly fills the house with the scent of garlic, herbs, and white wine during the slow cooking process. It's a satisfying meal that feels elegant but is actually so easy to prepare.

Deep, layered flavors: The combination of white wine and fresh herbs creates a rich, comforting broth that’s anything but ordinary.
Hands-off cooking: Thanks to the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, freeing up time for other things.
Family and guest friendly: This stew feels fancy enough for company but is cozy and simple enough for weeknights.
Flexible and forgiving: You can make ingredient swaps or adjust seasonings to suit your taste without losing the dish’s charm.

A close-up of a creamy stew with large chunks of light brown cooked chicken, bright orange carrot pieces, green peas, and yellow potato cubes, all mixed in a thick white sauce. The stew is being scooped with a silver ladle above a pot filled with the same mix. The sauce has a smooth texture with some visible herbs scattered through it. The background shows more stew in the pot with the colors blending softly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this white wine chicken stew builds toward a comforting, flavorful whole. From the wine that brightens the broth to the Yukon gold potatoes that add creamy texture, these components come together beautifully.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, two whole uncracked brown chicken breasts, a large yellow onion chopped into pieces on a white ceramic plate, two fresh whole carrots peeled and halved on a white plate, a mound of diced Yukon gold potatoes on a simple white ceramic dish, four peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of chicken broth, a small white bowl of dry white wine, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl with a heap of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of frozen green peas, fresh sprigs of rosemary and thyme arranged neatly, scattered coarse kosher salt crystals and fresh ground black peppercorns, all placed 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: For browning the chicken and adding subtle richness in the base of the stew.
Chicken breast: I prefer boneless and skinless for quick cooking and tender bites.
Chicken broth: It’s the backbone of the stew, so use a good-quality one or homemade if possible.
Dry white wine: Brings acidity and complexity—don’t skip it or swap with dry vermouth for different layers.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle umami kick you wouldn’t expect but totally love.
Fresh rosemary and thyme: These herbs make the stew smell incredible and add herbal brightness.
Garlic: Minced to infuse the broth with warm, aromatic notes.
Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth once slowly cooked.
Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the savory elements.
Yukon gold potatoes: Their waxy texture helps them hold shape while becoming tender.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the stew for that perfect comforting texture.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness for a velvety finish.
Frozen peas: Stirred in near the end for bursts of color and fresh, sweet notes.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all 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

One of the things I love most about this White Wine Chicken Stew Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Depending on what you have on hand or the flavors you prefer, you can switch things up effortlessly.

Variation: I sometimes swap chicken thighs for breasts when I want a juicier, more flavorful bite—just adjust cooking time to ensure tenderness.
Vegetarian twist: Try replacing the chicken with hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth; the white wine still shines beautifully.
Herb swaps: Don’t have rosemary? Tarragon or sage also complement this stew marvelously.
Dairy-free option: Leave out the heavy cream and thicken with a cornstarch slurry instead for a lighter finish.

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

Step 1: Browning That Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown them just until golden on the outside—about 5 to 6 minutes. This step adds an incredible depth of flavor, so don’t rush it or skip it. You don’t need to cook the chicken through here; it’ll finish cooking in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Layering Flavors in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, white wine, Worcestershire sauce, fresh herbs, garlic, onion, carrots, and potatoes. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything. Then cover and cook—low for about 7 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5. The slow cooking melds the flavors and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.

Step 3: Thickening and Finishing Touches

When the cooking time is up, ladle out about ½ cup of the flavorful broth into a bowl. Stir in the heavy cream and then whisk in the flour until it’s lump-free. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker and stir it all together. Add frozen peas, uncover, and cook on high for another 15 to 20 minutes until the stew thickens to a lovely, rich consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Top Tip

After making this white wine chicken stew several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate the dish and keep things stress-free in the kitchen.

Don't Skip Browning: It’s tempting to toss everything directly into the slow cooker, but browning chicken first adds layers of caramelized flavor that you can’t get otherwise.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh rosemary and thyme instead of dried herbs gives the stew a bright, vibrant taste. If fresh isn’t available, increase dried herbs slightly to compensate.
Thicken While Hot: When mixing the flour with cream, make sure to whisk vigorously to avoid lumps, and add it back carefully so the stew thickens evenly.
Adjust Wine to Taste: Not a fan of strong wine flavor? Use a bit less and balance with extra broth. It’s all about what you enjoy!

How to Serve White Wine Chicken Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh parsley sprinkled on top because it adds a pop of color and a bright, herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy stew. A little cracked black pepper on top is a nice touch too.

Side Dishes

This stew is hearty on its own, but I love serving it with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the luscious broth. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh counterpoint that balances richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this stew in individual rustic ramekins or small crocks—doesn’t it just feel cozier? Adding a sprig of fresh thyme on top makes for an inviting, restaurant-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let any leftovers cool completely, then store the stew in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days—perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

Freezing this stew works wonderfully. Just avoid adding the peas before freezing—they can get mushy. Freeze the stew in portion-sized containers, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If it looks too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it back up to the perfect consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast in this White Wine Chicken Stew Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra moisture and flavor. Just adjust your slow cooker time slightly if needed to ensure thighs are tender and cooked through.

What type of white wine is best for this stew?

Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. Avoid sweet wines, as they can throw off the flavor balance of the stew.

Can I make this stew without a slow cooker?

Yes! You can make this recipe on the stovetop or in the oven with a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Simmer gently on low heat for a couple of hours until the chicken and veggies are tender.

Is it okay to freeze the stew after adding cream?

For best results, add the heavy cream after thawing and reheating. Cream can separate during freezing, which changes the texture a bit.

Final Thoughts

This White Wine Chicken Stew Recipe has become one of my go-to comforting meals, especially when I want something that feels both special and simple. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, and the flavors come together in this beautifully rich, cozy stew that’s perfect for sharing. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and that it becomes a new favorite in your home too.