This easy slow cooker chicken stew is a cozy dish filled with tender chicken, veggies, and comforting broth. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic!
Nothing beats coming home to the smell of chicken stew after a long day. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! I love serving mine with some crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless skinless thighs for their tenderness, but you can use breasts too. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut if you’re short on time—just add it at the end to warm through.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and potatoes are classic choices. Feel free to swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes or use other root veggies like parsnips. Frozen mixed veggies can be a great time-saver as well!
Herbs: Thyme and rosemary add lovely flavor. Don’t have them? Dried parsley or Italian seasoning can also work. Fresh herbs can be used too—just adjust the amounts accordingly.
How Do I Make Sure My Stew Is Flavorful?
Building layers of flavor is key to a delicious stew. Start by browning the chicken, which brings out more taste. Also, sautéing the onions, garlic, and other veggies briefly helps release their flavors. Take your time cooking; the longer it simmers, the richer it gets!
- Use a good quality chicken broth as the base—homemade is best, but store-bought works fine.
- Don’t rush the cooking time; veggies melt beautifully and chicken becomes tender if you let it cook low and slow.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Sometimes a pinch of salt can make all the difference!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients:
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (about 700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- Vegetables:
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Liquid: 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas
- Herbs and Spices:
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For Thickening (optional):
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cold water
- Oil: 2 tbsp olive oil
Time Needed:
This comforting chicken stew will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need to let it cook in the slow cooker. Cooking time is about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken (Optional):
To start, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they’re lightly browned on all sides. This step adds extra flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time!
2. Prep the Veggies:
Next, place all the sliced carrots, celery, chopped onion, diced potatoes, and minced garlic into your slow cooker. Spread them evenly to create a nice base for your stew.
3. Combine Everything:
Now, add the browned chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, and sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
4. Slow Cook Time:
Cover the slow cooker and let it do its magic! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken and veggies to be nice and tender.
5. Thicken the Stew (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the flour and cold water in a small bowl until you have a smooth paste. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir this mixture into the stew.
6. Add Peas:
If you’re using frozen peas, toss them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking. They’ll add a pop of color and sweetness!
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaves. Taste your stew and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. It should be flavorful and comforting!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to enjoy your delicious chicken stew! Serve it warm, ideally with some crusty bread for dipping or over a bed of cooked rice. Comfort food at its finest!
Enjoy your hearty slow cooker chicken stew!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use bone-in chicken pieces for more flavor, or even turkey. If using beef or pork, be sure to adjust the cooking time, as those meats may take longer to become tender.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Can I Freeze This Chicken Stew?
Yes! This stew freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
You can add various vegetables based on your preference! Try green beans, corn, or mushrooms. Just be mindful of cooking times; harder vegetables like parsnips may require a longer cooking time.
