Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

$- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 1 onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When I think about cozy meals, chicken stew comes to mind. It's warm, hearty, and easy to make. This dish uses simple, fresh ingredients that you can find in any kitchen. First, you will need chicken thighs. I prefer these because they stay juicy during cooking. You can cut them into bite-sized pieces. Next, grab some carrots, potatoes, onions, and garlic. These veggies add great flavor and texture. For the broth, I use chicken broth. It gives the stew a nice base. Then, I add thyme, rosemary, and paprika for flavor. You can adjust the salt and pepper to match your taste. If you want a thicker stew, cornstarch works well. Just mix it with water before adding it to the pot. Finally, I like to sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. It adds color and freshness to the dish. This stew is not just filling; it’s also a great way to enjoy nutritious ingredients. You can serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Sautéing onions and garlic Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant. - Chopping chicken and vegetables While the onions and garlic cook, chop 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into chunks. Slice 4 medium carrots and dice 3 medium potatoes. Keep them all ready for the slow cooker. - Adding ingredients to the slow cooker Now, take a slow cooker and add the chicken chunks, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and your sautéed onion and garlic mix. This combination will create a rich base for your stew. - Pouring in the broth and seasonings Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Then, add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together so all ingredients mix well. - Adding frozen peas About 30 minutes before you plan to serve the stew, add 1 cup of frozen peas to the slow cooker. They will add a nice splash of color and sweetness to your dish. - Thickening the stew with cornstarch If you want a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew during the last 30 minutes. This will give your stew a lovely, hearty texture. Ladle the finished stew into bowls and enjoy every warm, comforting bite! To make the best slow cooker chicken stew, follow these tips: - Choose the right cut of chicken. I like boneless, skinless thighs. They stay moist and tender. - Sear the chicken first. Brown it in a skillet. This adds flavor to your stew. - Layer ingredients wisely. Place root vegetables on the bottom for even cooking. - Keep the lid on. Opening the lid lets heat escape, slowing down cooking time. - Cook low and slow. This helps flavors meld together and keeps meat tender. To avoid mushy vegetables: - Cut veggies evenly. This helps them cook at the same rate. - Add delicate vegetables later. For example, toss in frozen peas during the last 30 minutes. - Avoid overcooking. Check the stew in the last hour. To boost flavor in your stew, consider these spices: - Dried thyme brings a warm, earthy note. - Rosemary adds pine-like flavors that complement chicken well. - Paprika gives a nice color and a bit of warmth. Adjusting seasoning is easy. Start with salt and pepper. After cooking, taste your stew. If it needs more, add gradually. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. For a lovely presentation, ladle the stew into deep bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve it with crusty bread on the side. The bread is perfect for dipping! Consider pairing your stew with: - A simple green salad. It adds freshness. - Crusty rolls or biscuits. They soak up broth nicely. - A side of roasted vegetables. They add texture and flavor. Pro Tips Brown the Chicken: For added depth of flavor, consider browning the chicken thighs in the skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like green beans or bell peppers for a different twist on the stew. Herb Freshness: For a fresher taste, use fresh herbs instead of dried ones. Just increase the quantity accordingly. Make Ahead: This stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It tastes even better the next day! {{image_2}} You can change up your slow cooker chicken stew using different proteins. Instead of chicken thighs, try chicken breast for a leaner option. Turkey works well too if you want a different taste. For veggies, you can swap in sweet potatoes for a sweet flavor. Parsnips add a nice touch too. Just keep in mind that different vegetables will change the taste and texture. Want to spice things up? Add some cayenne or crushed red pepper for a kick. You can also try adding some cumin or coriander for a warm flavor. If you like creamy stews, stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk. This will give your stew a rich and smooth texture. You can also sprinkle in some cheese for extra flavor. You can cook this stew on the stovetop if you are short on time. Just simmer on low heat until the chicken is tender. It will take about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you own an Instant Pot, you can make this stew faster. Use the sauté function for your onions and garlic. After that, add the other ingredients. Cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes. Be sure to release the pressure slowly for best results. To keep your chicken stew fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It can last for about three to four days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing the container. This helps to avoid steam buildup, which can make it soggy. If you want to save it for longer, freezing is a great option. Ladle the stew into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. Remember to label each bag with the date. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, you can reheat your stew in several ways. The best method is on the stove. Pour the stew into a pot and heat it over medium heat. Stir it often until it’s hot. This keeps the texture nice and smooth. You can also use the microwave. Place the stew in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely to avoid splatters and heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. To keep the flavor and texture intact, avoid boiling the stew. Heat it gently just until warm. If the stew seems thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Enjoy! Cooking slow cooker chicken stew takes about 6 to 8 hours on low. If you are in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours. The low setting gives the chicken time to absorb flavors and become very tender. This long cook time allows the veggies to soften perfectly too. Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just add them directly to the slow cooker. You may need to increase the cooking time by about an hour. Be sure to check that the chicken reaches 165°F for safety. Frozen chicken works well in stews since it cooks slowly and stays juicy. Slow cooker chicken stew pairs well with crusty bread. This bread is great for dipping into the stew. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a light side. If you want something warm, add rice or mashed potatoes. These sides soak up the rich flavors of the stew nicely. In this blog post, we explored a simple slow cooker chicken stew. We covered essential ingredients, like chicken, vegetables, and spices. I walked you through step-by-step instructions and offered tips for perfecting the dish. You learned variations and storage tips to keep your stew fresh. Remember, cooking should be enjoyable. Experiment with flavors and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!$

A warm and hearty chicken stew perfect for chilly days.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
4 medium carrots, sliced
3 medium potatoes, diced
1 unit onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste unit salt and pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
for garnish unit fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
In the slow cooker, combine the chicken chunks, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, sautéed onions, and garlic.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas to the slow cooker. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew. Let it cook for the remaining time until thickened.
Once done, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

Ladle the stew into deep bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Keyword chicken, comfort food, slow cooker, stew