Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a warm and hearty meal that is perfect for any day of the week. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal effort, and fills your home with delicious aromas. Using a slow cooker allows all the flavors to blend beautifully, making the chicken tender and juicy. This dish is also great for families, as it is nutritious and can feed a crowd. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use up vegetables you have lying around in your kitchen!

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Ingredients:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
4 carrots, sliced
3 potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Layer the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic over the chicken.
In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the slow cooker contents.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas and allow them to heat through.
Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and stir it back into the stew. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Serve this delicious stew in bowls, making sure to get plenty of chicken and vegetables with each serving. It goes well with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a nice touch and color to your dish.

How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

To store leftovers, let the stew cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Place the cooled stew in freezer-safe containers and it will last for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Chop your vegetables uniformly so that they cook evenly.
Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or bell peppers for more flavor.
For a thicker stew, you can mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last hour of cooking.
If you like spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Variation

You can easily customize this chicken stew recipe by using different cuts of chicken, such as drumsticks or breast, or by swapping out the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Adding beans can also give it an extra protein boost.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. However, cooking time may increase slightly. Make sure to check that the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

2. Can I make this recipe on the stove instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook this stew on the stove. Simmer all the ingredients in a large pot for about 1-2 hours until the chicken is tender.

3. Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure that the Worcestershire sauce you use is gluten-free, this chicken stew can be enjoyed by those with gluten sensitivities.