Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. This hearty dish not only fills your home with delicious aromas but also provides a nutritious meal with minimal effort. It’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and savory broth makes this stew a standout favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss all ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Flavorful Comfort: The blend of herbs and spices creates a rich taste that warms the soul.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this dish is both nutritious and filling.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this stew adapts easily to various dietary needs.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Enjoy leftovers the next day or freeze portions for a quick meal later.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Tools and Preparation

For this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the heart of the recipe, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time with minimal supervision.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe space for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Knife: A good quality knife ensures efficient cutting of chicken and veggies for even cooking.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut your chicken into chunks and chop your vegetables as indicated.

Step 2: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Place chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker. Add thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through.

Step 4: Thicken Your Stew (Optional)

If you desire a thicker stew, whisk flour with ¼ cup of water. Stir this mixture into your stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Add Peas at the End

In the final 15 minutes of cooking time, add frozen peas to enhance color and flavor.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaf. Serve your delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Stew hot!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Serving your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe can elevate the meal experience, making it enjoyable for family and friends. Here are some delicious ways to serve this hearty stew.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping, allowing everyone to soak up the rich flavors.

Over Rice

• Spoon the stew over a bed of fluffy rice to absorb the savory broth, adding a filling component to your meal.

With a Side Salad

• Pair with a fresh garden salad to add crunch and balance the warm, hearty flavors of the stew.

In a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve the stew in a hollowed-out bread bowl, combining comfort food with an edible dish!

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for added color and an aromatic finish that enhances flavor.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

To make your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe even better, consider these simple tips.

• Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables and good-quality chicken make a significant difference in taste.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for maximum flavor.
• Layer ingredients wisely: Place denser vegetables like potatoes on the bottom for even cooking.
• Experiment with herbs: Try adding different herbs like oregano or basil to customize the flavor profile.
• Let it rest: Allowing the stew to sit for 10 minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Adding side dishes can enhance your meal when serving Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes perfect for soaking up delicious gravy from the stew.

2. Steamed Green Beans
   Lightly steamed green beans add freshness and color alongside the hearty stew.

3. Cornbread
   Sweet, moist cornbread offers a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the chicken stew.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide a crunchy texture that complements the soft stew.

5. Buttered Noodles
   Simple buttered noodles make for an easy side dish that pairs well with any stews.

6. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the chicken stew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Filling your slow cooker too much can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to leave some space for air circulation.
• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the chicken before adding it can result in less flavor. Browning adds depth to your stew, so take a few extra minutes to sear the meat.
• Ignoring the cooking time: Cooking for too long or too short can ruin the texture. Follow the recommended times closely for tender chicken and veggies.
• Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning your stew can lead to bland flavors. Taste test and adjust seasonings throughout cooking.
• Adding frozen vegetables too early: If you add peas at the beginning, they’ll lose their texture and color. Save them for the last 15 minutes of cooking.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the stew to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour stew into a baking dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place stew in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe that may help you out.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used in this recipe. They offer a leaner option but may turn out drier if overcooked.

How do I thicken my Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe?

You can whisk flour with water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a thicker consistency.

What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to customize by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, or corn according to your taste preferences.

Can I make this stew spicy?

Absolutely! Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give your stew an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort. Give it a try and enjoy every delightful bite!