Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the ultimate comfort food that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also simplifies dinner preparation. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can create a hearty meal that your entire family will love. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
This stew has everything you need for a satisfying meal.
- Easy Preparation: With under 10 minutes of prep time, making this stew is a breeze.
- Flavorful and Nutritious: Packed with protein and fresh veggies, it’s a healthy choice for your family.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
- One-Pot Wonder: No need for multiple dishes; everything cooks together in one pot.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking process smooth and efficient, gather these essential tools.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The star of this recipe; it allows for hands-off cooking while flavors meld beautifully.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop vegetables and chicken, ensuring quick prep.
- Whisk: Perfect for combining liquid ingredients until smooth, enhancing the stew’s texture.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (fat trimmed and cut into 1-inch chunks)
For the Vegetables
- 1 ½ cups yellow onion (diced)
- 5 carrots (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 pound baby Yukon gold potatoes
- 3 celery sticks (chopped)
For the Broth
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon tomato paste
Seasoning
- 4 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
For Thickening
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup cornstarch
For Adding Color
- 1 ¼ cups frozen peas
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Add chicken, onion, carrots, potatoes, and celery to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Combine Broth Mixture
In a medium bowl, add chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, garlic, poultry seasoning, black pepper, salt, rosemary, and thyme. Whisk until well combined. Pour over chicken and vegetables. Place bay leaves on top.
Step 3: Cook the Stew
Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk milk and cornstarch together until there are no lumps. Add this mixture along with peas into the slow cooker. Cook for an additional 20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Step 5: Final Touches
Remove bay leaves and stir before serving. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Stew!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Serving your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew can elevate the meal experience for your family and friends. Here are some creative ways to serve this hearty dish.
In a Bread Bowl
- A bread bowl adds a fun twist. Hollow out a loaf of crusty bread, fill it with stew, and enjoy the flavors as you eat the bowl!
Over Rice
- Serving it over rice makes for a filling meal. The rice will soak up the delicious broth, enhancing each bite.
With Crusty Rolls
- Pairing with crusty rolls allows for dipping. Freshly baked rolls complement the stew perfectly and add a satisfying crunch.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top brightens the dish. It adds freshness and a pop of color.
With Mashed Potatoes
- Serve it over mashed potatoes for extra comfort. The creamy potatoes blend beautifully with the rich stew.
As a Standalone Dish
- Enjoy it as is! The stew is hearty enough to be served alone, making it an easy one-pot meal that’s ready to please.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken enhance flavor.
- Don’t Skip Browning: Searing the chicken first adds depth to the dish.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste before serving and adjust salt and spices as needed.
- Add Vegetables Last: For firmer veggies, add them in the last hour of cooking.
- Consider Dairy Alternatives: For dairy-free options, use coconut milk instead of regular milk.
- Let It Rest: Letting the stew sit for 10 minutes after cooking helps flavors meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Pairing sides with your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great side dishes that complement this comforting meal.
- Garlic Bread
- This warm, buttery treat is perfect for soaking up every last drop of stew.
- Green Salad
- A fresh green salad balances the richness of the stew with crisp textures and refreshing flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables
- Roasting seasonal vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, making them a delightful side.
- Cornbread
- Sweet cornbread pairs well with savory dishes like stews, adding a delightful contrast in taste.
- Quinoa Salad
- A light quinoa salad provides a nutty flavor and is packed with protein to complement the chicken stew.
- Steamed Broccoli
- Simple steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while keeping things healthy.
- Baked Potatoes
- Baked potatoes offer a satisfying alternative that can be topped with butter or sour cream alongside your stew.
- Coleslaw
- A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity that cuts through the stew’s richness nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Slow Cooker Chicken Stew, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can impact the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the browning step: Not browning the chicken first may result in less flavor. Take a few minutes to sear the chicken for a richer taste.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Adding too many ingredients can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient has its own flavor profile, so be sure to taste and adjust seasonings as needed throughout the cooking process.
- Using high-sodium broth: Opting for regular chicken broth can lead to a salty stew. Always choose low-sodium options for better control over saltiness.
- Neglecting vegetable size uniformity: Cutting vegetables unevenly can cause some to overcook while others remain hard. Aim for consistent sizes for even cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Stew in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze portions of the stew in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It’s best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat stew in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew so healthy?
This stew is packed with protein from the chicken and includes plenty of vegetables, making it nutritious and satisfying.
Can I customize my Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or switch up seasonings based on your taste preferences.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Chicken Stew on low?
Cooking on low typically takes about 7-8 hours, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Is Slow Cooker Chicken Stew gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and broth.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time slightly for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or spices based on what you have at home. Try this comforting meal today; it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners!
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew, a dish designed to delight your taste buds while simplifying your dinner routine. With minimal prep time and a medley of wholesome ingredients, this hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. The slow cooker works its magic, melding flavors beautifully as chicken and fresh vegetables simmer together, creating a nutritious dish that everyone will love. Enjoy it on its own or serve it in creative ways—like over rice or in a bread bowl—for an unforgettable dining experience.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups yellow onion
- 5 carrots
- 1 pound baby Yukon gold potatoes
- 3 celery sticks
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ cup milk (or dairy alternative)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 ¼ cups frozen peas
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cut chicken into chunks and dice all vegetables.
- Combine Broth Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, garlic, and seasonings; pour over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Cook the Stew: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Thicken the Sauce: Whisk milk and cornstarch until smooth; add to the slow cooker with peas and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
- Final Touches: Remove bay leaves, stir well, and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 335g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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