This easy slow cooker chicken stew is perfect for cozy dinners! It’s packed with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and delicious herbs, all simmered to perfection.
Nothing beats coming home to a warm bowl of stew waiting for you. Plus, it’s so simple! Just toss everything in and let the magic happen. I love serving it with crusty bread to soak up all that tasty broth!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor. However, chicken breasts work too. If you want to go meatless, try chickpeas or lentils for a veggie twist.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and potatoes are standard, but feel free to mix in others like parsnips or bell peppers. If you’re looking to cut carbs, substitute potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini.
Herbs: Thyme and rosemary add great flavor, but you can switch them up. Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence are nice alternatives for a slightly different taste.
Broth: Homemade chicken broth is the best, but store-bought works just fine. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor, especially if you’re adding lots of veggies.
Thickening Agent: If you want a thicker stew, the optional flour is great. Cornstarch mixed in water is another easy way to get that consistency without flour.
How Can I Make Sure the Chicken Stays Tender?
To ensure that your chicken comes out tender and juicy, it’s crucial to use a slow cooking method. Here are my tips for success:
- Cook Low and Slow: Always set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours. This gentle cooking allows the chicken to break down beautifully.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure your chicken and veggies have enough space. If your slow cooker is too full, it may cook unevenly.
- Check at the Right Time: When the cooking time is up, check the chicken with a fork. It should shred easily if it’s cooked perfectly.
These small steps can make a big difference in the texture of your stew. Enjoy the coziness of your meal!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients You Will Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stew takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in your slow cooker. It’s wonderful to let it simmer while you go about your day and come home to a warm, comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Start by heating olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, which should take around 5 minutes. Once the onions are ready, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. This will give your stew a wonderful base flavor!
2. Adding Ingredients to the Slow Cooker:
In your slow cooker, add the chunks of chicken, sliced carrots, celery, and diced potatoes. Next, pour in the sautéed onions and garlic from the skillet.
3. Pour in the Broth and Season:
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and the vegetables cooked through by the time you check it!
5. Last Minute Additions:
About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas and corn to the stew. If you’d like a thicker stew, mix the flour with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry and stir it in as well. Cover and let it cook for the final half hour.
6. Final Touches:
Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and taste your stew. Adjust any seasoning if needed to suit your taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm chicken stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if you’d like! It’s perfect alongside crusty bread for dipping in that delicious broth.
Enjoy your warm and comforting slow cooker chicken stew!
FAQ
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While chicken is the star of this recipe, you can also use turkey or even beef. Just consider adjusting the cooking time, as different meats may require different lengths to become tender.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make the stew gluten-free, simply omit the all-purpose flour or replace it with a gluten-free thickening agent, like cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Use gluten-free broth to ensure the entire dish is safe for those with gluten intolerances.
Can I Freeze Leftover Stew?
Yes, you can freeze any leftovers! Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Can I Serve with Chicken Stew?
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or buttery biscuits for soaking up the broth. You can also serve it over rice or with a side of green salad for a complete meal!
