Start by gathering all your ingredients: a sharp knife, cutting board, measuring spoons, and a large crockpot.
Dice the carrots, potatoes, and onion into roughly bite-sized pieces, and mince the garlic. Pat dry the chicken thighs if needed.
Layer the chopped vegetables at the bottom of the crockpot — this helps everything cook evenly and allows the flavors to meld.
Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables, then season generously with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.
Pour the vegetable broth over all the ingredients, making sure they’re mostly submerged, and tuck in the bay leaves for aroma.
Cover the crockpot with its lid, set it to low, and let it cook for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken is tender and falling apart, and the vegetables are soft and flavorful.
After about 3 to 4 hours, give the stew a gentle stir to help the flavors combine and prevent sticking on the bottom.
About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas or green beans on top, then cover again and let them cook just until heated through.
Remove the bay leaves and taste the stew, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
Turn off the crockpot and let the stew rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.
Spoon the hearty stew into bowls and enjoy the warm, comforting aroma and tender textures that make this dish a perfect cozy meal.