This slow cooker chicken stew is warm, hearty, and super easy to make! Just toss in chicken, veggies, and your favorite spices, then let the slow cooker do the work!
There’s nothing like coming home to a delicious meal that’s already cooking. Plus, the leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day. I’m always sneaking bites! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken breasts are popular, but I suggest using thighs for extra flavor and tenderness. If you have rotisserie chicken, it’s a great shortcut! Shred it and add it during the last hour of cooking.
Potatoes: I love using russet potatoes for their fluffiness. You can substitute with Yukon golds or even sweet potatoes for a twist, but keep an eye on cooking times as they may soften quicker.
Vegetables: Carrots and peas are classics. Try adding green beans or parsnips if you want to change it up! If you’re short on fresh veggies, frozen works just as well.
Broth: Chicken broth brings depth to this stew. Homemade is great if you have it, but store-bought works fine too. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter option.
Herbs & Spices: Thyme and rosemary add a lovely aroma. Feel free to swap thyme for oregano or basil based on what you have in your spice cupboard!
How Do I Ensure My Stew Has Amazing Flavor?
The key to a flavorful chicken stew is in the way you layer your ingredients and seasonings. Here’s a simple way to enhance those flavors:
- First, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until they’re fragrant. This builds a flavor base.
- Always season each layer with salt and pepper to infuse flavor. It helps everything taste better together.
- When your stew has finished cooking, taste it! Adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. Sometimes it just needs a little extra salt.
- For a finish, fresh herbs like parsley brighten up the dish right before serving!
With these tips, you’re set for a delicious, comforting stew! Enjoy cooking!
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Stew:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful chicken stew takes about 15 minutes to prep and then cooks for either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After everything simmers together, you just need a couple more minutes to shred the chicken and serve. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they’re translucent and fragrant. This step enhances the flavor of your stew!
2. Layer in the Slow Cooker:
Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. On top of the chicken, add in the sautéed onions and garlic along with the chopped potatoes, carrots, and frozen peas. It’s like building a flavorful foundation!
3. Mix the Broth:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mix will be the magic sauce that ties everything together!
4. Combine All Ingredients:
Pour the broth mixture evenly over the layers in the slow cooker. Make sure everything is somewhat submerged to cook evenly.
5. Let It Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
6. Shred the Chicken:
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken. Use two forks to shred it, then return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Stir everything to mix well!
7. Optional Thickening:
If you like a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch mixed with water, then cover and cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes until it thickens up perfectly.
8. Final Touches:
Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the warm stew into bowls and serve hot. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, comforting chicken stew!
Happy cooking, and enjoy every hearty bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can add the frozen chicken directly, but you’ll need to extend the cooking time by about an hour.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or even water in a pinch. Just be sure to add extra herbs and spices to make up for the missing flavor.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, or corn. Just keep in mind that softer vegetables may cook faster, so you might want to adjust their cooking time accordingly.
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 on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened too much during storage.
