This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is warm and comforting, made with tender chicken, potatoes, and veggies simmered together in a flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy dinners!
Plus, you just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic! I love coming home to a delicious meal that needs no fuss. Who doesn’t want that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness. However, if you prefer breast meat, it works too! You can also use cooked rotisserie chicken; just add it in the last hour to heat through.
Vegetables: Carrots and potatoes are classic choices. If you’re out of these, feel free to add parsnips or sweet potatoes instead. Don’t hesitate to toss in any leftover veggies you have; it’s a great way to use them up!
Broth: Chicken broth enhances flavor, but vegetable broth makes a nice substitute if you’re looking for a vegetarian option or using vegetable broth. Homemade broth will give an extra depth of flavor, too!
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary bring lovely flavor, but if you have fresh herbs, they’re even better. Just remember to use more fresh herbs (3 times the amount), as they’re less concentrated.
Thickening Agent: Adding flour is optional but great for a thicker stew. If you want a gluten-free option, try cornstarch or arrowroot, mixed with a bit of water, instead.
How Do I Get Tender Chicken in My Stew?
For perfectly tender chicken, cooking it low and slow is key. This method allows the chicken to become soft while absorbing all the delicious flavors from the broth and vegetables:
- Start by browning the chicken in a bit of oil or butter. This step is not essential but adds great flavor.
- When adding chicken to the slow cooker, ensure it’s covered with broth. This creates steam and keeps it moist during cooking.
- Stick with low heat for longer cooking time (6-7 hours). This way, the chicken breaks down perfectly and stays juicy.
And don’t forget to shred the chicken slightly before serving for easy eating! Enjoy this comfort food that warms both your heart and belly!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew for Cozy Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup frozen peas (added near end of cooking)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken stew takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and then cooks in your slow cooker. You can let it simmer on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Perfect for a cozy dinner after a long day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken (Optional):
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks and brown them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes. This step is optional but adds a lovely flavor to your stew!
2. Load the Slow Cooker:
Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to the slow cooker. Then, add in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, diced celery, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, bay leaves, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. It’s like a colorful garden in your crockpot!
3. Pour in the Broth:
Next, pour the chicken broth over the top of everything in your slow cooker. This will help everything cook down and become tender.
4. Cook it Up:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When it’s done, the chicken and veggies should be nice and tender.
5. Thicken (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker stew, about 30 minutes before serving, mix the flour with a few tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew and cover again, cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Add the Peas:
About 15 minutes before you plan to eat, stir in the frozen peas. They’ll warm up quickly and add a nice touch of color!
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaves. They’ve done their job but shouldn’t be eaten!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish your cozy chicken stew with chopped fresh parsley, and serve it warm with crusty bread or over rice. Enjoy this hearty meal and the warmth it brings to your evening!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before adding it to the slow cooker. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a quick thaw. This ensures even cooking and tenderness in your stew.
How Can I Make This Stew Vegetarian?
To make this stew vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein, such as chickpeas or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance flavor and texture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the stew with any vegetables you have on hand. Good options include green beans, sweet potatoes, or zucchini. Just chop them to similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the stew thickens too much while stored, simply add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
