Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required!
- Effortless Cooking: Let your slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day.
- Nutritious and Wholesome: Loaded with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew reheats beautifully for make-ahead meals.
Tools You’ll Need
- Wooden spoon: For stirring the ingredients.
- Slow cooker: The star of the recipe.
- Cutting board and knife: For prepping the veggies.
- Mixing bowl: To coat the chicken, if browning.
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of hearty, flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. This recipe is perfect for those cozy evenings when you want a satisfying, hands-off meal that fills your home with delicious aromas. Packed with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this stew will quickly become a family favorite.
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Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless): Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 4 cups chicken broth: For a flavorful base.
- 3 medium potatoes: Peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes.
- 3 medium carrots: Peeled and sliced.
- 2 celery stalks: Chopped.
- 1 medium onion: Diced.
- 2 garlic cloves: Minced.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Added at the end for a pop of sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds richness to the broth.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch: To thicken the stew.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the chicken (optional).
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Chop all the vegetables and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- If desired, lightly coat the chicken pieces with flour for browning.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken (Optional)
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. This step adds depth to the flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
Step 3: Assemble the Stew
- In the slow cooker, combine the chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the ingredients are mostly submerged. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Cook the Stew
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Step 5: Thicken the Stew
- If the stew is too thin, create a slurry by mixing flour or cornstarch with water.
- Stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
- Stir in the frozen peas 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Discard the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasonings as needed.
Notes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold to avoid a mushy texture.
- Don’t Skip the Herbs: Thyme and rosemary bring out the earthy flavors in the stew.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Add parsnips, green beans, or mushrooms for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use chicken with bones?
A: Yes! Bone-in chicken adds extra flavor. Remove the bones before serving.
Q2: Can I make this stew vegan?
A: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Q3: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: Absolutely! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural release.
Conclusion: A Comforting Classic!
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a timeless recipe perfect for busy days or when you need a dose of comfort. Each bowl is a warm hug packed with flavor, nutrition, and love. Try it today, and let it become a staple in your home!
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Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 280
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 5g
Enjoy every bite of this heartwarming stew, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!
