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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 24 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3.5 hours (high)
  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (low) or 3 hours 50 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.