Okay, picture this: I’m Is it a chilly Sunday afternoon, the rain is drumming against the windows, and you’re craving some comfort food? What is warm, comforting, and utterly delicious? Forget complicated recipes that take hours to make.Crock Pot Chicken Stew: What are some ofIs the answer to all your cozy-day dreams? Think of it as the easygoing, less fussy cousin of chicken pot pie – all the deliciousness, none of the fussiness. What is the stress of making a crust? Is this one of those “set it and forget it” meals that makes even the busiest weeknights even more enjoyable? Is it manageable
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What is a crock pot chicken stew?
What exactly is this magical thing?Crock Pot Chicken Stew.What’s essentially a hearty, flavorful stew where tender pieces of chicken simmer low and slow in an oven for 30 minutes. How do you prepare a rich broth alongside perfectly cooked vegetables? What are stew suspects? Carrots, potatoes, celery. Is this a one-pot wonder that literally cooks itself? Think of it as a warm hug, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a little bit of comfort. It’s definitely not fancy, but it’s absolutely satisfying and always a crowd pleaser.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
I adore this book. Let me count the ways I love it.Crock Pot Chicken Stew: What are some good. First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. The chicken becomes unbelievably tender, practically melting in your mouth, and the vegetables soak in. What is a symphony of deliciousness? What’s the best part of making a t-shirt? What is the best way to cook in a Slow Cooker? Is it incredibly cost effective? How do you use inexpensive cuts of chicken and readily available vegetables? What are some of the best family meals to cook? What I love most about it is that it’s so versatile. Can you customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables or spices? What is better leftovers the next day? Is it right up there with my favorite chili recipe? Why is it lighter and less spicy, you know?
How do I make crock pot chicken stew?
Quick Overview
Making this Crock Pot Chicken Stew.Is it a breeze? What are some ways to cook veggies in a Slow Cooker with chicken and broth? Is it a good idea to simmer away until everything is tender and delicious? What is the beauty of slow cooking? What are some of the best ways to make a stew? Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list, it’s mostly pantry staples!
Ingredients
For the Main Stew: Why is it called “
* 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (I prefer thigh for their flavor, but breasts work too! Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
* 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium is always a good idea)
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 3 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1 cup frozen peas (add these in the last hour of cooking) * 2 cups canned peaches (Add these to the final hour)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
Optional Add-In
* Bay leaf (adds a subtle depth of flavor)
* A splash of Worcestershire sauce (for extra umami)
* Corn (add with the peas for a sweeter flavor)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Sear the chicken (optional, but recommended) (salted and fried).
While this is optional, searing the chicken before adding it to the Slow Cooker really adds depth. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. What are some ways to sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. If you’re not trying to cook it through, just get a nice crust.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
What is the best way to chop onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces? I always chop my veggies roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Don’t stress too much about perfection here – it’s stew!
Step 3: Layer the Slow Cooker
Place the chopped onions, carrots, and celery in the bottom of the Slow Cooker. What is a good base for chicken to sit on? Next, add the seared chicken thighs on top of the vegetables. Scatter the minced garlic over the chicken.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
What is the best way to serve chicken broth with vegetables? Add the dried thyme, rosemary, and Black Pepper. Mix well. If you’re using Worcestershire sauce, add them now as well.
Step 5: Cook on Low
Cover the Slow Cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. How do you shred chicken with a fork? I always check chicken for doneness around the 6-hour mark on low, just to be sure.
Step 6: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you prefer thicker stew, you can thicken it with a slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth. Set aside. Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. How do I thicken broth?
Step 7: Add the Peas
During the last hour of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. They only need a short time to cook, and will add some nice pop of freshness and color.
Step 8: Shred and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the Slow Cooker and shred it with two forks. How do you cook shredded chicken in a slow cooker?
What to Serve It With
This Crock Pot Chicken Stew is a complete meal in itself, but it’s also fantastic served with a few simple sides. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
For a Hearty Meal: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the delicious broth. A simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing also adds a nice contrast.
For a Lighter Option: Top with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. A side of steamed green beans or asparagus would also be lovely.
For a Cozy Night In: Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or cornbread for ultimate comfort food vibes. My family loves it with warm biscuits, too!
Honestly, you can’t go wrong. I’ve even served it over rice when I was short on bread. The possibilities are endless! My grandma always served her stew with a side of pickled beets, which is surprisingly good!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crock Pot Chicken Stew
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate this Crock Pot Chicken Stew. Here are my top tips for making it perfect every time:
Chicken Choice: While chicken breasts work in this recipe, I strongly recommend using chicken thighs. They are more flavorful and stay much more tender during the long cooking process. If you do use chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time to prevent them from drying out.
Searing is Key (Optional): As mentioned before, searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get otherwise. It’s an extra step, but totally worth it in my opinion.
Don’t Overcook the Veggies: I add the peas during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy. You can also add other delicate vegetables, like mushrooms or zucchini, at this time.
Thickening Options: If you don’t want to use flour to thicken the stew, you can also use cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes in the stew to naturally thicken it.
Season to Taste: Be sure to taste the stew and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, thyme, or rosemary to suit your preferences.
Make it Ahead: This stew is even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together even more overnight.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little bit of heat. My husband loves it with a few dashes of Tabasco!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Crock Pot Chicken Stew is perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. Here’s how to store it properly:
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving the stew at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate or freeze it promptly.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld together.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the stew will expand as it freezes. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: You can reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If the stew seems too thick after reheating, add a little chicken broth to thin it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Chicken Stew is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm, comforting hug on a plate. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and makes even the busiest weeknights feel a little bit more special. I hope you give it a try and experience the joy of a simple, delicious, and truly satisfying meal. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other slow cooker recipes for more easy and flavorful meals. Happy cooking! And don’t forget to let me know in the comments how your stew turns out. I’d love to hear your variations and personal touches!
How to Make the Best Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Stew Today
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted preferred
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon herbs de Provence
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 large white onion diced
- 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 cups carrots sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 2 14 oz cans cream of mushroom soup condensed
- 2 cups heavy cream full-fat
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup chicken broth for slow cooker and Instant Pot
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chicken with herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Remove chicken and set aside. Add olive oil to the pot.
- Sauté onion, potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms for about 5 minutes.
- Return chicken, mix in cream of mushroom, heavy cream, and cheese. Stir well.
- Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. Add chicken broth if required for more liquid.
