Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a fantastic dish for busy days. It’s comforting, hearty, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. You can set it up in the morning and come home to a warm, delicious meal. This stew is also adaptable, allowing you to use ingredients you have on hand, making it a great option for using up leftovers.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
- Sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown.
- Place the seared chicken, diced vegetables, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves into the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients and stir to distribute the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth. If using flour, whisk it with a little broth or water before adding, or sprinkle over and stir to thicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken and vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning, and serve garnished with fresh parsley.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Serve the stew hot in bowls. You can pair it with crusty bread for dipping or over rice for a more filling meal. Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top makes it look nice and adds a bit of flavor.
How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- For extra flavor, consider adding some herbs like rosemary or parsley.
- If you want a thicker stew, use more flour or mash some of the potatoes while cooking.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables, such as peas or green beans, for variety.
Variation
You can easily turn this chicken stew into a hearty dumpling stew by adding biscuit dough on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The dumplings will cook perfectly in the stew’s heat.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, you can use beef or even pork. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of meat you select.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just heat it up in the slow cooker the next day.
What can I serve with this stew?
You can serve it with bread, rice, or even a simple side salad. It’s very filling on its own!
