This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is warm and cozy, perfect for chilly days! Tender chicken simmers with hearty veggies like carrots and potatoes in a tasty broth.
Throw everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it! I love coming home to a house that smells amazing. You’ll want to ladle this stew into bowls for a comforting meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this stew because they stay juicy and tender during cooking. If you prefer chicken breasts, they work too! You could switch for tofu or chickpeas if you want a vegetarian option.
Vegetables: Carrots and potatoes are classic choices here. You could try sweet potatoes or parsnips instead. Don’t have celery? Leeks can be a great substitution for added flavor!
Herbs: Thyme and rosemary give great flavor. If you don’t have these, Italian seasoning can be a good substitute. I even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat!
Broth: Chicken broth gives a rich taste, but vegetable broth is a good alternative for vegetarians. Homemade broth is always a bonus if you have it on hand!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure the Chicken Stays Tender?
To keep your chicken juicy, there are a couple of tips to follow. First, consider browning the chunks in a skillet; this adds depth to the flavor—even if it’s optional! Then, place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. Finally, don’t overcook it; just follow the recommended cooking times.
- Set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Add the frozen peas in the last 30 minutes to keep them vibrant and firm.
By sticking to these tips, you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken every time! Enjoy your stew-making!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- Vegetables:
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped celery
- Broth: 2 cups chicken broth
- Peas: 1 cup frozen peas
- Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Thickening (optional): 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Fat for Cooking: 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes for preparation. After that, you can let the slow cooker do its magic for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s a perfect meal to prepare in the morning and come home to a warm, delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken (Optional):
In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks and lightly brown them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Browning adds an extra layer of flavor but is not necessary. If you’re short on time, feel free to skip this step!
2. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the browned chicken into your slow cooker. Next, add the chopped carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, celery, thyme, rosemary, **bay leaf**, salt, and pepper. This is where all the wonderful flavors begin to mix together!
3. Pour in the Broth:
Carefully pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to combine, but try to keep the chicken at the bottom for even cooking.
4. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken and vegetables are tender. You will smell the delicious aroma wafting through your home!
5. Add the Peas:
About 30 minutes before you are ready to serve, stir in the frozen peas. They’ll add a lovely pop of color and sweetness to the stew!
6. Thicken the Stew (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the stew, cover, and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes.
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Your delicious stew is now ready!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish up the stew hot and enjoy it with crusty bread or over rice for a cozy meal. Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on a chilly evening!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to add an additional hour to the cooking time, since it will take longer to cook through. If possible, thawing it in the refrigerator overnight is the best option for even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you’re out of chicken broth or prefer a different flavor, vegetable broth is a great alternative. You can also use water, but consider adding additional seasonings or bouillon cubes to boost the flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like green beans, corn, or bell peppers. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly for different vegetables, especially if they take longer to soften.
