Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a warm and comforting dish perfect for any day. It’s simple to make and requires minimal effort while delivering big flavors. The beauty of this stew is that you can throw everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. It’s especially great on chilly nights when you want something hearty and filling. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
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)
Directions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by searing the chicken in a hot skillet until it’s golden brown. This step adds depth to the flavor of the chicken and enhances the overall taste of the stew. You don’t have to cook the chicken all the way through; just get some nice color on the outside.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the diced vegetables, which include carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes. Toss in the minced garlic and bay leaves as well.
Step 3: Add Seasoning
Sprinkle the thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients. Mix everything together lightly to ensure that the flavors spread evenly throughout the chicken and veggies.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Now, pour the chicken broth over the mixture in your slow cooker. This broth is essential for creating a rich and flavorful base for your stew. If you want your stew to be a bit thicker, you can mix the flour with a little broth or water in a separate bowl before adding it in. Another option is to sprinkle it directly over the other ingredients and stir it in.
Step 5: Cook the Stew
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. You want the chicken and vegetables to become tender and soak up all those delicious flavors as they cook.
Step 6: Final Touches
When the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaves from the stew. Before serving, taste your stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may wish to add a bit more salt or pepper depending on your preferences. Serve the stew in bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Serve your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew warm in bowls. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of rice for added heartiness. If you want a complete meal, consider serving a simple green salad alongside the stew. You can also offer some additional fresh herbs for garnishing at the table, giving everyone the option to customize their bowls.
How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
If you have any leftovers, wait for the stew to cool before transferring it to airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat or use the microwave. For longer storage, you can freeze the stew in suitable containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Choose Your Chicken Wisely: Thighs are generally more flavorful and tender compared to breasts, which can dry out. However, either option works well.
Veggie Choices: Feel free to be creative with the vegetables. Other great additions are green beans, peas, or even mushrooms. Just be mindful of cooking times for denser vegetables.
Add Flavor: Consider using spices like paprika, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for added depth. Fresh herbs can be stirred in at the end for a vibrant flavor.
Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thinner stew, you can skip the flour altogether. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes after cooking to add creaminess without extra thickening agents.
Slow Cooker Variations: Cooking times can vary based on the type of slow cooker you have, so check the stew occasionally to avoid overcooking.
Variation
To keep things interesting, you can experiment with different styles of chicken stew. You might try adding some beans like cannellini or kidney beans for a more filling meal, or use different herbs like rosemary or oregano. For a spicy kick, consider adding in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. For a Mediterranean twist, toss in some chopped tomatoes or bell peppers and use Italian seasoning.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker, but it may take longer. Ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F during cooking.
2. Is it necessary to sear the chicken first?
No, searing is not mandatory, but it does enhance the stew’s flavor and gives the chicken a nice texture. If you prefer a simpler method, you can skip this step.
3. Can I make this stew vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute chicken with hearty vegetables or plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add ingredients like lentils or chickpeas for protein.
4. How can I make this stew spicy?
For some heat, add diced jalapeños, a dash of chili powder, or red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the extra ingredients. Adjust cooking time accordingly, but it will likely remain similar.
With this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew recipe, you can create a delicious meal that brings comfort to your table with minimal effort. Enjoy and happy cooking!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A warm and comforting chicken stew that’s easy to prepare and perfect for chilly nights.
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)
Instructions
- Sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker and add the diced vegetables, garlic, and bay leaves.
- Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients and mix lightly.
- Pour the chicken broth over the mixture and add flour if desired.
- Cover and cook on low for 360–480 minutes or high for 180–240 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Consider using different vegetables or spices to customize this stew. Leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chicken stew, slow cooker, comfort food, hearty meal