Description

This Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the perfect comfort food for cozy weeknight dinners. Tender chicken thighs simmer with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes in a flavorful broth infused with garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. This easy-to-make stew requires minimal prep and utilizes a slow cooker to develop rich flavors over several hours, making it an ideal wholesome meal for the entire family.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 pound Skinless Chicken Thighs (or breasts for a leaner option)

Vegetables

3 medium Carrots (diced)
2 stalks Celery (diced)
1 medium Onion (yellow or sweet, diced)
2 cups Potatoes (chopped)
3 cloves Minced Garlic (or substitute with garlic powder)

Herbs & Seasonings

2 leaves Bay Leaves
1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon Pepper (adjust to taste)

Liquids & Thickening

4 cups Chicken Broth (or vegetable broth)
2 tablespoons Flour (optional for thickening)

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Instructions

Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken pieces until they achieve a golden brown color on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and improves texture.
Prepare Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared chicken pieces into your slow cooker. Add the diced carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves on top of the chicken.
Season the Stew: Sprinkle the dried thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Gently stir to combine without breaking the chicken pieces.
Add Broth and Flour: Pour in the chicken broth ensuring that all ingredients are covered. If you prefer a thicker stew, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir gently to integrate.
Cook the Stew: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking method allows flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, ladle the hot stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm to enjoy the comforting flavors fully.

Notes

Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner version.
The optional flour helps thicken the stew; alternatively, you can use cornstarch or a slurry.
Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans in the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
Adjust salt and pepper according to taste especially if using homemade broth.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.