Description

When the weather turns chilly or when you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal, nothing beats a steaming bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. With tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a rich broth, this recipe is a warm hug in a bowl. The best part? It’s all made in the slow cooker, which means you can set it and forget it. By the end of the day, you’ll have a delicious, soul-warming meal waiting for you. Let’s dive into this easy, flavorful dish!

Ingredients

For the Stew:

Chicken: 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs are preferred for their tenderness)

Vegetables: 3 carrots, 3 celery stalks, and 1 onion, all diced

Potatoes: 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed

Garlic: 4 cloves, minced

Chicken Broth: 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth

Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons

Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Bay Leaves: 2 bay leaves

Salt and Pepper: To taste

Flour: 1/4 cup for thickening (optional)

For Garnish:

Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken (Optional)

Start by searing the chicken in a hot skillet until it turns golden brown. While this step is optional, it enhances the flavor by locking in the juices and creating a crispy exterior.

Step 2: Load Up the Slow Cooker

Place the seared chicken, diced vegetables, cubed potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves into your slow cooker. Stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle the dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir well to combine, ensuring the seasonings are evenly spread throughout the stew.

Step 4: Pour in the Chicken Broth

Carefully pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. For a thicker stew, sprinkle in the flour and stir until well mixed.

Step 5: Set and Forget

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking method will allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and flavorful stew.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaves and discard them. Ladle the hot chicken stew into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color, and serve hot.

Notes

Vegetable Variations: You can swap or add vegetables based on what you have available or what’s in season. Peas, corn, green beans, or squash are excellent additions.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to give the stew a little heat.
Add Beans: For extra fiber, add a can of drained and rinsed beans (such as white beans or kidney beans).
Gluten-Free Option: Omit the flour or use a gluten-free thickener to keep the stew gluten-free.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
Category: main dish
Method: Slow-Cooked
Cuisine: American Comfort Food