Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487111H57M54S
Total time: PT-487111H57M54S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs – extra fat trimmed; Salt and pepper; Olive oil – for searing; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 4 medium carrots – peeled and sliced; 1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves – or ¾ teaspoon dried; ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced – or ¼ teaspoon dried; 3 medium red potatoes, quartered – or baby red potatoes; 3 bay leaves – dried or fresh; 5 cups chicken broth, divided – plus more as needed; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup frozen peas; ¼ cup finely chopped Italian parsley

Looking for a hearty and comforting meal that practically makes itself? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew recipe. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth, this stew is the perfect dish for cozy nights in or busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Great Flavors: The combination of herbs, vegetables, and chicken creates a rich and delicious stew that is sure to please your taste buds.
Easy Prep: With minimal prep work, you can simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew reheats beautifully, making it an ideal dish to prepare ahead of time for quick and satisfying meals throughout the week.

Ingredient Notes:

Bone-in chicken thighs provide extra flavor and tenderness to the stew.
Olive oil is used for searing the chicken and vegetables, adding depth to the dish.
Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary bring a fragrant and earthy note to the stew.
Red potatoes are a hearty addition, but baby red potatoes can be used as well.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them in olive oil until browned.
Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until softened, then stir in tomato paste and herbs.
Place chicken, vegetables, potatoes, and bay leaves in the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and broth to create a slurry. Pour into the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender.
Stir in frozen peas and parsley before serving.

Helpful Tips:

For a thicker stew, you can add more flour to the slurry.
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand.
This stew is even better the next day, as the flavors have a chance to meld together.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the stew.
To make this stew gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Don’t skip the step of searing the chicken, as it adds depth of flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions:

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping and a simple green salad on the side. For a heartier meal, serve over cooked rice or mashed potatoes.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the stew on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead? Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but bone-in thighs provide more flavor.
Can I make this stew on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker? Yes, you can simmer the stew on the stovetop over low heat for 1-2 hours.
Can I freeze this stew? While you can freeze the stew, the potatoes may have a slightly different texture when thawed.

Conclusion:

Warm, comforting, and full of flavor, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that requires minimal effort. Don’t forget to share your feedback and any variations you try!