Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is perfect for chilly evenings, bringing warmth and comfort with every bite. Combining tender chicken thighs, hearty vegetables, and a creamy broth, it’s not only delicious but also versatile enough for family dinners or meal prep. This dish shines with its healthy yet satisfying ingredients, making it a go-to option for anyone seeking nourishing comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Time-Saving: With the use of a slow cooker, this stew practically cooks itself! Simply set it and forget it while you attend to other tasks.
• Flavorful: The blend of herbs and spices, along with slow cooking, infuses the chicken and vegetables with rich flavors that everyone will love.
• Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to include your favorite veggies or swap the chicken for other proteins like turkey or beef.
• Nourishing: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this stew is not just filling but also provides nutrients to keep you energized throughout the day.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting dish, making it an ideal choice for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools on hand is key. Here’s what you need to prepare your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This essential tool allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring your stew simmers slowly to develop deep flavors without much effort.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker, enhancing its flavor and texture.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients like cornstarch and milk before thickening your stew.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stew

• 1.5 lb. chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper
• 3 carrots (chopped)
• 1 yellow onion (chopped)
• 5 garlic cloves (chopped)
• 2 russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 2 tbsp coconut aminos
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot)

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken into 1/2 pieces and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until fully cooked through, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Transfer the cooked chicken to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

1. In the slow cooker, add chopped carrots, onion, garlic, diced potatoes, coconut aminos, salt, oregano, rosemary, and bay leaf.
2. Pour in the chicken broth over all ingredients.
3. Place a lid on top of the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook on Low

1. Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook for 6 hours.

Step 4: Thicken the Stew

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together almond milk (or chosen milk) and cornstarch until smooth.
2. After 6 hours of cooking time is nearly up, pour this mixture into your slow cooker.
3. Stir everything well and cover again.

Step 5: Final Cooking Phase

1. Switch your slow cooker to HIGH and cook for an additional 30–45 minutes until thickened.

Step 6: Serve

1. Season with black pepper to taste before serving.
2. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Stew!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Stew can elevate your meal experience. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various sides and garnishes, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or cozy dinners.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness.
• Thyme: A sprinkle of fresh thyme enhances the herbal notes of the stew.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping into the rich broth.
• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread complements the flavors beautifully.

Enjoy with a Salad

• Mixed Greens: A light mixed greens salad balances the hearty stew.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad can add a crunchy element to your meal.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew involves attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your stew turns out delicious every time.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables make a significant difference in flavor.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; feel free to add more herbs or spices based on your preference.
• Layer Ingredients Properly: Place denser vegetables like potatoes at the bottom and lighter ones on top for even cooking.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allow the stew to rest for a few minutes before serving, which helps the flavors meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew can enhance the overall meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious contrast to the creamy stew.
2. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad adds a nutty flavor and extra texture.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring an earthy taste that complements the stew.
4. Mashed Cauliflower: Creamy mashed cauliflower offers a low-carb alternative that pairs nicely with chicken stew.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful touch that balances savory flavors.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Baked sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and are easy to prepare alongside the stew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a slow cooker can be simple, but common mistakes can ruin your delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the chicken first can lead to a less flavorful stew. Always sear the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker for deeper flavor.
• Overfilling the slow cooker: Filling it too high can prevent even cooking. Stick to a 2/3 full limit for best results.
• Ignoring ingredient sizes: Cutting vegetables and meats into uneven sizes can lead to inconsistent cooking. Cut all ingredients into uniform pieces for even tenderness.
• Not using enough liquid: Insufficient broth can result in dry stew. Ensure you use the recommended amount of chicken broth for moisture.
• Cooking on high too long: Cooking on high for extended periods can result in tough meat. If you’re short on time, try adjusting the cooking duration instead.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew creamy?

The addition of almond milk and cornstarch gives this stew its creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free.

Can I customize the vegetables in my Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or swap out vegetables like peas, green beans, or sweet potatoes based on your preferences.

How do I ensure my Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses cornstarch instead of flour as a thickener. Always check labels on ingredients like broth for any hidden gluten.

How long does this Slow Cooker Chicken Stew take to prepare?

The total cooking time is about 6 hours on low followed by an additional 30-45 minutes on high after adding the milk mixture.

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is perfect for chilly days, combining hearty ingredients into a comforting meal. Its versatility allows you to customize flavors and ingredients according to your taste. Give it a try – you’ll love how easy and delicious it is!