Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for busy days. Tender chunks of chicken cook slowly with fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a flavorful and satisfying stew. Easy to prepare and ideal for serving with crusty bread or rice, this gluten-free recipe is a wholesome dinner option that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Herbs
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Gather and chop all vegetables and cut the chicken into chunks. Mince the garlic and chop the onion to get everything ready for cooking.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, garlic, and canned diced tomatoes with their juice into the slow cooker. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Cook the Stew: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 7–8 hours or on high heat for 4–5 hours. The stew is done when the chicken is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked through.
- Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of the cooking time. This will allow the stew to thicken without lumps.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, remove the bay leaf from the stew. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the hot stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, brown the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- You can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a sweeter twist on the stew.
- This stew freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping and future easy dinners.
