Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers a rich, comforting stew without the hassle of hours spent in the kitchen. The slow cooker does most of the work while you relax, and the result is a stew with layers of flavor from perfectly cooked chicken, creamy broth, and hearty vegetables. It’s a versatile, filling meal that can be made ahead and enjoyed as leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- Carrots
- Peas
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth (store-bought or homemade)
- All-purpose flour
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh rosemary
- Bay leaf
- Milk (or a dairy-free alternative like almond or soy milk)
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
- Brown the chicken in a pan until golden brown on all sides. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- Coat the browned chicken in flour and sprinkle with thyme and rosemary.
- Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker along with the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth, then add salt and pepper.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir in the milk and peas, then cook for another 10-15 minutes on high.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes (on low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (on high)
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond or soy milk in place of regular milk.
- Add Veggies: Include celery or other root vegetables for added texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- To Store: Let the stew cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To Freeze: Once cooled, store the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Reheat in a pot on the stove or microwave. If frozen, allow it to thaw completely before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but chicken thighs provide more flavor and tend to stay juicier.
Can I make this stew without browning the chicken?
While browning the chicken enhances the flavor, it’s safe to skip this step if you’re short on time.
Can I speed up the cooking time?
You can cook the stew on high for 3-4 hours instead of 7-8 hours on low to cut the cooking time in half.
How do I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?
If your stew isn’t thick enough, you can add more flour, cornstarch, or allow it to cook uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
Can I make this stew in advance?
Yes! This stew actually tastes better the longer it sits, making it a great option for meal prep or make-ahead meals.
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes, the stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Just allow it to cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container.
Can I use other vegetables?
Definitely! You can add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for a different flavor profile.
Is this stew good for meal prepping?
Yes, it stores well and makes for great leftovers. You can freeze portions for later as well.
Can I make this stew in a regular pot?
Yes, you can cook this stew on the stove in a large pot. Just simmer for a few hours until the chicken is tender.
Can I add more herbs?
Feel free to experiment with additional herbs like parsley or sage for more depth of flavor.
Conclusion
This slow cooker chicken stew is the perfect cozy meal for any occasion. It’s simple to make, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a comforting dish to enjoy with family, this stew will satisfy your cravings and keep you warm.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. Tender chicken, creamy broth, and a variety of wholesome vegetables make this stew filling and delicious. With the ease of a slow cooker, you can prepare a meal that’s rich in flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. Ideal for meal prep or a family dinner, this stew tastes even better as leftovers, and you can adjust the recipe for dietary needs like gluten-free or dairy-free. Perfect for those who love hearty, nutritious, and flavorful dishes.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- Carrots
- Peas
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth (store-bought or homemade)
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh rosemary
- Bay leaf
- Milk (or almond/soy milk for dairy-free)
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: In a pan, heat olive oil and brown the chicken thighs on all sides until golden. This step enhances the chicken’s flavor.
- Coat Chicken: Sprinkle the browned chicken with flour and fresh thyme and rosemary.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Add potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker. Place the chicken on top, pour in chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
- Add Milk and Peas: Stir in milk and peas, cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes on high.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-Free: Opt for almond or soy milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version.
- Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or parsnips for more flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food, Stews
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
