Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this stew is rich in flavor and features tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth. With easy preparation and minimal cleanup, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. The combination of fresh veggies and fragrant herbs makes this stew not only delicious but also a wholesome option for various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: Each ingredient melds together beautifully, creating a rich, hearty flavor.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as is, or pair it with crusty bread or biscuits for a more filling experience.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this stew is a nutritious choice.
• Great for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious slow cooker chicken stew, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that make the process seamless.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: The star of the show, it allows for hands-off cooking while enhancing flavors over time.
• Large skillet: Perfect for searing the chicken and sautéing vegetables to build depth in flavor.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for scraping up those tasty brown bits from the pan while deglazing.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs (extra fat trimmed)
• _x0008_Salt and pepper
• Olive oil (for searing)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or ¾ teaspoon dried)
• ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced (or ¼ teaspoon dried)
• 3 medium red potatoes, quartered (or baby red potatoes)
• 3 bay leaves (dried or fresh)
• 5 cups chicken broth, divided (plus more as needed)
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ¼ cup finely chopped Italian parsley

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Season chicken with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown. Transfer to a large slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

1. In the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean), add more olive oil.
2. Sauté diced onions and sliced carrots for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Scrape brown bits from the pan using a wooden spoon to deglaze.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

1. Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary; sauté for another minute or two until fragrant.
2. Incorporate tomato paste and stir to coat vegetables evenly.
3. Pour in about ½ to ¾ cup of chicken broth to deglaze again; transfer everything into the slow cooker with chicken.

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

1. Add quartered potatoes and bay leaves to the slow cooker.
2. Season with an additional ½ teaspoon salt and several grinds of black pepper.
3. Pour in the remaining chicken broth (4 cups). Cover and cook on HIGH for about 4 hours.

Step 5: Thicken the Stew

1. About halfway through cooking time (3.5 hours in), dilute flour with approximately ⅓ cup of room temperature chicken broth to create a slurry.
2. Add the slurry along with frozen peas to the slow cooker; stir well to combine.

Step 6: Shred Chicken

1. Carefully remove chicken from the slow cooker; shred with a fork while discarding bones.
2. Return shredded chicken back into the pot; stir to mix well along with chopped parsley.
3. Adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Serve

Serve warm alongside crusty bread or flaky biscuits for a completely satisfying meal! Enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Stew can elevate your meal experience. This hearty dish pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes that complement its rich flavors.

With Crusty Bread

• Freshly Baked Loaves: Serve slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the stew.
• Garlic Bread: Add a delicious twist with garlic butter spread on toasted bread.

Over Rice

• Steamed White Rice: A simple side that absorbs the stew’s flavors beautifully.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.

With Biscuits

• Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits: These are perfect for sopping up the savory broth.
• Cheddar Biscuits: Add cheese for a delightful twist on traditional biscuits.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and freshness.
• Thyme Sprigs: A few sprigs of thyme can enhance the aromatic profile of your stew.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew involves attention to detail and some helpful tips to ensure optimal flavor and texture.

• Bold Seasoning: Season generously at each step to build layers of flavor.
• Sear for Color: Searing the chicken before slow cooking enhances its taste and appearance.
• Use Quality Broth: Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth for better flavor.
• Adjust Timing Carefully: Keep an eye on the cooking time; overcooking can lead to mushy vegetables.
• Thicken Wisely: Use a flour slurry towards the end of cooking for a thicker consistency without clumping.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning as needed.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Pairing your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the stew’s gravy.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Green Salad: A refreshing green salad balances the richness of the stew nicely.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a lovely contrast to the savory flavors of the stew.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad offers protein and fiber while keeping things fresh.
6. Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans add a nice crunch alongside the tender stew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making slow cooker chicken stew, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the searing step: Searing the chicken adds depth of flavor. Don’t rush this process; let the chicken brown well before transferring it to the slow cooker.
• Not seasoning properly: Seasoning throughout the cooking process is key. Be sure to season the chicken and vegetables adequately to enhance the overall taste.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Filling the pot too much can prevent even cooking. Stick to recommended amounts for best results.
• Using low-quality broth: A good quality chicken broth makes a significant difference in flavor. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought options.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking for too long can lead to mushy vegetables and dry chicken. Follow the suggested cooking times closely for perfect texture.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Storage duration: Slow cooker chicken stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Containers: Use airtight containers to keep it fresh and prevent odors from other foods.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Freezing duration: The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring you remove as much air as possible.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stew in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion of the stew to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: In a saucepan over medium heat, add the stew and heat until bubbling, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew thicker?

To thicken your stew, mix some flour or cornstarch with cold broth before adding it in. This will help create a nice consistency as it cooks.

Can I use different vegetables in Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or green beans for extra flavor and nutrition.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm biscuits, but you can also serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Chicken Stew on low?

Cooking on low typically takes about 6-8 hours. This longer cooking time allows flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the chicken tender.

Conclusion

This slow cooker chicken stew is not only flavorful but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite veggies or herbs and enjoy a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare. We encourage you to try this recipe and experience its deliciousness!

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