Description
Hearty slow cooker chicken stew delivers comfort in a bowl, blending tender chicken with rich, savory vegetables. Warm spices and slow-simmered goodness invite you to savor each spoonful of this soul-satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
Vegetables:
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Layer chicken thighs, potatoes, carrots, onions, and minced garlic into the slow cooker, creating a hearty base for the stew.
- Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, then add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper, thoroughly mixing all components.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and set to low temperature, allowing the stew to simmer gently for 7-8 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
- For a more robust consistency, whisk flour with cold water to create a smooth slurry, then fold into the stew during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
- Carefully extract the bay leaf, ensuring no herbs remain in the final dish.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the stew just before serving, adding a vibrant burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.
Notes
- Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, keeping cooking time consistent to prevent dryness.
- Transform this stew into a gluten-free meal by using cornstarch instead of flour for thickening and ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
- Enhance flavor depth by quickly searing chicken thighs before adding to the slow cooker, which creates a rich caramelized exterior and more complex taste profile.
- Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like celery, parsnips, or sweet potatoes for increased vitamins and varied textures without compromising the stew’s classic comfort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 203 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg