Cooking can often feel like a daunting task, especially on busy days when time is not on your side. That’s where the slow cooker comes into play. The Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a comforting, hearty meal that warms the soul and is perfect for families or gatherings. You can prepare it in advance, let it cook slowly throughout the day, and return home to the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the rich, flavorful blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth that creates the perfect stew.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
This recipe is loved for its convenience and flavor. You can toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning and forget about it until dinner time. The chicken becomes incredibly tender while the flavors meld beautifully. The combination of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also nutritious. Plus, it is versatile and can be adjusted to fit your preferences or whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
- Black pepper, to season
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 large potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup green peas, frozen
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ cup milk
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Begin by preparing your chicken. Place the chicken thighs onto a cutting board and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Season them generously with salt and black pepper. This step is essential as it infuses the flavor right into the meat.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, turning to ensure that they brown evenly on all sides. Remember, you don’t want to cook the chicken all the way through; this step is merely to seal in the flavors.
After browning the chicken, transfer it to your slow cooker. In the same bowl, combine the chicken with the flour, thyme, rosemary, and an additional pinch of salt. Stir until the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated in the flour and herbs.
Next, add the minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes directly into the slow cooker. Mix everything together so that the ingredients are evenly distributed. Pour in the chicken broth and toss in the bay leaf for added flavor. Give it one last stir to combine all the elements.
Once everything is mixed, cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. You have the option of cooking on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. During this time, the vegetables will become tender, and the chicken will be cooked through and perfectly juicy.
When there’s about 15 minutes left in the cooking time, add the frozen peas and milk to the slow cooker. Stir well to incorporate them and allow it to cook uncovered on high for those last few minutes. This helps to ensure the peas are heated through and adds a creamy texture to the stew. Take a moment to taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and black pepper as needed.
Once the cooking time is complete, you can either tuck in right away or save leftovers for a later meal. This stew stores well and can make for an easy lunch or dinner option in the days to come.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Serving this lovely stew is as easy as dishing it out into bowls. It pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread, which can be used to soak up every last bit of the savory broth. If you want to elevate the presentation, consider garnishing your stew with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives. A fresh sprinkle of herbs adds a beautiful touch, making your meal more appealing.
For a heartier meal, you can serve your chicken stew over rice or even with a side of steamed rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Don’t forget to offer some additional salt and pepper at the table, so everyone can customize their seasoning to their liking.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
To ensure a perfect slow cooker chicken stew, consider these expert tips. First, choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for added flavor. You can also opt for chicken breasts, but thighs yield a more succulent result.
Don’t be shy when seasoning your dish. Use fresh herbs whenever possible for a vibrant flavor. If you can find them, fresh rosemary and thyme will elevate the dish immensely.
Cut your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Large chunks may remain hard while smaller pieces become mushy; aim for consistent ½-inch cubes.
To enhance the heartiness of the stew, you can add additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even green beans. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on your additions.
Lastly, feel free to experiment with the rich broth. Adding a splash of lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream right before serving can introduce a brightness that balances the stew’s richness.
How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Storing your chicken stew is straightforward. Allow it to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it instead.
To freeze, portion the stew into freezer-safe bags, making sure to remove excess air before sealing. Properly stored, your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw the stew overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variation of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew recipe is versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your taste or whenever you need to make use of what’s in your pantry. Here are some variations you might consider:
- Herb Variations: Swap out rosemary and thyme for your favorite herbs, such as oregano or sage. Each herb will give the stew a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to include other vegetables like butternut squash, parsnips, or even different types of beans for added texture and nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes can bring some warmth to your stew.
- Creamier Version: For an extra creamy stew, you can stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream before serving, creating a rich finish.
- Different Proteins: While this recipe focuses on chicken thighs, you can try it with turkey or even plant-based proteins for those following vegetarian diets. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary.
FAQ
How do I make the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew without gluten?
To make this delicious chicken stew gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. This will help thicken the stew without the need for regular flour.
Can I use frozen chicken in this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but remember that it may take longer to cook thoroughly. It’s advisable to add an additional hour to the cooking time to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?
This comforting stew goes well with various sides. Consider serving it with warm, crusty bread, over rice, or with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I leave the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew to cook overnight?
It’s generally not recommended to cook stews overnight due to safety concerns. Cooking on low for a longer period, like 8 hours, is better suited for daytime settings. If you need overnight convenience, consider preparing it ahead and refrigerating it for cooking the next day.
How can I thicken the sauce of my Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?
To thicken the sauce of your stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and then stir it into the stew. Allow it to cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes until thickened. Alternatively, mash some of the potatoes in the stew to naturally thicken it.
By following these guidelines and variations, you’ll create a Slow Cooker Chicken Stew that is uniquely yours, delightful, and nourishing! Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces Bone-in, skin-on chicken is preferable for flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning Season generously.
- to taste black pepper Use fresh ground for better flavor.
Vegetables
- 1 onion diced
- 3 carrots peeled and sliced
- 1 pound large potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes About 2 large potatoes.
- 1 cup green peas, frozen
Broth and Other Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For browning the chicken.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour To coat the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup milk For creaminess added towards the end.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker and mix with flour, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt.
Cooking
- Add minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir in the bay leaf.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add frozen peas and milk. Stir to combine and cook uncovered.
Serving
- Serve the stew in bowls, optionally garnished with fresh herbs. Pair with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes.
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