Few meals are as cozy and soul-satisfying as a slow cooker chicken stew, a dish that speaks of warmth, simplicity, and delicious tradition. In many cultures, stews like this are beloved family staples, with recipes passed down through generations, each version slightly different but always comforting. This chicken stew is perfect for busy weekdays or a lazy weekend, filling your home with its enticing aroma while cooking. By the time it’s ready, you’ll have a nutritious, hearty meal everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and go about your day. It’s a perfect “fix-it-and-forget-it” meal.
- Deeply Flavorful: As it slowly cooks, each ingredient releases its unique flavors, blending into a rich, flavorful broth.
- Versatile and Wholesome: Packed with protein and fiber-rich vegetables, this stew can easily be customized to suit your family’s tastes or to use up what you have in your kitchen.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients and yielding several servings, this stew is ideal for meal-prepping on a budget.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken: Use 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Thighs bring a bit more richness, but either will work beautifully.
- Vegetables: You’ll need 3 carrots (peeled and diced), 3 celery stalks (diced), and 1 large onion (diced), adding color, sweetness, and depth to the stew.
- Potatoes: Four medium potatoes, peeled and cubed. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for their texture, but red potatoes hold up well, too.
- Garlic: Four minced cloves of garlic add a warm, earthy kick.
- Chicken Broth: Four cups of low-sodium broth form the base, creating a savory, rich flavor without overpowering the chicken and vegetables.
- Tomato Paste: Two tablespoons to bring acidity and a hint of sweetness that rounds out the stew’s flavor.
- Seasonings: A teaspoon of dried thyme, two bay leaves, and a bit of salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to add rosemary, parsley, or your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
- Thickener (Optional): For a thicker stew, use 1/4 cup flour. Alternatively, you could use cornstarch mixed with water.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley as a garnish adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Start by searing the chicken on both sides in a hot skillet with a bit of oil. This step is optional but highly recommended, as it adds a richer flavor. Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the carrots, celery, and onion. You can chop them into larger chunks for a heartier feel or dice them smaller if you prefer a finer texture.
- Load the Slow Cooker: Layer the diced carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes over the chicken in the slow cooker, along with the minced garlic.
- Add Seasonings and Liquid: Sprinkle in the thyme, salt, pepper, and add the bay leaves. Stir in the tomato paste to coat the vegetables evenly, then pour in the chicken broth. If you’re using flour, sprinkle it over the ingredients and stir gently to incorporate.
- Set the Cooking Time: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives the chicken and vegetables a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the bay leaves before serving, then ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Cooking Tips
- For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce at the end of cooking to brighten the flavor.
- Adjusting Thickness: If the stew is too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Variations: Try adding a handful of spinach or kale for a nutritious green twist. You can also stir in frozen peas or corn in the last 30 minutes for additional color and sweetness.
Helpful Tips
- Meal Prep Friendly: Chop your vegetables the night before to save time in the morning.
- Easy Substitutions: Swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes or use butternut squash for a sweeter profile.
- Adjusting Flavor: For an added depth, add a dash of smoked paprika, or experiment with Italian seasoning if you love herbal flavors.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
- Total Time: Up to 8 hours
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free (optional)
Notes
For a dairy-free option, double-check your broth label to ensure no hidden dairy products. Additionally, this stew freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal-prepping or busy weeknights.
Nutritional Information
This stew is rich in protein from the chicken, fiber from the vegetables, and contains plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The nutritional value will vary based on the ingredients, but it’s generally low-calorie, nutrient-dense, and filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, chicken breasts work just as well, though they may be a bit leaner than thighs. For best results, monitor cooking time as breasts may cook slightly faster.
- Can I make this stew on the stovetop? Absolutely. Just bring the stew to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 1–2 hours or until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
- Can I add other vegetables? Definitely! Frozen peas, corn, green beans, or even bell peppers make great additions in the last hour of cooking.
Storage Instructions
Allow any leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. The stew can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little water or broth as needed to maintain the desired consistency.
Related Recipes
If you’re a fan of hearty, comforting dishes, you might enjoy these recipes:
Conclusion
This slow cooker chicken stew offers a warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful meal that feels like a big bowl of home. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or looking for a reliable recipe to add to your rotation, this stew is a crowd-pleaser that fits the bill perfectly. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe – your family will be asking for it time and again!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Description
Few meals are as cozy and soul-satisfying as a slow cooker chicken stew, a dish that speaks of warmth, simplicity, and delicious tradition. In many cultures, stews like this are beloved family staples, with recipes passed down through generations, each version slightly different but always comforting. This chicken stew is perfect for busy weekdays or a lazy weekend, filling your home with its enticing aroma while cooking. By the time it’s ready, you’ll have a nutritious, hearty meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- Chicken: Use 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Thighs bring a bit more richness, but either will work beautifully.
- Vegetables: You’ll need 3 carrots (peeled and diced), 3 celery stalks (diced), and 1 large onion (diced), adding color, sweetness, and depth to the stew.
- Potatoes: Four medium potatoes, peeled and cubed. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for their texture, but red potatoes hold up well, too.
- Garlic: Four minced cloves of garlic add a warm, earthy kick.
- Chicken Broth: Four cups of low-sodium broth form the base, creating a savory, rich flavor without overpowering the chicken and vegetables.
- Tomato Paste: Two tablespoons to bring acidity and a hint of sweetness that rounds out the stew’s flavor.
- Seasonings: A teaspoon of dried thyme, two bay leaves, and a bit of salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to add rosemary, parsley, or your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
- Thickener (Optional): For a thicker stew, use 1/4 cup flour. Alternatively, you could use cornstarch mixed with water.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley as a garnish adds a pop of color and freshness.
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Start by searing the chicken on both sides in a hot skillet with a bit of oil. This step is optional but highly recommended, as it adds a richer flavor. Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the carrots, celery, and onion. You can chop them into larger chunks for a heartier feel or dice them smaller if you prefer a finer texture.
- Load the Slow Cooker: Layer the diced carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes over the chicken in the slow cooker, along with the minced garlic.
- Add Seasonings and Liquid: Sprinkle in the thyme, salt, pepper, and add the bay leaves. Stir in the tomato paste to coat the vegetables evenly, then pour in the chicken broth. If you’re using flour, sprinkle it over the ingredients and stir gently to incorporate.
- Set the Cooking Time: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives the chicken and vegetables a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the bay leaves before serving, then ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
For a dairy-free option, double-check your broth label to ensure no hidden dairy products. Additionally, this stew freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal-prepping or busy weeknights.
