Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Category: Lunch & Light Meals

This easy slow cooker chicken stew is perfect for a cozy dinner! It’s filled with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and warm herbs that just make you feel good inside.

I love how I can toss everything in the slow cooker and forget it for a while. Just breathe in that comforting smell when it’s time to eat—there’s nothing like it! 😍

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work well too. If you want a lighter option, consider turkey breast instead. You could even use rotisserie chicken to save time; just add it towards the end to heat through.

Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and potatoes are classic in this stew. If you’re out of any, you can swap in parsnips or sweet potatoes. Frozen or canned veggies can work in a pinch, but add them later since they cook faster.

Broth: While low-sodium chicken broth is great for controlling salt, you can use vegetable broth for a lighter taste. Just check the flavors to ensure they blend well with your stew.

Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary are essential for flavor, but if fresh herbs are available, go for it! You can use 3 times the amount of fresh herbs. I often add a pinch of Italian seasoning for an extra punch.

How Do You Achieve the Best Flavor When Browning Chicken?

Browning the chicken first is key for developing a rich flavor in your stew. Here’s how to do it right:

  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
  • Season your chicken chunks with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet.
  • Brown each side for about 3-4 minutes until they’re golden. Avoid overcrowding the pan; it’s better to do it in batches if needed.

This step creates depth in your stew that simply simmering the chicken won’t achieve. It’s worth the few extra minutes!

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Stew:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas (added near the end)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Cooking:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and then you simply let it cook. The total cooking time is approximately 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. You’ll spend a little time browning the chicken and chopping veggies, but then just set the slow cooker and relax!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Brown the Chicken:

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding. Brown each piece for about 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a nice golden color. This step adds a ton of flavor to your stew!

2. Load the Slow Cooker:

Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to your slow cooker. Then, add the sliced carrots, celery, chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced potatoes on top.

3. Add the Broth and Seasonings:

Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, and sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, bay leaves, and some salt and pepper. Stir everything gently to combine well.

4. Cook to Perfection:

Cover the slow cooker and let it do its magic! Cook it on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and the veggies are cooked through.

5. Add the Peas:

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the frozen peas to the stew. This keeps them bright and fresh!

6. Thicken (Optional):

If you’d like a thicker stew, mix the flour with ½ cup of cold water in a separate bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the stew about 20-30 minutes before serving. Cover and let it cook until thickened.

7. Finish and Serve:

Once it’s all cooked, remove the bay leaves and taste the stew. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a nice touch. Serve warm with crusty bread or over cooked rice for a cozy meal!

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe for Cozy Dinners

FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs or breasts! Just make sure to cook them on high for 4-5 hours instead of the standard cooking times. It’s best to thaw the chicken first for more even cooking, which you can do overnight in the fridge or by running sealed chicken under cold water.

Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?

Absolutely! You can chop the vegetables and brown the chicken a day ahead. Store the veggies in the fridge and the chicken in an airtight container. Just assemble everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook. This makes meal prep a breeze!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.

What Can I Substitute for Chicken?

If you’re looking for a meat alternative, try using boneless, skinless turkey thighs or even cubed firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time slightly if using tofu, as it requires less time to heat through.

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