Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew: A Comforting Delight for Any Day
There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a hearty chicken stew, especially on a chilly evening. This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew combines tender chicken with a medley of vegetables, all simmered to perfection in a creamy broth. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend, this recipe offers both convenience and deliciousness. After countless attempts and adjustments, this is my go-to version—one that delivers comfort in every single bite.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Why should you try making this chicken stew at home? For starters, it’s incredibly low-maintenance. Just toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it do the work! Perfect for busy families, this dish is not only budget-friendly but is also universally loved among kids and adults alike. The mix of flavors warms the heart, making it the ideal choice for those cozy nights in or family gatherings.
“Absolutely delicious! The chicken was so tender—I didn’t even need a knife! This is a new favorite in our household.”
Step-by-Step Overview
Making this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a breeze. You’ll start with the basics: chicken and broth, and then fill it up with colorful veggies. The slow cooker takes care of the rest, allowing the flavors to meld wonderfully over several hours. Here’s a quick rundown of how the cooking process unfolds:
- Gather and prepare your ingredients.
- Mix everything in the slow cooker.
- Season and set your cooker to the desired heat.
- Add the finishing touches just before serving.
- Shred the chicken, stir, and enjoy!
What You’ll Need
To whip up this delicious stew, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
If you’re looking for substitutions, feel free to swap chicken for turkey or add your favorite root vegetables for an extra veggie kick!
Directions to Follow
Let’s get cooking! Here’s a simple guide to preparing your stew:
- Start by placing the chicken, broth, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic into your slow cooker.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
- About 30 minutes before serving, toss in the frozen peas and heavy cream. Give it a gentle stir.
- Once the chicken is tender, shred it right in the stew using two forks. Stir everything well, and serve hot.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This chicken stew is incredibly versatile! You can serve it alongside crusty bread for dipping, or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top adds a lovely finish. For a complete spread, consider pairing it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to round out your meal.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Wondering how to store your chicken stew? Allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to store it for longer, portion it out in freezer-safe containers, and it can last up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- For a flavor boost, consider searing the chicken before it goes into the slow cooker.
- Want a thicker stew? Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it in about 30 minutes before serving.
- If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to use them; they can elevate the flavor even more!
Creative Twists
This chicken stew is a blank canvas! You can easily make it your own. Consider adding in different vegetables like parsnips or bell peppers for variety. Swap out the cream for a splash of white wine for added depth, or toss in some spices like paprika or cumin for a Mediterranean twist.
Your Questions Answered
-
How much prep time is needed?
It takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare all the ingredients before you set it to cook. -
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked. -
How do I make this stew gluten-free?
This recipe is inherently gluten-free, as all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the chicken broth for any hidden gluten content!
With its comforting flavors and hands-off cooking approach, this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a recipe worth having in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the simplicity and savor the delicious results!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts You can also use turkey as a substitute.
- 4 cups chicken broth Ensure it's gluten-free if required.
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas Add 30 minutes before serving.
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk Use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken, broth, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic into your slow cooker.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
Cooking
- Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas and heavy cream. Give it a gentle stir.
- Once the chicken is tender, shred it right in the stew using two forks. Stir everything well, and serve hot.
