Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a perfect choice for a busy day. It allows you to prepare a delicious and hearty meal with minimal effort. You can throw everything in the slow cooker, let it cook while you go about your day, and come home to a warm, comforting meal. This stew is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a family favorite.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Ingredients:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
3 carrots, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
1 onion, diced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown.
Step 2: Place the seared chicken, diced vegetables, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves into the slow cooker.
Step 3: Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients and stir to distribute the flavors.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth. If using flour, whisk it with a little broth or water before adding, or sprinkle over and stir to thicken.
Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken and vegetables are tender.
Step 6: Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning, and serve garnished with fresh parsley.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Serve the stew hot in bowls. It goes great with crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal. If you like, you can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for added color and flavor.

How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

To store leftovers, let the stew cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for longer storage. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Searing the Chicken: Searing the chicken adds great flavor to the stew, so don’t skip this step!
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans based on your preference.
Thickening: If you like a thicker stew, you can add more flour or let it cook uncovered for the last hour to reduce liquid.

Variation

For a different flavor profile, you can try adding spices like paprika or cumin. You can also replace chicken with turkey or a mix of meats for a unique twist on the traditional stew.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the slow cooker. It will take a bit longer to cook, about 8 to 10 hours on low.

Q2: Is it necessary to sear the chicken?
A2: While not necessary, searing the chicken adds depth to the flavor. You can skip it if you’re short on time.

Q3: Can I make this stew gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Simply omit the flour or use a gluten-free thickening agent like cornstarch. Check your broth and tomato paste for gluten-free ingredients as well.