Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Flour; 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper; Kosher or sea salt Kosher or sea salt (to taste); 1 teaspoon Dried sage; 1/4 cup Oil (recommend canola or unrefined coconut oil); 2 1/2 pounds Skinless, bone-in chicken; 3 Carrots (sliced); 1 Potato (cubed); 2 Celery stalks (sliced); 1 Yellow onion (thinly sliced into rings); 2 Garlic cloves (minced); 2 cups Chicken broth (low sodium fat free); 1 cup Peas (frozen)

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There’s something about a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew that instantly transports me back to cozy family dinners. I remember the chilly evenings when my mother would let the stew simmer all day long, filling our home with an irresistible aroma. The inviting scent of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory broth would waft through the air, promising a comforting meal ahead. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, each spoonful warming not just our bodies but our hearts as well. Whenever I make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew, it feels like I’m wrapping my loved ones in a big, comforting hug. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this stew is perfect for any occasion. The best part? You can prep it in the morning, set it, and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic throughout the day.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
40 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Standard

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Slow Cooker, Chef’s Knife, Skillet

Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Works

Convenience of a Slow Cooker

One of the reasons I love making Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the hands-off cooking method. You can just toss all the ingredients in and let the slow cooker do the work. There’s no need for constant attention, making it ideal for busy days when you still want a hearty and nutritious meal.

Flavorful Ingredients

This stew is packed with flavor from the get-go. The combination of chicken, carrots, potatoes, and celery creates a harmony of taste and texture that is simply delightful. Each ingredient complements the others, making every bite a culinary experience.

Nutrition-packed Delight

Not only is Slow Cooker Chicken Stew delicious, but it’s also loaded with nutrients. The vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, while the chicken delivers protein, making this dish a nourishing option for any meal. It’s a great way to ensure you and your family are getting wholesome ingredients in every bowl.

Customizable to Your Liking

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or even add some herbs and spices for a twist. Want to make it spicier? Toss in some red pepper flakes. Prefer it more savory? Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary. The options are endless!

Perfect for Leftovers

There’s something so satisfying about making a big batch of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew and enjoying it the next day. The flavors deepen overnight, making the leftovers even more delicious. It’s a meal that keeps on giving, ensuring you have a delightful lunch or dinner ready to go.

Ingredients Required for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

When it comes to the ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew, each plays a vital role in creating a rich and hearty dish. The philosophy behind these ingredients is simple: they work together to build layers of flavor while providing nourishment. The key players here are the chicken and vegetables, which combine to make the stew comforting and satisfying.

1 cup flour – A light dusting of flour gives the chicken a lovely, golden crust and helps thicken the broth.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle warmth to the stew.
Kosher or sea salt – Essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients. Salt to taste.
1 teaspoon dried sage – This herb adds a beautiful, earthy aroma and taste.
1/4 cup oil – Used for browning the chicken, enhancing its flavor.
2 1/2 pounds skinless, bone-in chicken – The star of the stew, providing both protein and a rich flavor.
3 carrots – Sliced for sweetness and texture, they balance the savory elements.
1 potato – Cubed for heartiness, adding a comforting element to the stew.
2 celery stalks – Sliced for crunch and flavor depth.
1 yellow onion – Thinly sliced into rings, it adds sweetness and aroma.
2 garlic cloves – Minced for that essential flavor kick.
2 cups chicken broth – Low sodium and fat-free, it serves as the base for the stew.
1 cup peas – Frozen peas added at the end provide a pop of color and sweetness.

The Process for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Cooking Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a straightforward and rewarding process. You’ll find it easy to create this delightful dish in just a few steps. Let’s dive into the detailed instructions that will guide you through making this comforting meal.

Start by preparing the chicken. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt, black pepper, and dried sage on the chicken. Then, dredge it in flour, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This coating will help develop a beautiful crust and thicken the stew as it cooks.
Next, heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the coated chicken. Sear the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
In the same skillet, add the yellow onion. Sauté it for about 4 minutes until it becomes tender and translucent. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist! After that, add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute. This will bring out the rich flavor of the garlic.
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. In your slow cooker, add the sautéed onion and garlic along with the sliced carrots, cubed potato, and sliced celery stalks. Arrange the browned chicken on top of the vegetables.
Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring they’re well-covered. Sprinkle any additional salt and pepper to taste. This broth will absorb the flavors from the chicken and vegetables.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for 6 to 8 hours. During this time, the chicken will become incredibly tender, almost falling off the bone, while the vegetables will soften and impart their flavors into the broth.
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. This will add a lovely burst of color to your stew and a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy the comforting, hearty flavors with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal!

Things Worth Knowing

Low and Slow Cooking: Cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours allows the flavors to develop fully and ensures the chicken becomes tender.
Layering Ingredients: Place the chicken on top of the vegetables to let the juices drip down, flavoring everything as it cooks.
Tasting Before Serving: Always taste the stew before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. This can enhance the final dish significantly.
Using Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh vegetables for a more vibrant flavor and better texture in your stew.

Ways to Customize

Customizing Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is part of the fun! You can personalize this dish to suit your taste or make use of what you have. Here are some great ideas to get you started:

Add Different Vegetables: Substitute or add your favorite vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Spice It Up: If you like some heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mix.
Herbs Variety: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a bay leaf for a fragrant experience.
Thicker Stew: For a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes in the stew before serving.
Serve Over Rice: Transform your stew into a complete meal by serving it over cooked rice or egg noodles.
Make It a Casserole: Use the stew as a filling for a casserole, layering it with pasta and cheese.
Garnish: Top your stew with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese for a gourmet touch.

What Goes Well With This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Stew can be as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas on what pairs perfectly with this hearty dish:

Crusty Bread: A slice of freshly baked crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the stew.
Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the stew nicely.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for an added grain element.
Seasonal Vegetables: Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables can add a nice side touch.
Occasions: This stew is perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or even meal prep for busy weeks ahead.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing: You can freeze any leftover stew for up to three months. Just reheat before serving.

FAQ

Absolutely! In fact, Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even further. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. If you plan to freeze it, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. This stew can be frozen for up to three months.

The beauty of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is its adaptability! You can include various vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Consider adding zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces as the other vegetables to ensure even cooking. Feel free to get creative!

If you find your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew isn’t as thick as you’d like, there are several ways to fix this. One option is to mash some of the potatoes in the stew before serving; they will naturally help thicken the broth. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and add it to the stew about 30 minutes before it’s done cooking.

While it’s best to use fresh chicken for the most flavor, you can use frozen chicken for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. Just be sure to add an extra hour to the cooking time. However, if you’re starting with frozen chicken, do not sear it first. Instead, add it directly to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. It’s not only easy to make, but it also allows for creativity and personalization. Don’t hesitate to try it out; I promise you won’t be disappointed. Gather your ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work, and soon you’ll be enjoying a cozy bowl of stew that warms both your body and soul.