Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and a flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy family meal, it combines seared chicken, carrots, celery, potatoes, and aromatic herbs cooked low and slow for a rich and satisfying stew.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 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
Liquids and Seasonings
- 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)
Garnish
- 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 creating a caramelized crust on the meat.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared chicken, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves into the slow cooker.
- Add Seasonings and Broth: Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients. Add tomato paste and pour in the chicken broth. For a thicker stew, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to combine evenly.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking intensifies the stew’s flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, ensure to add the optional flour or use a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking.
- Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for breasts depending on your preference for texture and fat content.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a gluten-free version, omit the flour or use a gluten-free thickening agent.