Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a warm, comforting, and hearty meal perfect for any day. Tender chunks of chicken simmer with fresh vegetables and herbs in a flavorful broth, creating an easy-to-make stew that’s perfect for busy schedules. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a satisfying dish that you can enjoy with crusty bread or over rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Optional Thickener and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
- 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken chunks, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, celery, onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried thyme, paprika, rosemary, bay leaf, chicken broth, and tomato paste to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients well.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked through, allowing all the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you desire a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the stew to thicken.
- Add Peas: Add the frozen peas during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking and stir until the peas are heated through, ensuring a pop of color and added sweetness.
- Final Touches: Discard the bay leaf from the stew. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to enhance freshness and presentation.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sear the chicken pieces in a skillet until lightly browned and sauté the onion and garlic before adding to the slow cooker.
- Serve the stew with crusty bread or over rice for a more filling and complete meal.
