BEST SLOW COOKER CHICKEN STEW

Imagine tender chunks of chicken, swimming in a rich, savory broth, loaded with perfectly cooked vegetables. This isn’t just any stew; it’s a hug in a bowl, effortlessly crafted in your slow cooker, promising a warm and satisfying meal that the whole family will adore – even on the busiest weeknights.

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew:

• Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Potatoes: 1.5 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• Carrots: 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced
• Celery: 3 stalks celery, chopped
• Onion: 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Chicken Broth: 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Bay Leaf: 1 bay leaf
• Salt & Pepper: To taste
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
• Optional: 1 cup frozen peas, added during the last 30 minutes of cooking

For Serving (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty bread
• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Veggies

1. First things first, chop your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. I find that 1-inch cubes work perfectly.
2. Next, peel and cube your potatoes. Yukon golds are my favorite because they hold their shape well in the slow cooker and have a naturally creamy texture.
3. Then, peel and slice your carrots and chop your celery.
4. Finally, chop your onion and mince your garlic.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken (Optional, but Recommended!)

While this step is optional, browning the chicken adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Don’t skip it if you have a few extra minutes!

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Sear the chicken in batches until browned on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear.

Step 3: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

1. Place the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Add the browned chicken (or raw chicken, if skipping the searing step) on top of the vegetables.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the broth mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
5. Add the bay leaf.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
2. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded with a fork, and the vegetables should be tender.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving

1. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
2. If you’re using frozen peas, stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or thyme.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired. And don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping!

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Chicken Stew

Choosing the Right Chicken:

I highly recommend using chicken thighs for this recipe. They’re more flavorful and stay more tender during the long cooking process than chicken breasts. However, if you prefer chicken breasts, you can use them, but be careful not to overcook them.

Vegetable Variations:

Feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking. Some other great additions include:

• Parsnips
• Turnips
• Green beans
• Corn

Thickening the Stew:

If you prefer a thicker stew, you have a few options:

• Cornstarch Slurry: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Mashed Potatoes: Remove about 1 cup of the cooked potatoes from the stew, mash them, and stir them back into the stew.
• Flour: Before adding the chicken broth to the slow cooker, toss the chicken and vegetables with 2 tablespoons of flour. This will help to thicken the stew as it cooks.

Making it Ahead:

This chicken stew is perfect for meal prepping! You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, just pop it into the slow cooker and let it cook. Just make sure you add the peas, if you are using them, in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Storage and Reheating:

Leftover chicken stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or heat it on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). Just let it thaw completely before reheating.

Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal

Bread is Your Best Friend:

A crusty loaf of bread or some warm dinner rolls are essential for soaking up all that delicious broth. Try a sourdough or a rustic Italian bread for the best flavor.

Fresh Herbs for a Pop of Flavor:

Garnish your stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, thyme, or chives for a burst of freshness.

A Dollop of Creamy Goodness:

A dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even a swirl of heavy cream adds a touch of richness and tanginess to the stew.

Cheese Please!:

A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a sharp cheddar cheese can add a savory and satisfying element to your stew.

Other Delicious Soup and Stew Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of hearty, comforting soups and stews, here are a few other recipes that I think you’ll enjoy. For a creamy and comforting option, try this Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup. Or, for a quick and flavorful meal, check out this Chicken Tortellini Soup. If you’re in the mood for something with a little kick, this Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is always a winner. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a classic Chicken Noodle Soup when you’re feeling under the weather. For another variation on the classic, check out this Chicken Stew recipe. And if you are looking for a super easy and hands-off recipe, you may like this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew recipe.

Why This Recipe Will Become a Staple

This slow cooker chicken stew is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day, a comforting meal that brings people together. It’s incredibly easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. The convenience of the slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, leaving you free to focus on other things. And the leftovers? They’re even better the next day!

So, gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy the best chicken stew you’ve ever tasted. I promise, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.