Description
This hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish made with tender chicken pieces, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines simple ingredients like carrots, celery, potatoes, and garlic, slow-cooked to perfection to create a warm and satisfying stew ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken pieces until golden brown. This step enhances the flavor of the stew by caramelizing the meat.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared chicken, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves into the slow cooker, layering the ingredients evenly.
- Add Seasonings and Broth: Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the assembled ingredients. Add the tomato paste and pour in the chicken broth. If you prefer a thicker stew, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir gently to combine all components evenly.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked through, allowing all flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Before serving, remove the bay leaves to avoid an overpowering taste. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds depth and richness to the stew’s flavor.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- The all-purpose flour is optional and helps thicken the stew; alternatively, you can mash some cooked potatoes for natural thickening.
- This stew can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and freezes well for up to 3 months.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.