This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a warm and hearty dish that’s super easy to make. Just toss chicken, veggies, and spices into the pot, and let it do its magic while you relax!
The best part? The smell that fills your kitchen will make everyone eager to eat! I love serving this stew with some crusty bread for dipping. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs. I find that thighs stay juicier and are harder to overcook, making them my personal favorite. If you’re looking for a healthier option, skinless chicken is a great choice.
Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion are classic choices. If you don’t have specific vegetables on hand, feel free to include frozen mixed veggies, or add parsnips or peas. They all bring different flavors and textures!
Chicken Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, veggie broth works well too. You could also dilute some bouillon cubes in water. For a richer flavor, consider using low sodium broth to better control salt levels in your dish.
Herbs: Fresh herbs can be a great substitution if you have them! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs instead of dried. Just remember to add them near the end of cooking to keep their flavor vibrant.
How Can I Get the Best Flavor from My Chicken Stew?
One key technique is the optional browning of the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. This step takes just a few minutes but truly enhances the flavor!
- Simply heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chicken pieces until they are golden brown. This creates a delicious crust.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; doing this in batches gives the chicken the best color and texture.
- Another tip is to cook low and slow. If you are short on time, you can use the high setting, but low for longer yields the best flavor and tenderness.
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients You Will Need:
For the Stew:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Thickening (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Browning (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Stew takes about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by cooking time of 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high. It’s perfect for a day when you want to set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken (Optional):
If you want richer flavor, heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks and lightly brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor but is also completely optional if you prefer a simpler prep!
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
After browning (or if skipping that step), place the chicken pieces directly in the slow cooker. This is where all the magic happens!
3. Add Your Veggies:
Layer the carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and minced garlic over the chicken in the slow cooker. You’re creating a colorful, hearty mix here!
4. Pour in the Broth:
Carefully add the chicken broth until it just covers all the ingredients. This will keep everything moist and flavorful as it cooks.
5. Season the Stew:
Add the dried thyme, oregano, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper, then give it a little stir to mix everything together.
6. Cook the Stew:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When it’s done, the chicken and vegetables should be nice and tender.
7. Thicken It Up (Optional):
If you want a thicker stew, about 30 minutes before serving, mix the flour with cold water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Stir this into the stew, cover again, and let it cook for another 20-30 minutes till thickened.
8. Final Touches:
Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste your stew. Adjust the seasoning if needed – maybe more salt or pepper?
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hearty chicken stew hot, and feel free to enjoy it with some crusty bread on the side. Dig in and enjoy the warmth!
This comforting stew is sure to become a family favorite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s essential to thaw it first for even cooking. For quick thawing, place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour, changing the water if necessary.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize your stew! You can add vegetables like green beans, peas, corn, or even bell peppers. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly for different vegetables.
How Should I Store Leftover Stew?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Stew Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stew a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore its consistency.
