Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With tender chicken and a variety of vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth, this stew is not just hearty but also incredibly easy to prepare. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen. It’s an ideal dish for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of herbs and vegetables creates a rich and comforting taste.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as-is or with crusty bread or biscuits for a complete meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean chicken and vegetables, it’s nutritious without compromising on taste.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This stew tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing this delicious stew a breeze. Here are some essential items you’ll need.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: This appliance allows you to cook your stew slowly, enhancing flavors and tenderness without constant monitoring.
• Large skillet: Ideal for searing chicken and sautéing vegetables to build depth in flavor before they go into the slow cooker.

Ingredients

This hearty slow cooker chicken stew is packed with lots of flavor, and the chicken is so tender and falls apart perfectly. It’s a complete meal as is, but feel free to serve with bread or biscuits.

• 3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs (extra fat trimmed)
• _x0008_Salt and pepper
• Olive oil (for searing)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or ¾ teaspoon dried)
• ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced (or ¼ teaspoon dried)
• 3 medium red potatoes, quartered (or baby red potatoes)
• 3 bay leaves (dried or fresh)
• 5 cups chicken broth, divided (plus more as needed)
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ¼ cup finely chopped Italian parsley

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Step 1: Season and Sear Chicken

Season chicken with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown. Then, transfer to a large slow cooker.
* Tip: Let chicken sear on each side undisturbed to get that golden brown color.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

To the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean), add more olive oil. Sauté the onions and carrots for about 5 minutes.
* As the onions release moisture, scrape the brown bits from the pan using a wooden spoon to deglaze.
* Tip: If any spots are burning, add a splash of broth to deglaze.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Next, add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Sauté until fragrant for another 1-2 minutes.
* Then, add the tomato paste and stir to coat the veggies.
* Add about ½ to ¾ cup of chicken broth to deglaze the brown bits. Transfer everything into the slow cooker along with the chicken.

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

To the slow cooker, add potatoes and bay leaves. Season with another ½ teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
* Pour in about 4 cups of chicken broth. Cover and set it for cooking on HIGH for about four hours.

Step 5: Thicken Stew

3.5 hours into cooking time, dilute flour with about ⅓ cup chicken broth (at room temperature; don’t use hot broth) to make a slurry.
* Add this slurry along with frozen peas to the slow cooker.
* Stir everything well to combine before covering again for remaining cooking time.

Step 6: Shred Chicken

Remove cooked chicken from slow cooker and roughly shred it with a fork; discard bones.
* Return shredded chicken back into the pot and stir in fresh chopped parsley.
* Season with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Serve warm alongside bread or biscuits for dipping. Enjoy your hearty meal!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Serving slow cooker chicken stew is all about enhancing its rich flavors and making the meal more enjoyable. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Rustic Baguette: A warm baguette is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
• Sourdough: The tangy flavor complements the stew beautifully.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: Crisp greens with tomatoes and cucumbers add freshness to each bite.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons contrast nicely with the stew.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness.
• Chives: A garnish of chives offers a mild onion flavor that enhances the dish.

Serve with Biscuits

• Buttermilk Biscuits: Flaky biscuits are great for dipping into the stew.
• Cheddar Biscuits: The cheesy flavor pairs wonderfully with the hearty stew.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Perfecting your slow cooker chicken stew takes practice but can be achieved easily with these tips.

• Bold Seasoning: Always season your chicken generously before cooking for maximum flavor.
• Sear First: Searing the meat develops a richer taste and adds depth to your stew.
• Use Quality Broth: Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth for the best results.
• Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh herbs instead of dried can significantly enhance flavor profiles.
• Don’t Skip the Slurry: Adding the flour slurry thickens the stew, giving it a comforting texture.
• Taste Before Serving: Adjust salt and pepper levels just before serving to ensure optimal flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Slow cooker chicken stew is hearty enough on its own, but pairing it with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic make an excellent companion.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add a sweet contrast.
3. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf provides a subtle base that soaks up the flavorful broth.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful texture and sweetness that balances the savory stew.
5. Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans offer crunch and color to your plate.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette brings brightness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making slow cooker chicken stew, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the Searing: Not searing the chicken can lead to less flavor. Always sear the chicken on both sides for that golden brown color before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Overfilling the Slow Cooker: Filling the slow cooker too high can prevent proper cooking. Aim to fill only about two-thirds full for optimal results.
• Neglecting Fresh Herbs: Using dried herbs instead of fresh can dull the flavors. Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs right before serving for a burst of freshness.
• Not Adjusting Seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning at the end can result in bland stew. Always taste before serving and add salt or pepper as needed.
• Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking on low instead of high (or vice versa) can affect tenderness. Follow the recommended times closely for perfectly cooked chicken.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure the stew has cooled down before placing it in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• 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

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover the stew in an oven-safe dish, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew so flavorful?

The combination of seared chicken, fresh herbs, and sautéed vegetables adds depth and richness to this dish.

Can I use different vegetables in my Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables like green beans or bell peppers.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?

Cooking on high takes about 4 hours, while low setting requires around 6-8 hours for tender chicken.

Can I make this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all ingredients ahead of time and store them separately until you’re ready to cook!

Conclusion

This slow cooker chicken stew is not only hearty but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or herbs based on your preferences. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!