This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is comforting and full of flavor! With tender chicken, hearty veggies, and tasty herbs, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
I love how I can just toss everything in the slow cooker and forget about it. After a long day, coming home to this cozy stew is the best. And yes, there’s always room for seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tenderness and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, chicken breasts work too. If you’re vegetarian, try substituting with chickpeas or lentils for a hearty touch!
Vegetables: Carrots and potatoes add heartiness to the stew. Sweet potatoes can be a great substitute for regular potatoes. Also, feel free to add any veggies you have on hand, like green beans or bell peppers.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary are classic choices for flavoring the stew. If you don’t have these, Italian seasoning can work well too. Fresh herbs are a nice touch if available, but use them sparingly.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is best to keep the stew from being too salty. If you have vegetable broth, that works just fine for a vegetarian option!
How Do I Make My Stew Thicker?
One common challenge is getting the right consistency for your stew. To thicken your stew, you can use a slurry mix, which is super simple! Here’s how:
- About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, combine the flour with water in a small bowl.
- Stir until smooth, making sure there are no lumps.
- Slowly pour this mixture into the stew and stir well.
- This method will give your stew a nice thickness, making it heartier!
Also, if you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot to help with that creamy texture. Cooking is all about finding what works for you, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew for Cozy Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
Broth and Seasonings:
- 4 cups (950 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Thickening and Garnish:
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious slow cooker chicken stew takes about 15 minutes to prep. Once that’s done, you’ll let it cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’s perfect for busy days or when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until they’re softened and smell fantastic!
2. Prep the Slow Cooker:
In your slow cooker, throw in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and celery. Then, add the sautéed onions and garlic right on top for extra flavor.
3. Add the Chicken:
Next, add the chicken chunks into the slow cooker. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and toss in the bay leaf. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
4. Pour in the Broth:
Now, pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients. This will help everything cook together beautifully!
5. Cook Your Stew:
Cover the slow cooker and cook your stew on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be cooked through and the veggies tender.
6. Thicken the Stew:
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the flour and water together in a small bowl to create a thickening slurry. Stir this into the stew to achieve a thicker, heartier broth.
7. Add Peas and Finish Cooking:
If you’re using frozen peas, stir them in now and let everything cook for another 30 minutes. This adds a lovely pop of color and sweetness!
8. Final Touches:
Once the stew is done, remove the bay leaf. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if you like.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hearty chicken stew hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. It goes wonderfully with some crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your cozy, satisfying meal!
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 extra hour to the cooking time on low (or about 30 minutes on high) to ensure it cooks through completely. There’s no need to thaw it beforehand!
How Can I Make This Stew Vegetarian?
Simply replace the chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For added texture and nutrients, consider adding more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the vegetables and chicken the night before, place them in the slow cooker, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll have a cozy meal waiting for you by dinner!
