Comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

$- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs for their rich flavor and tenderness. - 4 medium carrots, sliced: Carrots add sweetness and color to the stew. - 3 stalks celery, chopped: Celery gives a nice crunch and depth to each bite. - 1 large onion, diced: Onions are key for a strong base flavor. - 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds warmth and aroma. - 4 medium potatoes, diced: Potatoes make the stew hearty and filling. - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices: Tomatoes bring acidity and balance to the dish. - 4 cups chicken broth: Broth is the heart of the stew, making it rich. - 2 teaspoons dried thyme: Thyme gives a lovely herbal note. - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Rosemary adds a woodsy flavor that’s perfect for stews. - 1 bay leaf: A bay leaf enhances the savory profile. - Salt and pepper to taste: Always adjust seasoning to your liking. - 2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil helps sauté the veggies and adds richness. - 1 cup frozen peas: Peas add a pop of color and sweetness at the end. - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Parsley brightens the stew and adds freshness. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a warm, comforting dish. The blend of chicken, vegetables, and seasonings creates an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. When you slow cook it, the flavors meld beautifully, making every bite a delight. {{ingredient_image_1}} Sautéing the vegetables is key for great flavor. When you heat them first, it brings out their natural sweetness. This step adds depth to your stew. Here’s how to do it perfectly: - Use a large skillet. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. - Add diced onions and minced garlic. Stir for about 2 minutes. - Next, toss in sliced carrots and chopped celery. - Cook for 3 more minutes, until onions are soft and clear. This quick process boosts the taste of your stew. You’ll notice a big difference! Seasoning the chicken well makes it extra tasty. I like to use salt and pepper for a simple touch. Here’s how to layer it in the slow cooker: 1. After sautéing, place the cooked veggies in the bottom of the slow cooker. 2. Next, add 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs on top. 3. Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly spread out. This order helps the chicken absorb all those lovely flavors from the veggies. Choosing the right cooking time is important. You can cook on low or high. Here are the main differences: - Low setting: Cook for 6-7 hours. This makes the chicken very tender and juicy. - High setting: Cook for 3-4 hours. This works too but may not be as soft. No matter the setting, the stew needs time for flavors to mix well. Enjoy the rich taste that comes from slow cooking! To make your stew really stand out, try these tips: - Sauté your veggies: This step boosts the taste. Cook onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil first. Aim for five minutes until onions look soft. - Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary add depth. If using dried, stick to the recipe amounts. Common mistakes include: - Skipping the sauté: Avoid this. It makes a big difference in flavor. - Overcooking chicken: Too long can dry out the meat. Aim for tender, juicy pieces. Using frozen veggies can save time. Here are the pros and cons: - Pros: Frozen vegetables are often picked and frozen at peak freshness. They can save prep time. - Cons: They may lose some texture. Some may not have the same taste as fresh. For fresh ingredients, consider these swaps: - Use fresh peas instead of frozen for a sweeter taste. - Substitute fresh potatoes for diced canned ones for a heartier stew. If you want a thicker stew, here are some simple techniques: - Cornstarch method: Mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water. Stir this into the stew about 30 minutes before serving. - Flour method: Mix flour with a bit of water to form a paste. Add this to the stew and stir well. To adjust liquids for thickness, check the stew's consistency. If too thin, let it cook a bit longer with the lid off. If too thick, add a splash of broth or water gradually. Pro Tips Choose the Right Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures tender meat that won’t dry out during cooking. Layer for Flavor: By sautéing the vegetables first, you develop a deeper flavor base for your stew. Adjust Consistency: If the stew is too thick, add more chicken broth at the end to reach your desired consistency. Let It Rest: Allow the stew to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this helps the flavors to meld further. {{image_2}} You can make this stew healthier with some simple swaps. Try using leaner meats like chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast has less fat while still being juicy. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth to cut back on salt. This option helps control your sodium intake. Adding more vegetables boosts nutrition too. Instead of just potatoes, try adding sweet potatoes or butternut squash. Both add sweetness and healthy vitamins. You might also consider adding spinach or kale for extra greens. These choices not only improve health but also add color and taste. Want to explore new flavors? Try adding different spices to your stew. For a Mediterranean twist, use oregano or basil. If you prefer a kick, add some cumin or chili powder. Each spice brings a unique taste that can change the whole dish. You can also include non-traditional ingredients. Adding beans can make the stew heartier. Black beans or kidney beans add protein and fiber. Corn is another great option; it brings sweetness and crunch. These twists make your chicken stew exciting and fun, so feel free to mix it up! To keep your leftover chicken stew fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep out air and moisture. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. For freezing, use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to leave some space at the top. The stew will expand as it freezes. Label each container with the date. This will help you track how long it’s been in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy your stew again, you have two great options. You can use the microwave or the stove. For the microwave, place your stew in a bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat it in one-minute intervals. Stir between each minute to ensure even heating. If you prefer the stove, pour the stew into a pot. Heat it over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. This method helps keep the stew's flavor and texture. To maintain the taste, add a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems thick. This will bring back its fresh flavor and creamy texture. Enjoy your delicious chicken stew just like the first time! Yes, you can use chicken breast. Chicken breast cooks faster than thighs. This can lead to dry meat if not careful. Chicken thighs have more fat, which adds flavor and moisture. If you choose breast, cut it into larger pieces to help keep it juicy. Adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking. To make this stew vegetarian, swap the chicken for plant-based protein. You can use chickpeas, lentils, or tofu. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. Keep all the veggies like carrots, celery, and potatoes. Add more spices for extra flavor. This way, you'll have a hearty, meat-free stew. You can serve many sides with this stew. Fresh bread or rolls are great for dipping. A simple green salad adds freshness. For a heartier meal, pair it with rice or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for extra nutrition. Slow cooker chicken stew is an easy, tasty meal. You start with chicken thighs, veggies, and broth. Sautéing adds rich flavor, while the right spices make every bite delicious. Cooking on low gives the best texture. You can use fresh or frozen ingredients, but know their pros and cons. Thicken your stew if you prefer a hearty texture. Don't forget to explore healthy swaps or fun twists on this recipe. Proper storage keeps leftovers tasty for later. Enjoy your cooking, and share this stew with family and friends!$

Comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

A hearty and flavorful chicken stew made in a slow cooker, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 medium carrots, sliced
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
4 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup frozen peas
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent.
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In the slow cooker, layer the sautéed vegetables on the bottom. Then, add the seasoned chicken on top.
Layer the diced potatoes, canned tomatoes (with juices), thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and finally pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine without disturbing the chicken too much.
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld together.
About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas to the cooker. Stir and cover again to let them heat through.
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or adjust seasoning to your taste.

Keyword chicken, comfort food, slow cooker, stew