Description

When the weather turns chilly or when you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal, nothing beats a steaming bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. With tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a rich broth, this recipe is a warm hug in a bowl. The best part? It’s all made in the slow cooker, which means you can set it and forget it. By the end of the day, you’ll have a delicious, soul-warming meal waiting for you. Let’s dive into this easy, flavorful dish!

Ingredients

For the Stew:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
3 carrots, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
1 onion, diced
4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 cloves garlic, minced
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 flour for thickening (optional)

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Sear the Chicken (Optional): Start by searing the chicken in a hot skillet until it turns golden brown. While this step is optional, it enhances the flavor by locking in the juices and creating a crispy exterior.
Load Up the Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken, diced vegetables, cubed potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves into your slow cooker. Stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir well to combine, ensuring the seasonings are evenly spread throughout the stew.
Pour in the Chicken Broth: Carefully pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. For a thicker stew, sprinkle in the flour and stir until well mixed.
Set and Forget: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking method will allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and flavorful stew.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaves and discard them. Ladle the hot chicken stew into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color, and serve hot.

Notes

Vegetable Variations: You can swap or add vegetables based on what you have available or what’s in season. Peas, corn, green beans, or squash are excellent additions.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to give the stew a little heat.
Add Beans: For extra fiber, add a can of drained and rinsed beans (such as white beans or kidney beans).
Gluten-Free Option: Omit the flour or use a gluten-free thickener to keep the stew gluten-free.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow-Cooked