Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite compares to a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. Imagine tender pieces of chicken slowly braising in a savory broth filled with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. It’s the kind of dish that beckons you home after a long day, wrapping you in its heartfelt embrace. What’s more? This recipe is a breeze to prepare. It allows you to drop your ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning and return to a hearty, flavorful stew that practically makes itself! Whether you’re serving it to family during a busy weeknight or impressing friends with minimal effort for a dinner gathering, this dish is sure to delight. If you’ve tried other comforting recipes like Beef Stew or Chicken Pot Pie from our blog, you know how fulfilling these warm, hearty meals can be. So, grab your slow cooker and get ready for a comforting, satisfying meal that you and your loved ones will enjoy!

What is Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?

Ah, Slow Cooker Chicken Stew! But wait—why does it have such a fancy name? Is it because it cooks in a slow cooker like all the other amazing recipes? Or does it hold deep-rooted culinary secrets? Picture this: someone, perhaps a loving chef, thought, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and decided to whip up this chicken stew. With the right company and a hearty bowl, who could deny the wisdom of that saying? So why not try this homey dish, reminisce about its delightful roots, and share it at your next family dinner? Trust me, it’s a recipe that deserves a spot in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Ready to learn why Slow Cooker Chicken Stew should be your go-to recipe this season? Let’s get down to the three main reasons! First, you’ll be amazed by how tender and juicy the chicken turns out, bathing in a deliciously rich broth with veggies that contribute tons of flavor and nutrition. Second, making it at home is budget-friendly! You can create a delightful meal for your family without the cost of dining out. Lastly, the combination of fresh herbs and spices will have your taste buds dancing. And if you’ve enjoyed our Cozy Vegetable Soup before, this chicken stew is bound to become your new favorite. So roll up your sleeves and put this recipe at the top of your must-try list!

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Quick Overview

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is not just delicious; it’s also super simple to whip up. With a preparation time of about 15 minutes, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this dish comes together. The magic lies in the slow cooker, where flavors meld together over hours, resulting in a comforting, hearty stew that radiates warmth and wholesomeness.

Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 large carrots, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Dice the carrots, celery, and potatoes as well. Have your onion and garlic ready to go. You can also measure out your herbs.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds an extra depth of flavor to your stew.
3. Combine in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic into the slow cooker. Now, toss in the chicken chunks, diced vegetables, and spices. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring everything is covered. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The chicken should be tender and the vegetables perfectly cooked!
5. Final Touches: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. Allow them to warm through, adding a splash of color to your stew.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy with fresh bread or over rice for a cozy meal.

What to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew With

While Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a star in itself, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your dining experience. Serve it alongside crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the rich broth. A fresh garden salad or steamed green beans would bring some crunchy freshness to balance the meal. And why not enjoy it with a glass of crisp white wine or a homemade lemonade for a delightful contrast?

Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

To ensure your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew comes out perfect every time, here are some tips:

• Consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
• Adjust the liquid based on your preference; if you like a thicker stew, you can reduce the broth or add a cornstarch slurry at the end.
• To prevent overcooking, check the chicken for doneness based on your slow cooker’s temperature patterns; not all slow cookers are the same!
• Using fresh herbs instead of dried can boost the flavor even more.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, transfer the cooled stew into freezer-safe bags or containers, keeping it fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth to loosen it up if needed!

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a heartwarming, remedy for busy days; it’s packed with flavor and fuss-free preparation. With its tender chicken and rich taste, it’s bound to be a new favorite in your household. So don’t wait—grab your slow cooker and bring this cozy dish to life!

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

A comforting and hearty chicken stew cooked slowly to perfection with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 large carrots, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method

 

Preparation

1. Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Dice the carrots, celery, and potatoes as well. Have your onion and garlic ready to go. You can also measure out your herbs.

Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine in the Slow Cooker

1. Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic into the slow cooker. Now, toss in the chicken chunks, diced vegetables, and spices. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring everything is covered. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Cook Low and Slow

1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Final Touches

1. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. Allow them to warm through, adding a splash of color to your stew.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy with fresh bread or over rice.

Notes

Consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth. Adjust the liquid based on your preference; if you like a thicker stew, you can reduce the broth or add a cornstarch slurry at the end. To prevent overcooking, check the chicken for doneness based on your slow cooker’s temperature patterns.