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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

A cozy, hearty chicken stew that's effortless to make in the slow cooker, perfect for chilly evenings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort food
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts Thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts work wonderfully too!
  • 3 pieces carrots, diced Carrots add natural sweetness and a lovely splash of color!
  • 3 stalks celery, diced This crunchy addition brings a fantastic depth of flavor.
  • 1 piece onion, diced The base of all great stews—sweet, aromatic, and simply mouthwatering when cooked!
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed Choose your favorite type of potato; Yukon Golds give a creamy texture!
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic can really elevate the dish, offering a layer of depth.
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth The broth is the soul of your stew—go for low-salt to control the flavor level.
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste This adds a hint of acidity and richness.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme Thyme brings an aromatic touch; feel free to add a bit more if you love its flavor!
  • 2 pieces bay leaves Don’t forget to take them out before serving—they're not tasty but add great depth!
  • to taste none salt and pepper Always adjust seasoning just before serving for the best flavor.
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening) This can be whisked in with some broth for a heartier stew.
  • to taste none fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional) A sprinkle of parsley brightens up the dish and adds a touch of freshness!

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
  2. Place the seared chicken in the slow cooker, then add diced vegetables, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves.
  3. Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the mixture and stir gently.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. If using flour for thickening, whisk it with a little broth or water before adding.
Cooking
  1. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Finishing
  1. Once the chicken and vegetables are tender, remove the bay leaves, taste for seasoning, and adjust as needed.
  2. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Use a good-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Feel free to add seasonal vegetables for extra nutrition. Don’t skip the browning step to intensify the flavor of the stew.