Okay, picture this: What is the It’s a chilly evening, the kind where you just want to curl up under the blanket and read. Now imagine the aroma of a rich, savory stew wafting through your home, promising warmth and flavor. What is comfort with every spoonful? What is Slow Cooker Chicken stew? It’s like a warm hug on the plate, but way easier to make than, say, beef bourguignon. Is it safe to throw everything in the slow cooker and let the magic happen? Is this one of those recipes that feels like it’s been passed down for generations? I just threw it together one night when I was craving something hearty and satisfying. What’s the best part about a meal? What are some good ways to enjoy a good meal on the weekend? I make slow cooker chicken stew a lot when I need something easy and comforting.
What is slow cooker chicken stew?
Is it a comfort food mashup? What is essentially a hearty, flavorful stew made with tender chicken and steamed vegetables? All slow-cooked to perfection. A rich, savory broth. What is the beauty of Slow Cooker Chicken stew? What is the best chicken and veggies to eat in broth? Is it a symphony of flavors that meld together over hours, creating depth that you just can’t get enough of? What are the best quick cooking recipes? The term “stew” might conjure images of complicated recipes with tons of steps, but I promise this is true. One is anything but. Is it about throwing everything into a slow cooker, setting it, and forgetting about it until dinner? Is this perfect for a weeknight meal?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What is the best slow cooker chicken stew recipe? First off, the flavor is out of this world. What are some of the best ingredients for chicken infused with carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion? What are some of the best herbs to cook in a broth? It’s a taste explosion that’ll have your taste buds singing. Second, it’s ridiculously easy to make. Is it possible to just toss everything into a slow cooker and walk away? No babysitting, no constant stirring, just pure culinary laziness at its finest. I don’t have the energy to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s a lifesaver. What I love about this is how forgiving it is. Can you swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand? Add a splash of cream at the end for extra richness. I’m a picky eater and I love it. It’s the perfect canvas for my culinary creativity. Let’s not forget the cost-efficiency factor. Chicken thighs are budget-friendly, and the vegetables are readily available, making this a meal. What are some of the best and most innovative products that won’t I make chicken noodle soup, but this is easier to make.
How do I make slow cooker chicken stew?
Quick Overview
What are some easy ways to make Slow Cooker chicken stew? What is slow cooker cooking? You chop veggies, brown the chicken, throw everything in the slow cooker, and let it cook for a few hours. It simmer away until the chicken is fall-apart tender and the vegetables are perfectly cooked. What is slow cooking? Is there a faster cooking method? Is the minimal effort worth it? Is it a set it and forget it kind of meal?
Ingredients
For the Chicken: What is the best
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if you prefer, but they are more tender) (Bones are better). ) I always use thighs, they dont dry out.
– 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for browning the chicken) (see instructions)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Stew:
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (or red potatoes if you prefer)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 cup frozen peas (added in the last 30 minutes of cooking) (cooked in a pan)
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water to create a slurry, for thickening). The stew (optional) – optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Season the Chicken Thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. What are some ways to cook chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. This step adds a ton of flavor to the stew, so don’t skip it! I always do this and it makes the dish tastes better. You don’t need to cook the chicken through. Just get a nice sear on the outside.
Step 2: Add Veggies to Slow Cooker
Place the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes in the bottom of your Slow Cooker. These hardy veggies will cook the longest, so they need to be on the bottom.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs
Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the Slow Cooker. Cook for 30 minutes. What are some good herbs to add to a stew?
Step 4: Place Chicken and Broth in Slow Cooker
Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the vegetables in the Slow Cooker. If the chicken is mostly submerged, pour the broth over everything.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the Slow Cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender. The vegetables are fall apart tender and are cooked through. I always cook on low for the best flavor and it is worth the wait!
Step 6: Add Peas and Thicken (Optional)
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the slow cooker. If you want a thicker stew, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create slurry. In a slow cooker, pour the slurry into the bottom and stir well. Cook for another 30 minutes, or until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency. If you dont want it to thick then just omit this. I personally dont prefer it thick.
Step 7: Remove Bay Leaf and Serve
Before serving, remove the bay leaf from the slow cooker and serve hot.
What are some good ways to serve it with?
What is a good slow cooker chicken stew? What are some simple sides? For a classic pairing, serve it with bread for soaking up all that delicious broth. If you’re feeling fancy, you can make some homemade biscuits or cornbread to go along with it. My kids love it with a side of buttered noodles. For a lighter option, serve it with salad. A green salad with a vinaigrette dressing will add an interesting contrast to the richness of the salad. What are some good side dishes to serve with green beans or asparagus? I’ve even been known to top it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. What are some comforting recipes to make when you are craving comfort food?
How do I make slow cooker chicken stew?
What are some ways to take your slow cooker chicken stew to the next level? What are some of the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?What is the best way to brown chickenDon’t skip the searing step! It adds so much flavor to the stew. Make sure to pat the chicken dry before searing, and use a hot skillet to get good sear.Vegetable PrepHow do you chop vegetables into uniform sizes so that they cook evenly. I like to chop mine into bite-sized pieces.Herb Power:Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs. What are some good rosemary and thyme recipes?Broth Matters: Use a good-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Low-sodium broth is a good option, as it allows you to control the saltiness of the stew. I also always have chicken bouillon on hand just in case it needs some more flavor.
Thickening Tips: If you want a thicker stew, use a cornstarch slurry or a flour slurry. Mix the cornstarch or flour with cold water before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent lumps.
Add Dairy: Add a splash of cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for extra richness. You can also stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt when serving.
Make it Vegetarian: To make this stew vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This slow cooker chicken stew is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together even more. To store, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the stew in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Freezing: To freeze, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the stew will expand as it freezes. Thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
I always store mine in glass containers in the refrigerator because it seems to preserve the flavors better!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for the easiest, most comforting slow cooker chicken stew. It’s a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or any time you’re craving a warm, hearty meal. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as my family does! And if you’re looking for more delicious and easy recipes, be sure to check out my other slow cooker creations. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how your stew turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it out!
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 2 cups chopped potatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place chicken, onion, carrots, and potatoes in a slow cooker.
- Pour in chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
