This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is perfect for cozy nights! Tender chicken, hearty veggies, and tasty seasonings all cook together, making a warm and comforting dish.
If you love the smell of dinner cooking while you relax, this stew is for you! Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. You’ll love every spoonful! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using chicken thighs for this stew; they are juicy and tender. However, chicken breasts work just as well. For a leaner option, you could even substitute turkey or use canned chicken for a quicker meal.
Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and celery are essential, but feel free to swap in whatever veggies you have! Sweet potatoes, green beans, or bell peppers can add a twist to flavors.
Chicken broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water will do the trick. Just add a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor.
Herbs and Spices: Thyme and rosemary bring a wonderful aroma. If you’re short on those, Italian seasoning or a mix of your favorite herbs can replace them without losing the cozy feel.
How Do I Make Sure My Stew is Flavorful and Well-Cooked?
Cooking chicken stew in a slow cooker is simple, but here are a few tips to make it more flavorful:
- Browning the Chicken: Lightly browning chicken first adds depth and flavor. However, if you’re in a rush, skip this step and add the chicken straight into the slow cooker.
- Layering Ingredients: Place vegetables underneath the chicken in the slow cooker. This way, they soak up the chicken’s juices as they cook, ensuring a great taste.
- Cooking Time: Stick to the recommended cooking times. If you leave it too long, it can become mushy. Always check the tenderness of the chicken and veggies about an hour before serving.
- Thickening the Stew: If you like your stew thick, the flour slurry towards the end is a secret tip! It helps give a nice texture. Mix it well so there are no lumps.
- Tasting: Always taste before serving! Adjust salt, pepper, or add a splash of lemon juice for freshness.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then you can set it to slow cook. You’ll need 6-7 hours on low or about 3-4 hours on high. In total, expect about 6-7 hours and 15 minutes from prep to dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Chicken:
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks to the skillet and lightly brown all sides, which takes about 4-5 minutes. This step adds a lot of flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, feel free to skip this step and add the raw chicken directly to the slow cooker!
2. Combining Ingredients:
Now, place the browned chicken (or raw) into your slow cooker. Then add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, sliced celery, and minced garlic right on top.
3. Mixing the Broth:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper until well mixed. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is coated.
4. Cooking the Stew:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You’re looking for the chicken to be tender and the vegetables to be cooked through!
5. Adding the Peas:
About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in the frozen peas. This brings a splash of color and sweet flavor to your stew!
6. Thickening the Stew (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew, cover, and let it cook for the remaining 30 minutes.
7. Serving:
Once done, taste your stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh touch!
Enjoy your comforting, easy slow cooker chicken stew! Perfect for cozy nights in. 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be aware that it may take a bit longer to cook. Ensure that the chicken is cooked through before serving, as cooking times may vary.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works great and will still provide nice flavor. You can also use water, but be sure to add extra seasonings to boost the taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to restore creaminess!
Can I Make This Stew in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients and store them in the fridge overnight, then cook the next day. Just make sure to cook it fresh before serving for the best taste!
