Short introduction
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. This recipe allows you to throw everything into a slow cooker and let it do the work, filling your home with warm and inviting aromas.
Why you’ll love it
You’ll love this chicken stew for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort and time. The slow cooking method makes the chicken tender and allows the flavors of the vegetables and herbs to meld beautifully. Plus, you can customize it to your taste, making it a versatile dish for any dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Substitutions & key variations
If you don’t have specific ingredients on hand, don’t worry! You can substitute chicken with turkey or beef. Feel free to mix in other vegetables like peas or green beans. If you prefer a thicker stew, add more flour or use cornstarch mixed with water. You can also omit the flour if you like a brothier stew.
Step-by-step
Step 1
Sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown. This step adds depth of flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
Step 2
Place the seared chicken, diced vegetables, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves into the slow cooker.
Step 3
Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients and stir to distribute the flavors.
Step 4
Pour in the chicken broth. If using flour, whisk it with a little broth or water before adding it in, or sprinkle it over the ingredients and stir to thicken.
Step 5
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
Step 6
Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning, and serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Success tips
- Make sure to sear the chicken if you can—it enhances the flavor.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time; overcooking can make the chicken dry.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste before serving for the best flavor.
- For a thicker stew, mix the flour with some broth before adding it in to prevent clumping.
How to serve
You can serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with crusty bread for dipping or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. For a lighter option, serve it with a side salad.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftover chicken stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?
A: Yes! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken in the stew?
A: It’s best to thaw the chicken first for even cooking. However, if you need to use frozen, increase the cooking time accordingly.
Q: What can I use instead of chicken broth?
A: You can use vegetable broth if you’re looking for a lighter flavor, or even water, but broth adds more depth to the stew.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This stew is rich in protein and versatile in its nutrient content from the various vegetables. You can also decrease the sodium content by using homemade broth or low-sodium alternatives.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a delightful dish that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and savor the rich tastes that come from hours of slow cooking.
If you loved this recipe, don’t hesitate to try some of our other comfort food dishes!