Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
When the chill of winter air sets in, there’s nothing more inviting than a hearty bowl of slow cooker chicken stew. This dish dances between comfort food and nourishment, delivering a medley of flavors that warms the soul. Imagine tender chicken, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs all simmering together into a satisfying meal, perfect for busy days or lazy weekends. Whether you’re feeding an army or just dinner for two, this recipe is sure to please everyone around the table.
Why Make This Recipe
- Comforting and wholesome, this chicken stew provides a well-rounded meal with little effort.
- It’s full of nutrients, thanks to hearty vegetables and lean protein, making it not just delicious, but healthy too.
- Cook it in a slow cooker, and you can come home to a tantalizing aroma that signals comfort is just a bowl away.
Simple Way to Prepare Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip up a batch of this delightful slow cooker chicken stew. Below, I’ll guide you through every step, from prep to serving. Just grab your ingredients, and let’s get started.
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
- Sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown.
- Place the seared chicken, diced vegetables, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves into the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients and stir to distribute the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth. If using flour, whisk it with a little broth or water before adding, or sprinkle over and stir to thicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until chicken and vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning, and serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Best Way to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
If you find yourself with leftovers — though I doubt there will be many — here’s how to keep your chicken stew fresh and delicious for future meals.
- Refrigerate: Store the stew in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days at 40°F or lower.
- Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the stew for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
- Reheat: Thaw frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a bit of broth if it appears thick.
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
This hearty stew can stand alone as a filling meal, but there are numerous ways to elevate your dining experience. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair your chicken stew with a warm baguette or homemade sourdough. The bread will soak up every delicious drop of the stew.
- Over Rice or Noodles: For a different twist, serve the stew over fluffy rice or noodles. This adds another texture and complements the flavors nicely.
- With a Side Salad: Balance the richness of the stew with a crisp green salad. A simple vinaigrette will bring freshness to the meal.
- Topped with Cheese: Sprinkle some grated cheese on top just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- Choose Bone-in Chicken for More Flavor: If you don’t mind extra effort, bone-in chicken provides a more robust flavor profile.
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Searing the chicken beforehand adds depth and richness to the stew that will be missed if you skip this step.
- Add Herbs: Fresh herbs at the end of cooking can brighten up the stew. Consider adding fresh thyme or rosemary just before serving.
Variations or Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your chicken stew. If you prefer something a bit different:
- Swap the Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate seasonal vegetables like parsnips, green beans, or peas. These can offer a delightful twist.
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few sliced jalapeños for those who like a kick to their stew.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may require a longer cooking time. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Q: Is it okay to make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The flavors deepen and improve when the stew is made in advance, making it an excellent meal prep option.
Q: How can I thicken the stew more?
A: If you’d like it thicker, consider adding more flour or cornstarch mixed with a bit of broth during the final hour of cooking.
Nutritional Information
One serving of this slow cooker chicken stew contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Fat: 10g
These estimations will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it gives an idea of the hearty nature of the meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making slow cooker chicken stew, some pitfalls to watch out for include:
- Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Ensure there’s enough space for the ingredients to cook evenly; too much packed in can lead to uneven cooking.
- Skipping Flavor Builds: Don’t skip the searing step. It adds so much flavor, making the stew taste gourmet.
- Too Much Liquid: If you add too much broth or water, your stew could end up too soupy. It’s easier to add liquid than to take it away.
Conclusion
This slow cooker chicken stew is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly evening, a reminder of home, and a dish that can be tailored to suit your tastes. With easy preparation and comforting flavors, it’s bound to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, set up the slow cooker, and let the magic happen while you enjoy time for yourself or your loved ones. Happy cooking!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A hearty and comforting slow cooker chicken stew filled with tender chicken, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for chilly days.
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.
- Place the seared chicken, diced vegetables, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves into the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients and stir to distribute the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth. If using flour, whisk it with a little broth or water before adding, or sprinkle over and stir to thicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until chicken and vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning, and serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider using bone-in chicken and adding fresh herbs just before serving. Serve with crusty bread or over rice.