Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
When the weather turns crisp and chilly, nothing beats the comfort of a warm, hearty stew. This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a delightful blend of tender chicken thighs, wholesome vegetables, and savory herbs, creating a meal that’s both nourishing and delicious.
Perfect for busy days, this recipe allows the slow cooker to do all the hard work while you enjoy the inviting aroma wafting through your kitchen. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or preparing meals for the week, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
To prepare this comforting stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Thighs: 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of any excess fat.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for browning the chicken.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken and enhance the stew’s flavor.
- Carrots: 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Onion: 1 large onion, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Potatoes: 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes.
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons for a rich, concentrated flavor.
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon.
- Dried Rosemary: 1 teaspoon.
- Bay Leaf: 1 whole.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
- Frozen Peas: 1 cup, added during the final stages of cooking.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons, mixed with water to thicken the stew if desired.
Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Begin by peeling and slicing the carrots, chopping the onion and celery, mincing the garlic, and dicing the potatoes. Having everything prepped in advance will make assembling the stew much easier.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. While this step enhances the flavor, you can skip it if you’re pressed for time.
Step 3: Assemble the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
In a 6-quart slow cooker, layer the browned chicken, carrots, onion, garlic, potatoes, and celery. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. Gently mix to distribute the tomato paste and herbs evenly.
Step 4: Cook on Low Heat
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours. This allows the vegetables to soften and the chicken to become tender and flavorful, creating the perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Stew.
Step 5: Add Peas and Thicken the Stew
About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in the frozen peas. If you prefer a thicker consistency, create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add this to the stew and let it cook for the remaining 30 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste the stew. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls and pair it with crusty bread, fluffy mashed potatoes, or a fresh side salad for a well-rounded meal. Your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is now ready to be savored!
Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Refrigeration:
- Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.
Freezing:
- Portion the cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
This Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender chicken, savory broth, and hearty vegetables in every bite. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a dish to share with loved ones, or a meal to prep ahead for the week, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew has you covered. Serve it with your favorite accompaniments, and it’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your hunger.
Call to Action
Ready to give this recipe a try? Gather your ingredients and let your slow cooker do the magic! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who could use a little warmth and comfort in their lives. Let us know in the comments how your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew turned out—we’d love to hear your feedback!
