Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Easy Family Dinner Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of a comforting meal that’s ready to serve. This slow cooker chicken stew stands out for its ease of preparation, making it a go-to option for busy parents and working professionals who want a wholesome dinner without much effort. You’ll appreciate how the slow cooking process infuses every bite with rich flavors from simple ingredients, turning basic items into a hearty dish that satisfies the whole family.

Health benefits are another reason this recipe shines, as it’s packed with lean protein from chicken, fresh vegetables, and essential herbs that deliver vitamins and minerals. For instance, the stew includes carrots and potatoes that boost your intake of fiber and nutrients, supporting balanced eating for diet-conscious individuals and seniors. Plus, with just 532 calories per serving, it fits into various dietary plans while offering 32 grams of protein to keep you full and energized.

Its versatility allows for easy adaptations, whether you’re catering to vegan preferences or gluten-free needs, without losing that distinctive flavor. Slow cooking melds spices and natural juices, creating a savory taste that’s far from ordinary and perfect for food enthusiasts looking to experiment. This stew not only simplifies meal prep but also pairs well with sides like egg noodles or rice, making it a flexible favorite for any occasion.

Nutritional Highlights

To give you a clear picture, here’s a quick overview of the nutritional information per serving in a simple table:

As you can see, this stew provides a balanced mix of macros and micros, making it a smart choice for everyday meals.

Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating a delicious slow cooker chicken stew that everyone will enjoy. These items come together to build a flavorful base that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare. Below is a complete list of everything you’ll need, ensuring you have precise measurements for accurate results.

• 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced (Russet, red, Yukon gold, or fingerlings)
• 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (can substitute soy sauce or tamari)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or milk of choice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot for slurry

This list covers all the essentials for a full-flavored stew, with options for substitutions to fit different diets. For example, if you’re aiming for a gluten-free version, choose tamari instead of soy sauce.

How to Prepare the Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Stew: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with this slow cooker chicken stew is straightforward and rewarding. Begin by preparing your ingredients to make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s how to put it all together for a meal that cooks itself while you handle other tasks.

1. Season the 1.5 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until cooked through, which takes about 5 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker for that extra flavor boost.
2. Add the chopped 3 carrots, 1 onion, 5 garlic cloves, and 2 peeled and diced potatoes to the slow cooker along with 2 tablespoons of coconut aminos, 1 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon rosemary, 1 bay leaf, and 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth. Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours to let the flavors meld.
3. Near the end of the cooking time, whisk together 1 cup of milk or milk of choice with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot to create a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker. Switch to High and cook for an additional 30 to 45 minutes to thicken the stew.
4. Finally, season with black pepper to taste, stir gently, and serve hot. This method ensures a tender, flavorful result with minimal hands-on time just about 10 minutes of prep before letting the slow cooker do the work.

Remember, the total cooking time is around 7 hours and 10 minutes, including thickening. For more tips on meal prep, check out our easy meal prep guide to streamline your routine.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Making adjustments to this slow cooker chicken stew is simple and fun, allowing you to tailor it to your needs. Whether you’re vegan or watching your calories, swapping ingredients keeps the dish delicious and versatile. Here are some easy changes to consider based on common preferences.

• For a vegan twist, replace the 1.5 lb of chicken thighs with plant-based options like chickpeas or tofu to maintain that protein punch.
• If you’re aiming for gluten-free, ensure your coconut aminos or substitutes are certified gluten-free, as mentioned in the ingredients list.
• To reduce calories, swap potatoes with lighter veggies; this keeps the stew hearty without adding extra weight to your meal plan.

These modifications, such as using almond milk instead of regular milk, help adapt the recipe for various diets while preserving its core flavors.

Mastering Slow Cooker Chicken Stew: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, take your slow cooker chicken stew to the next level with these pro tips. Browning the chicken before adding it to the cooker, for instance, enhances flavor and keeps it tender, though it’s optional if you’re short on time. You can also experiment with adding elements like a splash of white wine for deeper notes or fresh herbs for extra aroma.

For presentation, serve in bowls and top with chopped parsley to make it visually appealing. If you’re prepping ahead, prepare the chicken and vegetables separately and refrigerate them; this makes assembly quick and easy. Additionally, this recipe works in an electric pressure cooker or on the stovetop with adjusted times, offering more flexibility for busy schedules.

Don’t forget, pairing the stew with sides like cauliflower rice can make it even more versatile for different meals throughout the week.

How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Stew: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your slow cooker chicken stew fresh and tasty for later. After cooking, let it cool and store in sealed containers in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight bags for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight before reheating.

When reheating, use a stove or microwave and add a bit of broth or milk if it thickens. This approach helps maintain the stew’s texture and flavor, making it ideal for meal prep. For working professionals, portioning into single-serve containers ensures quick, grab-and-go options.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

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🍗 Enjoy a wholesome and comforting chicken stew that’s perfect for easy family dinners.
🥕 Packed with hearty vegetables and tender chicken, it’s ideal for nourishing meals with minimal effort.

• Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

– 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 3 carrots, chopped

– 1 onion, chopped

– 5 garlic cloves, chopped

– 2 potatoes, peeled and diced (Russet, red, Yukon gold, or fingerlings)

– 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (can substitute soy sauce or tamari)

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 3/4 teaspoon oregano

– 1/2 teaspoon rosemary

– 1 bay leaf

– 2 1/2 cups chicken broth

– 1 cup milk or milk of choice

– 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot for slurry

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Instructions

1-Season the 1.5 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until cooked through, which takes about 5 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker for that extra flavor boost.

2-Add the chopped 3 carrots, 1 onion, 5 garlic cloves, and 2 peeled and diced potatoes to the slow cooker along with 2 tablespoons of coconut aminos, 1 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon rosemary, 1 bay leaf, and 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth. Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours to let the flavors meld.

3-Near the end of the cooking time, whisk together 1 cup of milk or milk of choice with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot to create a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker. Switch to High and cook for an additional 30 to 45 minutes to thicken the stew.

4-Finally, season with black pepper to taste, stir gently, and serve hot. This method ensures a tender, flavorful result with minimal hands-on time just about 10 minutes of prep before letting the slow cooker do the work.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍳 Browning the chicken adds extra flavor and helps keep it tender but is optional.
🕒 Use leftover cooked chicken by adding it about 1 hour before the end of cooking.
⚖️ Adjust salt according to your chicken broth’s sodium; taste before adding more.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Slow Cooker Time: 6 hours on Low plus 30 to 45 minutes on High for thickening
• Cook Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 532 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1540 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 167 mg