Comfort food is something we all cherish, and nothing hits the spot quite like a warm bowl of chicken stew. This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. You can enjoy the rich flavors and tender chicken without spending all day in the kitchen. Just toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and let it do the work for you! In this article, we will explore why this recipe should be your go-to for a family meal, how to prepare it step by step, and some additional tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the slow cooker, add the seared chicken, diced carrots, celery, onion, cubed potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves.
- Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the chicken and vegetables. Stir gently to combine.
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. For thickening, whisk flour with a little broth in a bowl before adding to the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until everything is tender.
- Remove the bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why Make This Recipe
Making a slow cooker chicken stew is a great way to prepare a wholesome meal with minimal effort. Here are a few reasons to consider this recipe:
Time-Saving: With a slow cooker, you can put all the ingredients together in the morning and come home to a fully-cooked meal in the evening. This is ideal for busy parents or anyone with a packed schedule.
Healthy Ingredients: Most of the ingredients in this recipe are healthy and nutritious. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables and keep it low in calories by using skinless chicken and low-sodium broth.
Delicious Flavor: Slow cooking allows all the ingredients to blend and enhance each other’s flavors. The chicken becomes tender and juicy, while the vegetables soak up the rich broth.
Family-Friendly: This chicken stew is a hit with both kids and adults. The mild flavors and hearty ingredients make it appealing to everyone.
Leftovers: This recipe makes a big batch, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day, saving you time and effort.
If you appreciate convenience, comfort, and taste, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is a perfect choice!
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients
To make this delicious stew, you will need the following 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
Follow these simple steps to create your hearty chicken stew:
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by preparing your chicken. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once the skillet is hot, place the chicken in it. Sear the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until it turns golden brown. This step adds flavor and color to your stew. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Next, take your slow cooker and add the seared chicken. Along with the chicken, add the diced carrots, celery, onion, and cubed potatoes. Don’t forget to include the minced garlic and bay leaves. The combination of these ingredients will create a flavorful and hearty base for the stew.
Step 3: Season the Ingredients
Now it’s time to season your stew. Sprinkle the dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the chicken and vegetables. Use a spoon to stir everything gently, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Pour in the 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. This liquid will help cook the chicken and vegetables, keeping them moist and flavorful. If you want to thicken the stew, whisk the flour with a little broth in a separate bowl before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help prevent lumps. Otherwise, you can simply sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir it in.
Step 5: Cook the Stew
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. You can either cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken and vegetables will be. When done, everything should be tender and easy to pull apart with a fork.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the bay leaves from the stew. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, serve the chicken stew hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Serving this hearty chicken stew is simple. Ladle the stew into bowls and offer crusty bread or rolls on the side for dipping. You can also add a simple salad to complement the meal. The stew can be served as is, making it a fulfilling standalone dish. Leftovers can be reheated and enjoyed the next day, which makes it perfect for meal prep!
How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
If you have leftovers or want to make this stew in advance, storing it is easy. Allow the stew to cool down completely after cooking. Transfer it to airtight containers, and it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the stew. Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Use Quality Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs give the stew a tender texture. If you prefer breasts, they work, too, but may be slightly drier.
Mix Up the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans, peas, or bell peppers based on your preferences.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew before serving and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt or herbs to enhance the flavor.
Thickening Options: If you prefer a thicker stew and did not use flour, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker to help thicken the broth.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños for an added kick of heat.
Variation
You can easily switch up this chicken stew by using different proteins such as turkey or even beef. This will alter the flavor profile and texture, giving you a completely new dish!
FAQs
Can I make this stew without searing the chicken first?
Yes, you can skip searing the chicken if you want to save time. It may result in slightly less flavorful chicken, but it will still be tender and delicious.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, frozen chicken can work in a slow cooker, but it may take longer to cook. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
How can I make this stew gluten-free?
To make the stew gluten-free, you can omit the flour or use a gluten-free thickening agent like cornstarch or potato starch. Adjust the cooking method accordingly.
Now that you have this easy-to-follow Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe, you’re all set to enjoy a comforting and hearty meal! Happy cooking!