Oh, friends, let me tell you – there’s just something magical about coming home to a warm, comforting meal simmering away in the slow cooker. Especially on those crazy weeknights when you’re juggling a million things! And that’s exactly why I’m SO excited to share my go-to Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe with you. It’s a total lifesaver!
I actually stumbled upon this recipe years ago when I was a brand-new mom, totally sleep-deprived and desperately searching for easy dinner solutions. I’d tried a bunch of different slow cooker recipes, but honestly, most of them were kinda bland and disappointing. Then, I found this little gem – a total game-changer! This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is packed with flavor, super simple to throw together, and just makes the whole house smell amazing. Trust me, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy, even the pickiest eaters!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Okay, seriously, there are SO many reasons to adore this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe. But if I had to pick just a few…
Effortless Weeknight Meal
Let’s be real, who has time to slave over a hot stove all evening? Not me! This recipe is amazing because you can literally dump everything in the slow cooker in the morning (or even the night before!), set it, and forget it. Come home to a delicious, home-cooked meal with practically zero effort!
One-Pot Wonder
My absolute *favorite* part? One pot = minimal cleanup! Seriously, after a long day, the last thing I want to do is scrub a million pots and pans. This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is a lifesaver in that department. Everything cooks together in one glorious pot, making cleanup a total breeze.
Hearty and Flavorful
Forget those bland, watery stews! This recipe is loaded with hearty chunks of chicken, tender veggies, and a rich, savory broth that’s just bursting with flavor. The thyme and rosemary? *chef’s kiss* It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings!
Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Alright, gather ’round! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have!
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (trust me, thighs are the way to go for flavor!)
- 1 large onion, chopped (yellow or white, whatever you’ve got!)
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more, I’m a garlic fiend!)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium is my go-to)
- 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (they get SO creamy!)
- 1 cup frozen peas (easy peasy!)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy!)
How to Make this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, friend, ready to get cooking? Don’t worry, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is seriously foolproof. Just follow these easy steps and you’ll be enjoying a cozy, delicious dinner in no time!
Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables
First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. Heat up the olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, sprinkle your chicken pieces with salt and pepper – don’t be shy! Now, pop the chicken into the skillet and brown it on all sides. You don’t need to cook it all the way through, just get a nice golden-brown crust. Trust me, this step adds SO much flavor to the stew! It’s called the Maillard reaction, fancy, right?
Next, chop up your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince that garlic, too! I usually chop the veggies while the chicken is browning to save time. Efficiency is key, right?
Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Now for the easy part! Take that beautifully browned chicken and dump it into your slow cooker. Then, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken broth – make sure it covers everything nicely. Add those Yukon gold potatoes, thyme, and rosemary. Give it all a good stir to combine.
Pop the lid on that slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. I usually go for low because I think it makes the chicken extra tender, but if you’re in a rush, high works just fine! Just make sure the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender before moving on.
Thickening the Stew and Adding Peas
Almost there! In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and 1/4 cup of cold water until it’s smooth and there are no lumps. This is called a slurry, and it’s our secret weapon for thickening the stew! Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir it in gently.
Finally, add the frozen peas and cook for another 15 minutes, or until the stew has thickened to your liking. Give it a taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. And that’s it! You’ve just made the most amazing Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe. Get ready to dig in!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but wanna take your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe to the *next level*? Of course, you do! Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years.
First, if you want a thicker stew (and who doesn’t love a good, thick stew?), just add a little more flour to your slurry. But be careful! Too much flour can make it kinda gluey. Start with a teaspoon and go from there. Also, don’t skip browning the chicken! I know it adds an extra step, but trust me, it makes a HUGE difference in the flavor. It’s like, flavor magic! And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment! Throw in some extra veggies, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, or use different herbs. This recipe is super adaptable, so have fun with it!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe is pretty flexible, so don’t stress if you don’t have *everything* on hand. For example, chicken thighs are my fave because they’re super flavorful and stay tender in the slow cooker, but you could totally use chicken breast if that’s what you’ve got. Just watch it, so it doesn’t dry out! And hey, if you’re not a pea person (I get it!), swap them out for green beans or corn. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a bay leaf for extra depth of flavor. Just remember to take it out before serving!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about this amazing Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe.
First up: “Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?” Sure thing! Just keep an eye on it, because chicken breast can sometimes get a little dry in the slow cooker. I’d suggest cutting back the cooking time a bit. “Can I freeze this stew?” Absolutely! This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before popping it into freezer-safe containers. It’s perfect for meal prepping! “What other veggies can I add?” Ooh, the possibilities are endless! Corn, green beans, mushrooms… go wild! Just add them in with the potatoes. “How do I thicken the stew without flour?” No problem! You can mash some of the potatoes to thicken it up naturally. Works like a charm!
Serving Suggestions for Your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing, hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe ready to go… but what do you serve with it? Well, let me tell you, there are tons of options! My personal favorite? A big hunk of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious broth. Mmm! A simple side salad is also a great way to add some freshness. Or, if you’re feeling extra cozy, whip up a batch of cornbread. Trust me, it’s the perfect complement to this stew!
Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Okay, just a quick note: the nutrition info can vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use, so this is just a general estimate! Don’t take it as gospel, okay?
Enjoyed this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe?
Yay! I hope you loved this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe as much as my family does! If you did, pretty please leave a comment and rate the recipe below! It helps other folks find it. And if you’re feeling extra generous, share it with your friends on social media! Happy cooking!
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Savory Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe With Just 4 Steps
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. This recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Brown chicken in the skillet.
- Transfer chicken to a slow cooker.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Pour in chicken broth. Add potatoes, thyme, and rosemary.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour and 1/4 cup cold water until smooth.
- Stir flour mixture into the slow cooker.
- Add frozen peas. Cook for 15 minutes, or until thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, use more flour.
- Add other vegetables like corn or green beans.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
