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- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 1 onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup frozen peas - 4 cups chicken broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. If you want more veggies, add bell peppers or green beans. For broth, vegetable broth works well instead of chicken broth. You need a slow cooker to make this stew. A large skillet helps with sautéing. A cutting board and knife are essential for prepping your ingredients. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by sautéing the onion and garlic. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to become translucent. This step adds great flavor to your stew. Next, transfer the sautéed onion and garlic into the slow cooker. This is where all the magic happens. The slow cooker will blend these flavors with the chicken and veggies. Now, it’s time to add the chicken and vegetables. Place 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Add 4 sliced carrots, 3 diced potatoes, and 1 cup of frozen peas. These ingredients make your stew hearty and colorful. Prepare the broth mixture in a separate bowl. Combine 4 cups of chicken broth with 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Add in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1 bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Gently stir everything together. This helps the flavors mix well. Cover the slow cooker and choose your cooking time. You can cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4 hours. Both methods will make your chicken tender and juicy. To check for doneness, look for the chicken to be fully cooked and tender. You can easily shred it with a fork. If you want, remove the bay leaf before serving. Adjust the seasoning if needed. This easy process will give you a warm, tasty stew perfect for any day! Seasoning is key to a great stew. Start with salt and pepper. Add them early on to build depth. Herbs add fresh notes. I love using thyme and rosemary. They pair well with chicken. Fresh herbs can brighten the dish, too. Sautéing the onion and garlic first adds flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook until the onion is soft and clear. This step makes your stew taste rich. Layer your flavors by adding each ingredient in steps. Start with the meat, then add veggies, and finish with broth. If your stew is too thick, add more broth. Stir in a little at a time until you reach the right consistency. For flavor adjustments, taste as you go. If it’s too bland, add more salt or herbs. A splash of lemon juice can also brighten the dish. Pro Tips Use Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs remain moist and tender during slow cooking, making them ideal for this stew. Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and store them in the fridge the night before to save time on cooking day. Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth in flavor. Thicken if Desired: For a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in your stew. Try using turkey or pork for a different taste. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for chickpeas or lentils. Both add protein and texture. You can also use mushrooms for a hearty feel. To add some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. They boost the flavor and give your stew a kick. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. These can brighten up the dish and add freshness. Pair your stew with crusty bread or rice. They soak up the tasty broth well. For garnishes, sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top. This adds color and makes the dish look more inviting. Serve it in deep bowls for a cozy meal. To keep your chicken stew tasty, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: Let the stew cool down first. Store it in an air-tight container. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. - Freezing tips: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container. This allows for expansion when freezing. When you're ready to enjoy your stew again, use these methods: - Best methods: Reheat on the stove over medium heat. Stir often until it's warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts of one to two minutes, stirring in between. - Ensuring food safety: Make sure the stew heats to at least 165°F (74°C). This keeps it safe from bacteria. Wondering how long your stew lasts? Here’s what to know: - In the fridge: Chicken stew can last for about four days if stored properly. - Signs of spoilage: Check for off smells, a change in color, or mold. If you see or smell something wrong, toss it out. Better safe than sorry! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just remember to add extra cooking time. If you use frozen chicken thighs, cook on high for about 5 hours. On low, it may take 8 to 9 hours. This ensures the chicken cooks fully and stays safe to eat. To thicken the stew, try a few simple methods. You can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the stew 30 minutes before it's done cooking. You can also use mashed potatoes or a small amount of instant potato flakes. Stirring in some of these will help create a nice, thick texture. This stew pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Crusty bread for dipping - A fresh green salad - Mashed potatoes for extra comfort - Rice for a filling meal These sides complement the stew and add to your dining experience. Enjoy! This chicken stew recipe combines simple ingredients and steps, making it easy to enjoy. Use fresh vegetables, flavorful herbs, and your slow cooker for a hearty meal. Remember to explore swaps and tips for flavor. Whether you make it traditional or try a new twist, this dish will surely satisfy. Store leftovers properly and you can enjoy it later. Embrace the warmth of homemade stew, perfect for any time of year. Cook, taste, and share this delightful dish with others!

Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

A comforting and hearty chicken stew made in a slow cooker, perfect for chilly days.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 medium carrots, sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 unit onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 unit bay leaf
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  • Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic into the slow cooker.
  • Place the chicken pieces into the slow cooker along with the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and frozen peas.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
  • Stir everything gently to combine.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  • If desired, remove the bay leaf before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Notes

Ladle the stew into deep bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color. Serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping!
Keyword chicken, comfort food, slow cooker, stew