This Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the perfect cozy meal. With tender chicken, hearty veggies, and rich broth, it warms you right up!
What I love most about this stew is how easy it is. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic while you relax. It’s like having a personal chef! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their rich flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can switch to chicken breast, but it may be a bit drier in the stew.
Vegetables: The classic mix of carrots, celery, and potatoes adds great texture and flavor. You can get creative! Sweet potatoes or parsnips make excellent substitutes. Frozen mixed vegetables are also a quick alternative.
Tomato Paste: This adds depth to the stew. If you’re out, crushed tomatoes can work too—just be mindful of the extra liquid they add. You can also try tomato sauce for a smoother texture.
Herbs: Thyme and rosemary are fantastic in this stew. If you don’t have them, Italian seasoning or herb mix works well. Fresh herbs can also be added right before serving for a pop of flavor.
How Do You Brown Chicken for a Richer Flavor?
Browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker is an easy step that packs in flavor. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Heat oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot enough to sizzle.
- Add the chicken pieces to avoid overcrowding—this helps them brown, not steam.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until golden on all sides. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through; it will finish cooking in the stew.
Taking this step can really elevate your stew, adding a nice depth of flavor that you’ll appreciate in every bite!
How Can You Get a Thicker Stew?
If you like your stew on the thicker side, here’s a simple trick:
- In a small bowl, mix flour with a bit of cold water to form a slurry.
- 15-30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir this slurry into the stew.
- Cover and let it cook on high for 20-30 more minutes. This helps it thicken beautifully!
This method keeps the stew hearty and satisfying, perfect for chilly days! Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus cooking time of 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. It’s basically a “set it and forget it” meal that’s perfect for busy days or cozy weekends. Just let the slow cooker do its magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown lightly on all sides for about 5 minutes. This adds a delicious flavor to the stew, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip this step!
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker. Now, add in the sliced carrots, celery, chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced potatoes. It’s a colorful mix of veggies that will make this stew so hearty!
3. Prepare the Broth:
In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, water, and tomato paste until well combined. Then pour this mixture over all the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is covered.
4. Season it Up:
Add the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to evenly distribute the herbs and spices throughout the stew.
5. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are tender.
6. Add the Peas:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the frozen peas. They’ll add a lovely sweetness and a pop of color!
7. (Optional) Thicken the Stew:
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the flour with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the stew and cover the cooker again. Let it cook on high for another 20-30 minutes until thickened to your liking.
8. Final Touches:
Before serving, be sure to remove the bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to enhance the flavors.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the stew hot with some crusty bread on the side. Enjoy your warm and comforting Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew! It’s perfect for sharing with family or savoring all by yourself.
FAQ for Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs! Just make sure they are completely thawed before browning them. If you skip browning, you can add the frozen chicken directly to the slow cooker, but the flavor might be a bit less rich.
Can I Make This Stew Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add in beans for protein. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. To reheat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove or microwave!
What Can I Serve with This Stew?
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or dinner rolls. You can also serve it over rice or even with a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the warmth and richness of this comforting dish! 🍽️
