Slow Cooker Chicken Stew: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite! 🍲 Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite! 🍲 to wrap you in a blanket of flavors on a chilly day. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that simmers to perfection in your crockpot. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress at a family gathering, this recipe fits the bill with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

For busy individuals craving easy crockpot dinners or lazy dinner ideas quick easy, this stew is a lifesaver. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and by evening, you’ll have a delicious, home-cooked meal waiting for you. It’s one of those crockpot recipes easy that doesn’t skimp on taste or nutrition, making it a go-to for anyone seeking comfort dishes with a healthy twist.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create this delightful slow cooker soup. From the essential ingredients to step-by-step preparation, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of chicken crockpot recipes and discover why this stew is a must-try for your next meal!

Recipe Overview

Cuisine: American
Category: Main Dish, Soup
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8

What You’ll Need

To whip up this crockpot chicken stew, you’ll need a mix of simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create a symphony of flavors. The chicken provides a hearty protein base, while a medley of vegetables adds texture, color, and nutrients. A blend of herbs and spices infuses the broth with warmth, and a touch of starch helps thicken the stew for that perfect consistency. This combination makes it one of the best crockpot soup recipes for a fulfilling meal.

Using a slow cooker is key to achieving tender, melt-in-your-mouth results with minimal hands-on time. The low and slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making this an ideal choice for lazy dinners crockpot style. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner looking for crockpot recipes slow cooker friendly, this dish requires no fancy equipment beyond your trusty crockpot.

Gather these fresh essentials for a hearty slow cooker chicken stew

INGREDIENTS

• – 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• – 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
• – 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• – 3 large carrots, sliced into rounds
• – 2 stalks celery, chopped
• – 1 medium onion, diced
• – 2 cloves garlic, minced
• – 1 cup frozen peas (add at the end)
• – 1 tsp dried thyme
• – 1 tsp dried rosemary
• – 1 bay leaf
• – 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• – 1/4 tsp black pepper
• – 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• – 2 tbsp water (if using cornstarch)

PREPARATION

1. Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces if not already done, and dice the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic for a burst of flavor.
2. Place the chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into your slow cooker. Pour the 4 cups of chicken broth over the ingredients until they are mostly submerged.
3. Add the seasonings: sprinkle in the 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp rosemary, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Drop in the bay leaf for an extra layer of aroma.
4. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are soft.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the 1 cup of frozen peas. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew to thicken.
6. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or on its own for a satisfying meal!

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: 320 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg (varies with broth used)

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Results

When making crockpot dishes like this chicken stew, avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking as it releases heat and can extend the cooking time. If you’re short on time, opt for the high setting, but remember that the low setting often yields more tender results for chicken crockpot recipes.

Customizing Your Stew

One of the beauties of crock pot soup is its versatility. Swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor, or add in greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrition. For a creamy twist, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk near the end of cooking.

Storing and Reheating

This slow cooker soup stores wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Health Benefits of This Dish

Packed with lean protein from chicken and a variety of vegetables, this stew is a nutritious option for those seeking healthy crockpot meals. The broth-based recipe keeps the calorie count reasonable while providing essential vitamins and minerals for a balanced diet.

Pairing Suggestions

Elevate your dinner recipes crockpot experience by serving this stew with a side of crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad can also complement the richness of this comfort dish for a well-rounded meal.

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

Using a slow cooker for crock pot cooking not only saves time but also enhances flavors as ingredients simmer together for hours. It’s an ideal method for lazy dinners crockpot style, allowing you to set it and forget it while you go about your day.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use frozen chicken for this stew?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this crockpot chicken recipe. There’s no need to thaw it first; just add it directly to the slow cooker. However, you may need to extend the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on low to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.

Can I make this stew on the stovetop instead?

Absolutely! If you don’t have time for crockpot recipes slow cooker style, you can simmer this stew on the stovetop. Use a large pot, bring the ingredients to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally until the chicken and vegetables are tender.

How do I prevent the stew from becoming too watery?

If your crock pot soup turns out too watery, you can thicken it by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water as mentioned in the recipe. Alternatively, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This slow cooker chicken stew is perfect for meal prep. Portion it into containers for quick easy crockpot dinners throughout the week. It reheats well and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Can I add other vegetables to this stew?

Of course! Feel free to experiment with whatever vegetables you have on hand for your crockpot soup recipes. Green beans, corn, or even mushrooms can be great additions. Just be mindful of cooking times—add quicker-cooking veggies like peas or greens toward the end.

Savor the warmth of slow cooker chicken stew on a chilly day