This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is perfect for cozy dinners! It’s packed with tender chicken, hearty veggies, and tasty herbs. Just set it up, let it cook, and enjoy!
What’s great is you can throw everything in, then relax while it simmers. I love coming home to that warm, delicious smell. It feels like a big hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy texture and rich flavor. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but they might be a bit drier. You can also substitute with rotisserie chicken to save time.
Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, onion, and celery are key for a hearty stew. You can mix in other veggies like parsnips, green beans, or even bell peppers depending on what you have on hand.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is best to control salt levels. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter version, or substitute with water, but you’ll miss some flavor from the broth.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary add great aroma, but if you don’t have them, Italian seasoning works well too. Fresh herbs can be used, just increase the quantity since they’re milder.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor in My Stew?
The key to a flavorful stew lies in the cooking process. Start by browning the chicken in a skillet, as it adds depth to the flavor. Don’t rush this step; the bit of caramelization makes a big difference.
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet.
- Add the chicken chunks and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- This step can be skipped but browning enhances the overall taste.
Also, when you combine your broth ingredients, whisk them well to avoid clumps from the flour, which helps thicken the stew smoothly. Finally, let it simmer low and slow; this draws out all the flavors!
Enjoy your cozy cooking experience! 🍲
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew for Cozy Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty chicken stew requires about 15 minutes of prep time and will cook for 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH in the slow cooker. Perfect for a cozy day at home, just set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken (Optional):
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks and lightly brown them for about 3-4 minutes per side. This step is optional but enhances the flavor of the stew.
2. Add Vegetables to Slow Cooker:
Place the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, sliced celery, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. This creates a lovely base for your stew.
3. Add the Chicken:
Carefully add the browned chicken pieces on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
4. Mix Broth Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste, flour, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. This mixture will give your stew its rich flavor.
5. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the broth mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients and add the bay leaf for extra flavor.
6. Set to Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the vegetables are tender.
7. Final Touches:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the frozen peas to add some color and sweetness. Remove the bay leaf, taste your stew, and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your cozy chicken stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It’s perfect with some crusty bread on the side. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first! Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. This helps ensure even cooking in your stew.
Can I Substitute Ingredients in the Stew?
Absolutely! You can swap out vegetables based on what you have. For example, use parsnips instead of potatoes or add green beans. You can also replace chicken with diced turkey or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if it appears too thick.
Can I Make This Stew Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stew in advance and refrigerate it before cooking. Just add the ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning, and it’ll be ready by dinner time. Alternatively, you can cook it and then freeze the stew for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to eat!
