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For a hearty slow cooker chicken stew, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 2 medium potatoes, diced - 1 onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients work together to create a warm and filling dish. The chicken thighs make the stew tender. Carrots and potatoes add comfort. The green beans bring color and crunch. You can add more flavors or nutrients to your stew. Here are some optional ingredients: - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Celery, chopped (for extra crunch) - Peas (for sweetness) Adding cornstarch thickens the stew, making it heartier. Fresh parsley adds a fresh taste and looks nice on top. Celery and peas give more texture and flavor. If you have dietary needs, you can swap out some ingredients. Here are a few ideas: - Use chicken breast instead of thighs for lower fat. - Replace potatoes with sweet potatoes for added sweetness. - Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. These substitutions help you enjoy the stew while meeting your needs. Always consider what flavors you love when making swaps. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 2 medium potatoes, diced - 1 onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) First, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and clear, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds flavor to your stew. Next, transfer the cooked onion and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the chicken thighs, carrots, potatoes, and green beans. Pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper over everything. Stir gently to mix the ingredients. You can cook the stew in two ways: low and slow or high and quick. If you choose low, set your slow cooker to cook for 6-8 hours. This method lets the flavors blend nicely. If you're in a hurry, set it to high for 3-4 hours. Both methods will give you tender chicken and tasty veggies. After cooking, the chicken should be very tender. Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. This makes it easy to mix in with the stew. If you want a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with a bit of water. Add this slurry to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir it well to avoid lumps. Now, you’re ready to serve your hearty chicken stew. Enjoy it hot and warm, topped with fresh parsley! To make the best chicken stew, start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tenderness. Cut carrots and potatoes into even pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step builds flavor. Cook on low for a long time. This allows the flavors to blend well. Taste your stew before serving. You may want to add more salt or pepper. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs can also enhance the flavor. Add them near the end of cooking for the best taste. Remember, start with a little seasoning. You can always add more later. Leftovers from your chicken stew can be a great meal. Store any extra stew in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. When you reheat, add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Leftover stew can become a base for a new dish, like a chicken pot pie. Pro Tips Brown the Chicken: For added depth of flavor, brown the chicken thighs in the skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This caramelization enhances the overall taste of the stew. Use Fresh Herbs: While dried thyme works well, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary towards the end of cooking for a burst of fresh flavor. Customize Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Adding bell peppers or peas can add extra color and nutrients. Make it Ahead: This stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove for an easy meal. {{image_2}} You can change the stew by adding more vegetables. Try adding peas, corn, or bell peppers for a twist. Each veggie brings its own flavor and texture. You can also use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones. This change adds a natural sweetness. Don't be afraid to mix and match. Just chop them into similar sizes for even cooking. To switch up the taste, play with herbs and spices. You can add rosemary or oregano for a fresh taste. If you want a kick, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes. For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. These changes make your stew unique and exciting. Taste as you go to find what you love best. If you prefer a creamy stew, it is easy to make. Near the end of cooking, stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk. This adds richness and smoothness. You can also mix in cream cheese for a thicker texture. If you want it even creamier, use a bit of cornstarch. Mix it with cold water before adding to the stew. This gives it a nice, velvety finish. Enjoy this comforting twist! To store leftover chicken stew, let it cool first. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure it is sealed tightly. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, freezing is a great option. Freezing chicken stew is easy. Pour the cooled stew into freezer bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal them well, then label with the date. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. When reheating chicken stew, use a pot on the stove for best results. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring often. This helps it warm evenly. If it seems thick, add a splash of broth or water. You can also use a microwave but stir halfway through to heat it evenly. Enjoy your tasty stew again! It takes about 6 to 8 hours on low heat. If you choose high heat, it takes 3 to 4 hours. This long cooking time allows the flavors to blend well and makes the chicken very tender. Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the slow cooker. However, I recommend adding extra cooking time. Make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. This helps keep the stew safe and tasty. Chicken stew pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh salad. A slice of warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the stew. These choices add flavor and make the meal heartier. Yes, it is safe to leave your slow cooker on overnight. Just make sure the cooker is on a stable surface and the lid is secure. This way, you can wake up to a warm, delicious meal ready to enjoy. In this article, we explored how to make a delicious slow cooker chicken stew. We covered essential and optional ingredients, along with tips for prep, cooking, and seasoning. You also learned about fun variations and how to store leftovers. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite. Making this stew can be easy and rewarding. Enjoy sharing this dish with family and friends, knowing it will warm their hearts. Your cooking confidence will grow with each try. Happy cooking!

Comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

A hearty and delicious chicken stew cooked slowly for maximum flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 4 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 piece onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the chicken thighs, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and green beans into the slow cooker.
  • Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker, then sprinkle the thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • When cooking time is complete, shred the chicken with two forks and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Enjoy this delicious, hearty stew served with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal!
Keyword chicken stew, comfort food, slow cooker