Description
A hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Stew featuring tender chicken pieces, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth, perfect for an easy and satisfying meal with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Broth and Seasonings
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Thickener & Garnish
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken pieces until golden brown to enhance the flavor of the stew.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared chicken, diced carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves into the slow cooker.
- Add Seasonings and Broth: Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients. Add the tomato paste and pour in the chicken broth. If a thicker stew is desired, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add a burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds depth of flavor but can be skipped for a quicker preparation.
- The flour is optional and used to thicken the stew; alternatively, you can use cornstarch or reduce the liquid by cooking longer.
- Feel free to use a mix of chicken thighs and breasts depending on your preference for juiciness or leanness.
- Adjust seasoning toward the end of cooking to suit your taste.
- This stew keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and is freezer-friendly for up to 2 months.
