Introduction
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting dish packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory blend of herbs. Perfect for cozy family dinners, it’s a warm and filling meal that’s easy to prepare and slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and let them heat through.
- Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and stir it back into the stew. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Variation
- Add Sweet Potatoes: Swap out regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a natural sweetness that complements the savory broth. Sweet potatoes also add a boost of beta-carotene, making the dish more nutrient-dense.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a rich and creamy texture. This variation transforms the stew into a comforting, velvety dish.
- Add More Greens: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach or kale just before serving. These greens will wilt quickly, adding both color and a nutritional punch to the stew.
Cooking Notes
- This stew pairs perfectly with crusty bread or over a bowl of white rice for a complete meal.
- For added flavor, consider substituting sweet potatoes for regular potatoes or adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair the stew with a loaf of warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls. The bread is perfect for soaking up the savory broth, making every bite extra satisfying.
- Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Serve the stew over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty and filling meal. The starch soaks up the delicious broth beautifully.
- Garnish Generously: Top each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added freshness and a touch of creaminess. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors.
Tips
- Layering Ingredients Matters: Always place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker and layer the vegetables on top. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from drying out.
- Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish: While dried herbs are perfect for cooking, fresh parsley or thyme as a garnish adds a vibrant, fresh flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
- Freeze Leftovers: This stew freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into airtight containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 33 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts are leaner and may dry out more easily during slow cooking. To prevent this, consider checking the stew for doneness a bit earlier than the stated cooking time. - Can I make this stew vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain a flavorful base. - How can I store leftovers?
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute the heat evenly. - Can I add other seasonings or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the stew with your favorite spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or chili flakes for added depth and heat. A splash of lemon juice before serving also enhances the flavor.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any day of the week. With minimal prep time and the magic of slow cooking, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you enjoy it with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and discover why slow-cooked meals are always worth the wait!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting dish packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory blend of herbs. Perfect for cozy family dinners, it’s a warm and filling meal that’s easy to prepare and slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and let them heat through.
- Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and stir it back into the stew. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- This stew pairs perfectly with crusty bread or over a bowl of white rice for a complete meal.
- For added flavor, consider substituting sweet potatoes for regular potatoes or adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg