Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew: A Cozy and Comforting Meal for Any Occasion

As the days grow cooler, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty stew simmering in the slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the perfect comfort food to enjoy during any season, offering tender chicken thighs, a medley of veggies, and aromatic herbs all cooked to perfection. The best part? Your slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with more time to relax while your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of home-cooked goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about simplicity and comfort. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients like chicken, potatoes, and carrots into a flavorful, nourishing meal. The combination of thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf infuses the stew with a depth of flavor, while the creamy finish of milk and peas adds richness to every bite. This dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or whenever you need a hearty, low-maintenance meal.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to season
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 large potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1 pound)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• Black pepper, to season

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken
   Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Season the chicken generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear for 4-5 minutes, until browned on all sides. If your slow cooker has a stovetop-safe pot, sear the chicken directly in that pot before returning it to the slow cooker base.
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker
   Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to the slow cooker. Sprinkle the flour, thyme, rosemary, and salt over the chicken. Stir until the chicken is well-coated in the flour and herbs.
4. Add Vegetables
   Add the minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes to the slow cooker. Stir to combine everything with the chicken.
5. Pour in Broth and Cook
   Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker and add the bay leaf. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Finish the Stew
   Once the stew has cooked, stir in the milk and frozen peas. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on high until the peas are warmed through. Adjust the thickness of the stew if needed by adding more flour to thicken or a bit more broth to thin it out.
7. Taste and Serve
   Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Recipe Notes:

• Searing the Chicken: Browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add the raw chicken directly to the slow cooker.
• Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add more flour towards the end of cooking. If it’s too thick, simply add more broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Customizing the Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables like celery, sweet potatoes, or parsnips for added variety.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) | 3-4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes (low) | 4 hours 30 minutes (high)
• Calories: 320 per serving
• Servings: 6 servings

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and flavors, making it an ideal meal for cozy nights or make-ahead lunches. Gather your ingredients, let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting, and enjoy this savory dish that’s sure to warm both your heart and home.