Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This hearty dish combines tender chicken with a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic seasonings, making it ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. With minimal prep and effortless cooking, this recipe stands out for its rich flavors and satisfying warmth, ensuring everyone at the table will love it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss all ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs and broth creates a deeply satisfying taste that enhances each ingredient.
• Versatile Ingredients: Swap in your favorite veggies or add extra spices to customize your stew.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for days—great for busy schedules!
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, this stew is sure to please everyone.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The star of this recipe; it allows for low-and-slow cooking that makes the chicken tender.
• Knife: Essential for chopping ingredients evenly, ensuring they cook at the same rate.
• Mixing spoon: Helps combine all ingredients thoroughly for even flavor distribution.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by prepping your vegetables and chicken. Cut everything into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Place chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
– Add thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients well.

Step 3: Set Cooking Time

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through.

Step 4: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker stew:
– Whisk flour with ¼ cup of water until smooth.
– Stir this mixture into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Add Peas

About 15 minutes before serving:
– Stir in frozen peas to add color and sweetness.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Before serving:
– Remove the bay leaf.
– Enjoy your warm bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew!

With these easy steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready that everyone will love!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Serving your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe can elevate the meal experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some delicious suggestions to accompany your stew.

With Crusty Bread

• A thick slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the hearty broth. Choose a rustic sourdough or a warm baguette.

Over Rice

• Serving the stew over fluffy white or brown rice adds a nice texture and absorbs the flavorful sauce, making each bite delightful.

With Mashed Potatoes

• For a comfort food twist, serve the chicken stew on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. This combination is sure to please everyone at your table.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish your stew with fresh parsley or thyme before serving. It adds a pop of color and enhances the flavor profile.

Paired with a Side Salad

• A light salad, such as mixed greens tossed with vinaigrette, complements the richness of the stew, providing a refreshing contrast.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Achieving the perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and good-quality chicken for the best flavor.
• Sear the Chicken First: Browning the chicken in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker can deepen the flavor.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Every palate is different!
• Let it Rest: Allowing the stew to sit for 10 minutes after cooking helps flavors meld together beautifully.
• Use Frozen Vegetables Wisely: If you’re short on time, frozen vegetables can be added at the last minute for convenience without sacrificing taste.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

A well-rounded meal can be achieved by pairing your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe with complementary side dishes. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread

2. Toasted slices of garlic bread provide a crunchy element that pairs perfectly with any stew.

3. Steamed Green Beans

4. Bright green beans add color and freshness to your plate, balancing out the hearty stew.

5. Cornbread

6. A slice of sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast in flavors and textures alongside your chicken stew.

7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

8. Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts bring an earthy flavor that enhances the overall meal experience.

9. Cauliflower Rice

10. Low-carb cauliflower rice serves as a healthy base while soaking up all those savory juices from the stew.

11. Baked Sweet Potatoes

12. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and creaminess while complementing the savory notes of your stew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe, it’s easy to make some common errors that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the browning step: While it’s not mandatory, searing the chicken can add depth of flavor to your stew. Take a few extra minutes to brown the chicken in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Filling the slow cooker too much can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure there’s enough space for the ingredients to cook properly.
• Not seasoning properly: Underseasoning can make your stew bland. Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking, especially before serving.
• Adding ingredients at wrong times: Some ingredients need longer cooking times than others. For example, add peas towards the end to keep them vibrant and fresh.
• Ignoring leftovers: Many forget that stew often tastes better the next day. Allow your stew to sit overnight in the fridge for enhanced flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover stew in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

• Cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it lasts up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place stew in a covered oven-safe dish and heat for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer stew to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious dish:

Can I use different types of chicken in this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe?

Yes! You can use chicken breasts or thighs, but thighs provide more flavor and moisture.

What vegetables work best in this recipe?

Feel free to customize with seasonal veggies like green beans or corn. Just ensure they have similar cooking times.

How do I thicken my Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe?

You can whisk flour with water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a thicker consistency.

Can I make this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This stew is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better after sitting in the fridge overnight.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Give it a try, and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness any night of the week!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

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• Author: Saphira
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Warm up your evenings with this delightful Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe, a perfect blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, this stew becomes a hearty meal that the whole family will love. Just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings, this dish is not only flavorful but also offers the flexibility to customize with your favorite veggies and spices. Serve it over rice, with crusty bread, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal that satisfies every palate. Dive into comforting warmth with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by chopping the vegetables and cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and chicken broth; stir well.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
4. If desired for a thicker stew, whisk flour with water and stir in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Add frozen peas about 15 minutes before serving.
6. Remove bay leaf before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–7 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 690mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg