Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew for Cozy Nights 🍲🐔✨

1. Introduction

When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats a warm, comforting slow cooker chicken stew that fills your home with amazing aromas and offers a hearty meal for the entire family. This recipe combines tender chicken, vegetables, and flavorful herbs cooked slowly to perfection, making it a perfect hearty chicken dinner for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends. Ready in just a few minutes of prep, this slow cooker chicken stew is easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

2. Ingredients Needed for this Delicious Chicken Stew

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, chopped
• 3 large carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by chopping the chicken, vegetables, and garlic. This step ensures everything is ready for a smooth cooking process.

Searing the Chicken

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the chicken pieces until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to the chicken, but you can skip it if you’re in a hurry.

Adding Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker. Add carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes over everything.

Cooking the Chicken Stew

Set your Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes tender and the flavors meld beautifully.

Finishing the Dish

Once cooked, taste the stew and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf, and serve hot with crusty bread or rice for a complete hearty chicken recipe.

4. Top Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra richness.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley for a burst of freshness before serving.
• Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

5. Serving Suggestions to Make Your Meal Even Better

This slow cooker chicken stew pairs perfectly with:

• Crusty French bread or dinner rolls
• Steamed rice or buttery mashed potatoes
• A fresh green side salad

For more quick chicken dinner ideas, check out this flavorful ramen stir-fry or delicious chicken stromboli.

6. Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture.

7. FAQs About Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Can I use frozen chicken for this stew?

Yes, just reduce the cooking time slightly and ensure the chicken is cooked through before serving.

What are suitable substitutes for fresh herbs?

Dried herbs like thyme and rosemary work well; just use about one-third of the fresh amount.

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

Preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, and the slow cooking process is 4-8 hours, depending on your setting.

8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

Make your cooking experience seamless with these essential tools:

• Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – perfect for hands-free cooking and tender results.
• Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – helps chop vegetables quickly and evenly.
• KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer – ideal if you’d like to prepare homemade bread or mashed potatoes to serve alongside.

9. Conclusion

This slow cooker chicken stew is a comforting and hearty dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re craving a cozy hearty chicken recipe for weeknights or a warm meal to share on weekends, this recipe will become a staple in your home cooking. Try it out today and enjoy the delicious aromas and satisfying taste that only a slow-cooked stew can provide!

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