Nothing beats a warm bowl of stew on a chilly evening, and this slow cooker chicken stew is a perfect example of comfort food at its best. Packed with tender chunks of chicken, wholesome vegetables, and seasoned broth, this dish is both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this slow cooker recipe simplifies the process while delivering maximum flavor.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into chunks)
- 3 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 3 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 1 cup green beans (trimmed and halved)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Thickening (Optional):
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Preparation
Prepare Ingredients
- Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks and season with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
- Chop the veggies: Dice onions, slice carrots, chop celery, peel and cube potatoes, and trim green beans.
Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
- Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker.
Add Main Ingredients
- Layer the chicken, carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans in the slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with juices.
- Add the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Cook the Stew
- Set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The chicken should be tender, and the vegetables should be cooked through.
Thicken the Stew (Optional)
- If a thicker consistency is desired, whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations
- Protein Swap: Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or turkey for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spicy Twist: Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes or 1 chopped jalapeño for a kick of heat.
Cooking Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: This stew can be prepared the night before and stored in the fridge, allowing flavors to meld before cooking.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this chicken stew with crusty bread or buttered rolls for dipping.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for added flavor.
Tips
- Better Browning: Sear the chicken in a hot skillet before adding to the slow cooker for enhanced flavor.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium broth and adjust salt levels to your taste.
- Herbaceous Boost: Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary can be added in the last 15 minutes for a fresh pop of flavor.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) / 4-5 hours (high)
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes – 8 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fiber: 5g
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this stew?
Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw the chicken first for even cooking and food safety reasons.
How do I prevent my vegetables from getting mushy?
Cut your vegetables into larger chunks, and add more delicate ones, like green beans, in the last hour of cooking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each.
Conclusion
This slow cooker chicken stew recipe is a warm, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Its rich flavors and tender ingredients will make it a family favorite in no time. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort.