Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow cooker chicken stew is a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends. Plus, you can set it and forget it, making it a hassle-free option for any cook.

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 in a hot skillet until golden brown.

Step 2: Place the seared chicken, diced vegetables, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves into the slow cooker.

Step 3: Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients and stir to distribute the flavors.

Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth. If you’re using flour, whisk it with a little broth or water before adding, or you can sprinkle it directly over the stew and stir to thicken it.

Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken and vegetables are tender.

Step 6: Remove the bay leaves, taste and adjust the seasoning, and serve garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth.
• If you like your stew thick, use the flour method to achieve the desired consistency.
• Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand, like green beans or peas.
• Adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can brighten all the flavors.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Serve the stew warm in bowls, and pair it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. It’s a complete meal on its own but feels even heartier with a good slice of bread to soak up the delicious broth.

How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm on the stovetop or microwave.

Variation

You can easily customize the stew by adding different herbs and spices like rosemary or oregano. For a spicy kick, throw in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. If you prefer a creamier stew, consider stirring in heavy cream or sour cream right before serving.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to extend the cooking time by about an hour if cooking on low.

Do I need to brown the chicken?

Browning the chicken is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?

You can use vegetable broth, or even water in a pinch. Just remember that using broth will give you more flavor.

Can I add more vegetables to the stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any veggies you love, such as bell peppers, green beans, or corn. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly if you add denser vegetables.

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