When it comes to comfort food that warms you from the inside out, nothing quite beats a hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. This dish is perfect for chilly evenings or when you want a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, and aromatic herbs simmered in a savory broth creates a symphony of flavors that will please the whole family. The best part? You can simply toss all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic, making it an ideal option for busy days or when you’re looking to meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
1. Place the chicken pieces, potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
2. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
3. Sprinkle the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cooking Process
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker.
6. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the stew has thickened.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serving & Storage
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, serve this delicious chicken stew with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. You can also ladle it over a bed of cooked rice for a more substantial dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of freshness to the stew.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the stew for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in a microwave until warmed through.
Variations
Get creative with your slow cooker chicken stew by incorporating different vegetables like celery, peas, or bell peppers to add extra color and nutrients. You can also experiment with various herbs and spices such as paprika, cumin, or oregano to customize the flavor to your liking. For a heartier version, consider adding beans like chickpeas or cannellini beans to the mix.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can absolutely swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. Thighs will add a bit more richness and tenderness to the stew due to their higher fat content.
How can I make this stew spicy?
To add a kick of heat to your chicken stew, consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during the cooking process. You can also serve the stew with a dollop of chili paste or freshly chopped jalapeños for those who enjoy a spicier flavor profile.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
While browning the chicken before slow cooking can add a depth of flavor to the stew, it is not a mandatory step. This recipe is designed to be hassle-free, allowing you to simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it simmer to perfection.
Can I add dumplings to this chicken stew?
Adding dumplings to the slow cooker chicken stew can turn it into a comforting one-pot meal. About 30 minutes before the stew is done cooking, drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough directly onto the simmering liquid, cover the slow cooker, and allow the dumplings to cook through. Ensure the lid remains on to let the dumplings steam and become fluffy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a versatile and satisfying dish that is perfect for any day of the week. With minimal prep work and a hands-off cooking method, you can enjoy a wholesome and flavorful meal with your loved ones. Feel free to tailor the ingredients to suit your preferences and make this stew your own signature dish. Give this recipe a try, and let the comforting aroma of simmering stew fill your home!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
Description
Tender chicken and hearty veggies simmer perfectly in Slow Cooker Chicken Stew—an effortless, cozy meal.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
3 cups chicken broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the chicken pieces, potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the stew has thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the chicken stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
You can add additional vegetables like celery, peas, or bell peppers to the stew if desired.
This stew can be served with crusty bread or over cooked rice for a heartier meal.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6