Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

If you’re looking for the perfect comfort food to warm your soul on a chilly day, you’ve come to the right place! This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a family favorite in my home. It’s one of those recipes that fills the house with delightful aromas and brings everyone to the kitchen, eager to dig in. The best part? You can throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do all the magic while you go about your day. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this stew is sure to impress!

This recipe is not only heartwarming but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it with crusty bread, over rice, or even on its own. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in plenty of veggies for a wholesome meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just chop, season, and let your slow cooker do the work!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the rich flavors and hearty ingredients.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! Make it on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of herbs and spices creates a comforting dish that warms from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this delightful stew. No need for anything fancy here; just good old-fashioned cooking!

For the Stew

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to season
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 large potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes (1 pound)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup green peas, frozen
• Black pepper, to season

Variations

One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is just how flexible it can be! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations.

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey or even chickpeas for a plant-based twist!
• Add more veggies: Throw in some bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
• Change up the herbs: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or basil for a unique flavor profile.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños!

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken thighs on a cutting board. Dice them into 1-inch pieces and season generously with salt and pepper. This step is crucial because seasoning helps enhance the flavor of your chicken as it cooks.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, warm your olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they are browned on all sides. Searing locks in juices and adds depth to your stew’s flavor. Remember, you don’t need to cook them all the way through—just get that lovely golden color!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once seared, transfer the chicken into your slow cooker. Sprinkle in flour along with thyme, rosemary, and salt. Stir everything together until each piece of chicken is well coated in flour and herbs—this will help thicken your stew later.

Step 4: Add Veggies and Broth

Next up, toss in minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes into the slow cooker. These hearty veggies will absorb all those delicious flavors as they cook down. Pour in your chicken broth and add that bay leaf—don’t forget about it! It adds an aromatic touch that elevates this dish.

Step 5: Slow Cook Away

Cover your slow cooker and choose either low (for 7-8 hours) or high (for 3-4 hours) cooking settings depending on your schedule. The longer you let it cook on low heat, the more developed those flavors will be!

Step 6: Final Touches

When it’s almost time to eat—about 10-15 minutes before serving—add in those frozen peas and milk. Stir everything together until nicely combined. This step gives your stew that creamy texture without needing actual cream!

Step 7: Taste Test!

As you finish up cooking, taste your stew one last time. Adjust with salt or pepper if needed—it’s always good to check seasoning before serving!

You can enjoy this comforting dish right away or store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days in the fridge or freeze them for three months. Enjoy every spoonful of this nourishing Slow Cooker Chicken Stew!

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Creating the perfect slow cooker chicken stew is a breeze with just a few helpful tips! Here are some tricks to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Sear the Chicken: Browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor and gives your stew a richer taste. This step locks in juices and adds depth to the overall dish.

• Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well, using fresh thyme and rosemary can elevate the flavors significantly. Fresh herbs bring brightness and vibrancy, making your stew even more aromatic.

• Cut Vegetables Uniformly: Ensuring that all vegetables are cut into similar sizes promotes even cooking. This helps them finish cooking at the same time, avoiding mushy or crunchy pieces.

• Adjust for Thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of flour with a bit of cold water to create a slurry before adding it. Stirring this into the stew will help thicken it without clumps.

• Let It Rest: Allowing your stew to sit for about 10-15 minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. This resting period can make a notable difference in taste.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Presenting your slow cooker chicken stew can be as delightful as making it! Here are some serving suggestions that will impress family and friends alike.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the richness of the stew.
• Lemon zest: A light touch of lemon zest just before serving introduces a bright note that balances out the creaminess of your dish.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf is perfect for dipping into your hearty stew, soaking up all those flavorful juices.
• Steamed green beans: These add crunch and vibrant color to your meal, making for a well-rounded plate.
• Rice or quinoa: Serving your chicken stew over fluffy rice or nutty quinoa adds substance and makes it even more filling.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm richness of the stew.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your delicious slow cooker chicken stew. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is perfect for meal prep! With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, it tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal dish to prepare in advance.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stew to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Portion the stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious stew!

Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with different vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables such as green beans, bell peppers, or zucchini for added flavor and variety.

How do I thicken my Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?

If your stew is too thin after cooking, mix a tablespoon of flour with a bit of water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew. Let it cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred. Just remember that breasts may cook faster, so check their doneness before serving.

How long does Slow Cooker Chicken Stew take to cook?

Cooking on low takes about 7-8 hours or on high for approximately 3-4 hours. The longer cook time allows for richer flavors.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes! This stew freezes well, making it easy to enjoy later. Just follow the proper freezing instructions above.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Stew as much as I do! It’s a dish that brings warmth and nourishment on chilly days. With its creamy texture (without any cream!) and delicious flavor profile, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—you deserve a hearty meal that warms both body and soul!