If you’re looking for a dinner that’s cozy, nourishing, and incredibly affordable, this rustic chicken and lentil stew is the answer. Chicken drumsticks slowly simmer with lentils, carrots, celery, and onion in a savory broth, filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of thyme, garlic, and bay leaf.

As it cooks, the lentils soften and break down slightly, creating a thick, hearty texture without needing cream. The result is a stew that’s naturally rich, protein-packed, and satisfying — perfect for chilly nights or anytime you want a meal that warms you from the inside out.

And the best part? Lentils are one of the most budget-friendly pantry staples, making this recipe as easy on your wallet as it is delicious. Add a loaf of crusty bread on the side and you’ve got a complete dinner for less than $1 per serving.

This hearty Crock Pot Chicken Stew delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s perfect for fall meal prep and packed with cozy ingredients like lentils and tender chicken. Whether you’re after Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipes, a new Chicken Stew Recipe Easy, or just love rich Stewed Chicken meals, this one checks every box. Ideal for fans of Chicken Stew In Crockpot, Chicken Stew Slow Cooker, and nourishing Crockpot Stew dinners.

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Deep, Cozy Flavor from Simple Ingredients

With thyme, garlic, and a bay leaf simmering for hours, this stew builds layers of flavor that taste like it’s been tended to all day — even though the slow cooker does all the work.

Naturally Thick and Hearty

The lentils help thicken the broth as they cook, giving the stew a rich, rustic texture without any added cream or flour. It’s wholesome, satisfying, and full of fiber.

Budget Hero: Lentils

Lentils stretch the meal further while adding plant-based protein and plenty of nutrients. Combined with affordable chicken drumsticks, they make this one of the cheapest ways to feed a family well.

One-Pot Comfort

Everything cooks in the slow cooker, so cleanup is easy and the process is completely hands-off. Just load it up in the morning and enjoy a ready-made dinner by evening.

Perfect with Bread for Dunking

Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up the thick, savory broth. It’s the kind of dinner that feels humble yet indulgent at the same time.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken drumsticks
1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
3 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 large onion, diced
4 cups chicken broth
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt & pepper, to taste
Crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

Place chicken drumsticks in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add lentils, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until chicken is cooked through and lentils are tender.
Remove bay leaf. Shred chicken off the bone and stir it back into the stew.
Serve hot with crusty bread.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes (low) or 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
Servings: 8
Calories: ~320
Fat: 9g
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Estimated Cost: ~$6.75 total / about $0.84 per serving