A warm bowl of savory slow cooker chicken stew is the perfect meal for busy days. You’ll love the simple process of tossing ingredients into your slow cooker and letting it work its magic. With tender chicken, hearty veggies, and a rich broth, this dish nourishes both body and soul. Ready to discover how to create a comforting meal that fills your home with amazing aromas? Let’s dive into this easy recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Heartwarming Comfort: This stew is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings.
- Easy Preparation: With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, it's a hassle-free meal that cooks itself.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of chicken, vegetables, and seasonings creates a deliciously rich flavor that everyone loves.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a versatile recipe.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make your savory slow cooker chicken stew:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
I love this mix of ingredients. The chicken thighs give a rich taste. The carrots and potatoes add sweetness and heartiness. Garlic and onion make everything pop with flavor.
Using low-sodium chicken broth keeps it healthy. The Worcestershire sauce brings a nice depth to the stew. Dried thyme and paprika add warmth and earthiness.
Feel free to adjust the salt to make it just right for your taste. If you want a thicker stew, the cornstarch helps. Just mix it with water before adding it in. And don’t forget the parsley for that fresh touch!
This list makes it easy to gather everything for a cozy meal. Cooking is all about joy and the right ingredients!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 pounds of chopped, boneless chicken thighs. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, until it is no longer pink. This step helps to add rich flavor to your stew. If you're short on time, you can skip this step, but I recommend it for the best taste.
Assembling Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, combine the sautéed chicken with 4 sliced carrots, 3 diced potatoes, 1 chopped onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Pour in 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Next, add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Gently stir everything together to mix the flavors.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. You can choose to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become very tender and soak up all the flavors during this time.
Final Touches Before Serving
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve the stew, add 1 cup of frozen peas. If you want a thicker stew, use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with a little water to create a slurry. Stir this into your stew now. Adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to taste. Garnish your stew with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Without Searing
Can you skip the sautéing step? Yes, you can skip this step if you are in a hurry. Searing the chicken adds depth to the flavor, but it is not a must. The stew will still taste good without this step. Just add the raw chicken directly to the slow cooker with the veggies and broth.
Adjusting Flavor
Best practices for seasoning the stew Start with a good base of seasoning. Use salt and pepper to taste. The dried thyme and paprika add rich flavor, too. Taste your stew before serving. If you want more flavor, you can add a bit more Worcestershire sauce or herbs. Remember, each ingredient adds a unique taste. Adjust as needed to make it yours.
Thickening Options
Using cornstarch vs. alternatives Cornstarch works well for thickening your stew. Mix it with a little water first to make a slurry. Stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before serving. If you want an alternative, try using mashed potatoes or a blend of pureed beans. These options will also add texture and flavor.
Pro Tips
- Brown the Chicken: Searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor and adds depth to the stew.
- Choose the Right Vegetables: Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for additional flavor and texture.
- Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry and stir it in toward the end of cooking.
- Make it Ahead: This stew can be made a day ahead; the flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day!
Variations
Vegetable Options
You can add many seasonal vegetables to your stew. Try using zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. These veggies add flavor and color. You can also use frozen vegetables if fresh ones are not available. Each season brings new choices, so feel free to mix it up!
Protein Substitutes
If you want to change the meat, use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast gives a lighter taste. You can also use turkey, beef, or pork. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose.
Spice Variations
You can play with the spices to change the flavor. For a kick, add cayenne pepper or chili powder. If you prefer a milder taste, use herbs like oregano or basil. Adjusting spices makes your stew unique every time you cook it!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store your chicken stew, wait for it to cool. Then, pour it into an airtight container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This keeps the stew fresh and tasty. Place the container in the fridge. It should stay good for about 3 to 4 days. When you want to eat it again, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to keep your stew longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the stew cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can also use freezer bags. Just make sure to squeeze out the air. Your stew will freeze well for up to 3 months. To reheat, place it in the fridge overnight to thaw. Then, heat it on the stove until hot.
Shelf Life
Chicken stew can last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months. After that, it’s best to toss it. Always check for off smells or changes in color before eating. Enjoy your stew while it is still fresh for the best taste!
FAQs
Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this stew. Just add it directly to the slow cooker. You will need to increase the cooking time by one to two hours. Make sure the chicken reaches a safe temperature of 165°F. Using frozen chicken saves time, but it may release extra liquid. This can make the stew a bit thinner, so keep that in mind.
How do I make this recipe in a pressure cooker?
To convert this recipe for a pressure cooker, you will need less time. Cook the chicken stew on high pressure for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can still sauté the chicken first if you want that extra flavor. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes. Then, you can release any remaining pressure. Check that the chicken is tender before serving.
Is it possible to prepare this stew overnight?
Yes, you can prepare the stew overnight. Chop the veggies and chicken, then place them in the slow cooker. Add all the ingredients, but do not turn it on yet. Cover and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just plug in the slow cooker and set it to cook. If you want to cook it on low, start it about 6 to 8 hours before you plan to eat.
What are some side dishes to serve with chicken stew?
This chicken stew pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options:
- Crusty bread for dipping
- Steamed rice to soak up the broth
- A mixed green salad for freshness
- Mashed potatoes for extra comfort
- Roasted vegetables for a healthy touch
This blog post covered a simple chicken stew recipe. We explored key ingredients and cooking steps. You learned how to adjust flavors and thicken the stew if needed. I shared tips on storing leftovers and freezing your stew.
In the end, this stew is easy to make and very tasty. You can customize it with your favorite veggies and spices. Enjoy making this meal for you and your loved ones!
