Slow Cooker Chicken Stew: How 1 Pot Saves Time
This hearty slow cooker chicken stew is perfect for a cozy night in, offering a delicious and fuss-free meal. With minimal prep and a single pot, it's an ideal solution for busy weeknights, delivering rich flavors and tender chicken with ease.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Two forks (for shredding chicken)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 1.5 cups carrots chopped
- 1.5 cups potatoes cubed
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Thickening Slurry (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- ΒΌ cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Add chicken thighs, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
- Stir all ingredients until well combined, ensuring chicken is mostly submerged.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and vegetables are soft.
- Optional: For a thicker stew, whisk cornstarch and water, then stir into the stew; cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until thickened.
Serving
- Shred the chicken within the slow cooker using two forks, then stir to combine with the vegetables and broth.
- Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider browning the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. You can also add other vegetables like peas or green beans during the last hour of cooking. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.