Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the epitome of comfort in a bowl. With tender chunks of chicken, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered together for hours, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich and soul-warming dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a classic, fuss-free meal perfect for any day of the week. The beauty of this stew is its simplicity — just a few ingredients, and your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also a wholesome and filling dish that pairs perfectly with a side of crusty bread. Whether you’re looking to prep for the week or just want a comforting meal for your family, this stew is a winner!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken chunks and cook until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes). Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add carrots, celery, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
3. Stir in chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or until the vegetables are tender, and the stew is flavorful.
5. 30 minutes before serving, stir in frozen peas.
6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 290 kcal per serving
Servings: 4 servings

Cooking Process

The slow cooking method is what makes this stew particularly special. After browning the chicken thighs in olive oil to lock in the juices and deepen the flavor, they are transferred to the slow cooker along with the vegetables, broth, and seasonings. The slow cooker is then set to low heat for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the ingredients to break down and meld together. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can set the slow cooker to high heat and reduce the cooking time to 3 to 4 hours. The result is a stew that has a fully developed flavor without requiring constant attention in the kitchen.

Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker

One of the primary advantages of this slow cooker recipe is the convenience it offers. By preparing the ingredients in the morning and letting the stew cook throughout the day, you can return home to a hot, fully cooked meal without any last-minute fuss. This makes it perfect for busy families or anyone who wants a home-cooked meal without the effort of standing over the stove for hours.

Additionally, slow cookers are designed to cook food gently, preserving the nutrients in vegetables and allowing the flavors to intensify over time. The long cooking process also tenderizes tougher cuts of meat, such as chicken thighs, making them fall-apart tender.

Customizing Your Chicken Stew

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew recipe is highly adaptable, making it easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ways you can modify the dish:

1. Add More Vegetables: While potatoes, carrots, and celery are staples, you can add other vegetables like parsnips, butternut squash, or mushrooms. These ingredients add additional layers of flavor and texture, making the stew even more satisfying.
2. Use Different Cuts of Chicken: While chicken thighs are recommended for their flavor and tenderness, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just be aware that chicken breasts tend to dry out more quickly, so you may want to reduce the cooking time slightly.
3. Thicken the Broth: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can create a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give the broth a slightly thicker, more sauce-like consistency.
4. Add Grains or Beans: To make the stew more filling, consider adding cooked grains such as barley or quinoa, or a can of drained and rinsed beans. These additions will increase the fiber and protein content of the dish, making it even more nourishing.
5. Herb Variations: While thyme and rosemary are the traditional herbs used in this recipe, you can switch them up by adding fresh parsley, oregano, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a more intense, smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a versatile dish that can be served in several ways depending on your preferences. Some popular options include:

• With Crusty Bread: The rich broth is perfect for sopping up with a slice of crusty, artisan bread. This combination adds a satisfying crunch and makes the meal feel heartier.
• Over Rice: Serving the stew over a bed of rice turns it into a more substantial meal. The rice absorbs the broth, making each bite even more flavorful.
• With Mashed Potatoes: For an extra indulgent twist, try serving the stew alongside mashed potatoes. The creamy potatoes pair beautifully with the tender chicken and vegetables.
• Side Salad: To balance out the heartiness of the stew, you can serve it with a fresh green salad. A simple vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the stew.

Nutritional Value

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a relatively healthy meal, packed with lean protein from the chicken and a variety of vegetables that provide essential vitamins and minerals. Each serving contains around 350 calories, making it a great option for a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down. The inclusion of carrots and peas adds a good amount of dietary fiber, while the chicken provides important nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and zinc.

For those following specific dietary restrictions, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure that the chicken broth used is certified gluten-free. It’s also a low-calorie option that can be easily adjusted to meet the needs of those looking to reduce sodium or fat intake by choosing low-sodium broth or trimming excess fat from the chicken.

Conclusion:

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the perfect dish for those who love comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and wholesome ingredients make it an ideal option for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop in the fridge.

Adding this recipe to your repertoire means you’ll always have a go-to dish for when you crave something warm, filling, and delicious without the need for complicated steps or ingredients. Whether you stick to the classic version or customize it to suit your tastes, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is sure to become a favorite.