Description
A comforting slow cooker chicken stew with tender, juicy chicken and rich, savory broth, perfect for busy weekends and lazy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced (about 10.5 oz)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 5.3 oz)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 5.3 oz)
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (about 14 oz)
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1 teaspoon salt)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
- While the chicken browns, peel and chop carrots, celery, potatoes, and onion. Mince garlic. Prep mushrooms or parsnips if using.
- Place browned chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add chopped vegetables on top.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Add thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours without lifting the lid.
- After 6 hours, remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- If adding peas, stir them in now and cook on high for another 30 minutes.
- Ladle stew into bowls and serve. Optionally serve with crusty bread or a green salad.
Notes
Browning the chicken before slow cooking adds flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy. Use chicken thighs for best results; breasts tend to dry out. If stew is too watery, cook uncovered on high for last 30 minutes or thicken with cornstarch slurry. Add peas in last 30 minutes for color and sweetness. This recipe is naturally gluten-free if gluten-free broth is used and dumplings are avoided.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Protein: 30
Keywords: slow cooker chicken stew, chicken stew recipe, easy chicken stew, slow cooker recipes, comfort food, hearty stew