Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

$To make a great slow cooker chicken stew, you need key items. Here is what you'll need: - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds - 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup frozen peas - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a hearty and flavorful meal. The chicken thighs give the stew richness. Carrots and potatoes add sweetness and texture. You can add ingredients to boost the flavor. Some options include: - 1 cup of diced bell peppers for sweetness - 1 cup of green beans for crunch - 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for depth - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat These options can change the taste and make the stew your own. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have at home. If you need to swap ingredients, here are some ideas: - Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option. - Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes for added sweetness and nutrition. - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian stew. - For gluten-free needs, check the cornstarch and broth labels. These substitutions help you tailor the recipe to fit your diet. Cooking should always be flexible and fun! For the full recipe, check the Cozy Comfort Slow Cooker Chicken Stew section. To start, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, I add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. I sauté them for about four minutes. The onion should turn translucent and smell great. This step adds depth and flavor to the stew. Next, I transfer the sautéed onion and garlic into the slow cooker. On top of that, I layer in the chicken thighs, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and frozen peas. It is important to spread the ingredients evenly. This helps each bite taste amazing. Then, I pour four cups of low-sodium chicken broth over everything. I sprinkle in dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Finally, I gently stir the mixture. This ensures every ingredient gets coated with broth and spices. Now, I cover the slow cooker with its lid. I set it to cook on low for six to eight hours or high for three to four hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked. If you want the stew thicker, I mix cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry. I stir this in during the last thirty minutes of cooking. This adds a nice, hearty texture. When the time is up, I taste the stew. I adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Then I serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley. This adds color and extra flavor. For the full recipe, check out Cozy Comfort Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. To make your stew burst with flavor, start with fresh herbs. Use thyme and rosemary. They bring out the taste of the chicken. Sautéing the onion and garlic first adds depth. It makes the broth rich and savory. Don't forget to season well with salt and pepper. Taste it as you go. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can also add a splash of white wine for extra zing. This small step can elevate your dish. If you want a thicker stew, cornstarch is your friend. Mix two tablespoons with cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give your stew a nice, hearty texture. If you prefer a more natural method, use mashed potatoes. Simply mash a few of the cooked potatoes right in the pot. This adds body without extra ingredients. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. A good slow cooker is key. Choose one with a timer and a locking lid for safety. A sturdy cutting board and sharp knife help with prep. A large skillet is ideal for sautéing your aromatics. Finally, have measuring cups and spoons to keep your ingredients precise. These tools make the process smooth and fun. For more details about the full recipe, check out the complete guide. {{image_4}} You can make this stew even better by adding seasonal veggies. In spring, try peas and asparagus. In summer, add zucchini and bell peppers. In fall, sweet potatoes and butternut squash work great. In winter, root veggies like parsnips and turnips add warmth. These additions bring bright flavors and colors to your dish. They also give your stew a fresh twist. While chicken is the star of the show, you can switch it up! Try using turkey or pork for a new taste. If you want a richer flavor, beef works too. For a lighter option, consider using fish like salmon. Just remember, fish cooks faster, so add it in the last hour. Each protein adds its unique taste and texture, making the stew yours. Making this stew gluten-free is simple. Just use gluten-free broth and cornstarch. For low-carb options, swap potatoes for cauliflower or turnips. These veggies keep the dish hearty while lowering carbs. You can also reduce the number of carrots to cut sugar. These simple changes help you enjoy a delicious meal without worry. For the full recipe, check the ingredients and steps above. To keep your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. This helps prevent bacteria growth. Label the container with the date. This way, you remember when you made it. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the stew on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of broth to a pot. Heat it over medium heat until hot, stirring often. If microwaving, place the stew in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps heat evenly. If you want to save some stew for later, freezing works great. Let the stew cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Label them with the date. You can freeze the stew for up to three months. To eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy the flavors of your cozy meal anytime! For the full recipe, check out Cozy Comfort Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. Yes, you can! If you don't have a slow cooker, use a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Cook on low heat on the stove. Stir often to avoid sticking. Adjust the cooking time to about 1.5 to 2 hours. Check the chicken for tenderness. You can pair this stew with several tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Crusty bread for dipping - Rice or quinoa for a filling meal - Simple green salad for freshness - Mashed potatoes for more comfort Slow Cooker Chicken Stew lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just add it to the slow cooker without thawing. Cooking time may increase slightly. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety. This makes meal prep easier and saves time. For the full recipe, check out Cozy Comfort Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. In this post, we covered how to make a tasty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. We explored the main and optional ingredients that boost flavor. The step-by-step guide helps you prepare and cook the stew perfectly. Remember, you can adapt this recipe to fit your taste. Use different veggies or proteins and follow storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Happy cooking! Enjoy your warm, hearty meal.$

Warm up with a delicious Cozy Comfort Slow Cooker Chicken Stew that's perfect for any occasion! This hearty recipe combines tender chicken, fresh veggies, and flavorful herbs for a dish everyone will love. It's easy to make: just sauté the aromatics, add the ingredients to your slow cooker, and let it do the work. Ready to impress at dinner? Click to explore this cozy recipe and enjoy a bowl of comfort tonight!

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Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds

3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup frozen peas

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 teaspoons dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 4 minutes or until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.

Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture into the slow cooker. Layer in the chicken thighs, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and frozen peas.

Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the top. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently stir the mixture to evenly coat the ingredients with the broth and spices.

Slow Cook the Stew: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and select the cooking setting: cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker consistency for your stew, mix the cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing it to thicken.

Final Touches: After the cooking time is complete, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor.

- Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the stew in deep bowls, and accompany with crusty bread on the side for sopping up the delicious broth. To elevate your presentation, consider adding a sprig of parsley on top of each serving. Enjoy!