Olivia Carter
Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen cooking dinner? Look no further! This chicken stew recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknight meals. The best part? You can make it in a slow cooker, which means minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Why choose a slow cooker?
The slow cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance that can make your life so much easier. It allows you to prep your ingredients, set the timer, and forget about it until dinner time. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop, resulting in a rich and delicious stew.
Ingredients you’ll need:
To make this chicken stew, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, chicken broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. These simple ingredients come together to create a hearty and satisfying meal.
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and chop the potatoes, carrots, and onion.
2. Place the chicken, potatoes, carrots, and onion in the slow cooker.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
5. Add the bay leaves and give everything a good stir.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
This chicken stew is a family-friendly dish that everyone will love. Serve it with some crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete and satisfying meal. So next time you’re looking for an easy and delicious dinner idea, give this slow cooker chicken stew recipe a try!
Chicken Stew Recipe for Your Slow Cooker
Looking for a hassle-free and comforting meal? This chicken stew recipe for your slow cooker is the perfect solution! With tender pieces of chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth, it is a hearty meal that will satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breast, onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Add the bay leaf to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and discard.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve the chicken stew hot and enjoy!
This chicken stew is not only delicious, but it is also a versatile dish. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to suit your taste. It can be served with crusty bread, rice, or pasta for a hearty and filling meal.
With this easy and flavorful chicken stew recipe, your slow cooker will become your new best friend in the kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy a warm and comforting meal with minimal effort!
Ingredients for the Chicken Stew
To make a delicious chicken stew in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients will give your chicken stew a fantastic flavor and make it a hearty and satisfying meal. The slow cooker will help to tenderize the chicken and allow all the flavors to meld together. So get ready to enjoy a warm and comforting chicken stew with minimal effort!
Steps to Prepare the Chicken Stew
Follow these simple steps to make a delicious and hearty chicken stew in a slow cooker:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. You will need:
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of water (optional)
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the chicken, carrots, celery, mushrooms, thyme, rosemary, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Cook the Stew
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.
Step 6: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If desired, you can thicken the stew by combining cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir the mixture into the stew, cover, and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the chicken stew into bowls and serve hot. It pairs well with crusty bread or rice. Enjoy your homemade chicken stew!
Tips for Cooking Chicken Stew in a Slow Cooker
Cooking chicken stew in a slow cooker is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a hearty meal. Here are some tips to make sure your chicken stew turns out perfectly:
Choose the Right Chicken
When making chicken stew in a slow cooker, it’s important to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They have a higher fat content, which adds flavor and richness to the stew. Using boneless thighs also makes the chicken easier to shred once cooked.
Sear the Chicken
Before adding the chicken to the slow cooker, sear it in a hot skillet with a little oil. This step helps to lock in the flavor and gives the chicken a nice crispy exterior. Searing also helps to enhance the overall texture of the stew.
Cut Ingredients Uniformly
When preparing the vegetables for your chicken stew, be sure to cut them into uniform sizes. This ensures that all the ingredients cook evenly and results in a more visually appealing dish. Aim for a 1-inch dice for veggies like carrots, celery, and potatoes.
Layer Ingredients Properly
When layering the ingredients in your slow cooker, begin with the chicken at the bottom. Next, add your vegetables, followed by any additional seasonings or liquids. This layering technique allows the chicken to cook in its own juices and infuses the flavors throughout the stew.
Use Low Heat Setting
To achieve tender and flavorful chicken, cook your stew on the low heat setting of your slow cooker. This allows the flavors to develop slowly over time, resulting in a more delicious and comforting stew.
Don’t Overcook
While slow cooking is all about low and slow, it’s important not to overcook your chicken stew. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. To avoid this, check for doneness by testing the chicken with a fork after the recommended cooking time. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred.
By following these tips, you can create a mouthwatering chicken stew that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul. Enjoy!
Serving and Storing the Chicken Stew
Once your chicken stew is cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, it’s time to serve and enjoy the flavors. Here are some tips for serving and storing the chicken stew:
Serving:
1. Ladle the hot chicken stew into bowls or deep plates.
2. Serve the chicken stew with crusty bread or rice on the side for a complete meal.
3. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for added freshness and aroma.
4. Enjoy your homemade chicken stew with family and friends!
Storing:
1. If you have any leftover chicken stew, allow it to cool to room temperature before storing.
2. Transfer the stew to airtight containers or resealable bags.
3. Label the containers with the date for easy reference.
4. Store the chicken stew in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
5. Alternatively, you can transfer the stew to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
6. To reheat the chicken stew, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Remember, the longer the chicken stew sits, the more the flavors will meld together, so don’t be afraid to make a big batch and enjoy it over the course of a week!
Questions and answers
What ingredients do I need to make a chicken stew in a slow cooker?
To make a chicken stew in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients: 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, 1 onion (diced), 3 cloves of garlic (minced), 3 carrots (sliced), 2 stalks of celery (sliced), 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, salt and pepper to taste, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (optional for thickening).
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for the stew?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for the stew. Both cuts of chicken will work well in a slow cooker and will result in a tender and flavorful chicken stew.
How long should I cook the chicken stew in the slow cooker?
The cooking time for a chicken stew in a slow cooker will vary depending on the settings of your slow cooker. Generally, you can cook the stew on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. It is recommended to check the chicken for doneness before serving, making sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
