Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a comforting meal that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. It is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day, allowing the ingredients to blend beautifully. This recipe is also great for feeding a family, and the leftovers taste even better the next day.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Making Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is simple! Follow these easy steps:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Directions:
- In the slow cooker, combine chicken, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes.
- Add thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is cooked and veggies are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf, shred the chicken if desired, and stir in frozen peas before serving.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew warm in bowls. It goes well with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for extra flavor and garnish.
How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- Cut the vegetables into similar sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
- For a richer flavor, you can brown the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or corn for added nutrition and color.
- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. You can add more thyme or even some chili flakes if you like a little heat.
Variation
If you want a creamier stew, you can add a cup of cream or half-and-half during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also try substituting chicken with turkey for a different flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs or breasts. Just keep in mind that it may take a little longer to cook.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like celery, mushrooms, or green beans to make it your own.
What can I do if the stew is too thick?
If the stew is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts You can use either chicken thighs or breasts based on preference.
- 4 pieces carrots, sliced Cut into even slices for uniform cooking.
- 3 pieces potatoes, diced Diced for even cooking.
- 1 piece onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme Adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 piece bay leaf Remove before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- In the slow cooker, combine chicken, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes.
- Add thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Stir to combine.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is cooked and veggies are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf, shred the chicken if desired, and stir in frozen peas before serving.