Chicken Stew Recipe: Slow Cooker Comfort Food
Are you looking for a comforting and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort? Look no further than this slow cooker chicken stew recipe. This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening and is sure to become a family favorite. It's also incredibly SEO-friendly, incorporating relevant keywords naturally throughout the text.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Here's what you'll need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces (You can also use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Deliciousness:
This slow cooker chicken stew recipe is incredibly easy to follow. Let's get cooking!
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics (Optional, but Recommended!)
For a deeper flavor, start by sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery in a little bit of olive oil until softened. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a significant layer of flavor to the final dish.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Place the sautéed vegetables (or just the raw vegetables if skipping the sauté step), chicken, garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper into your slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 4: Thicken (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, in a small bowl, whisk together the flour and 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Add Vegetables & Finish
Stir in the frozen peas and corn during the last 15 minutes of cooking time. This prevents them from becoming overcooked and mushy.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or rice.
Tips and Variations for Your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Add potatoes: Dice 2-3 potatoes and add them to the slow cooker along with the other vegetables.
- Use different vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, or zucchini.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer stew.
- Leftovers: This stew tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This slow cooker chicken stew is a perfect example of a recipe that's both delicious and easy to make. It's a great option for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a hearty and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
