Crock Pot Chicken Stew is the ultimate one-pot meal to cozy up with on a chilly evening. Packed with tender chunks of chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this stew is as easy to prepare as it is delicious.
Why Crock Pot Chicken Stew is a Must-Try
Chicken stew in a crock pot is the epitome of convenience and comfort. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something nourishing without standing over the stove. The crock pot does all the heavy lifting, slowly cooking your ingredients to meld the flavors beautifully.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Stew
- Use dark meat chicken: While chicken breasts work, thighs remain moist and tender after long cooking times.
- Layer strategically: Place hearty vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom, as they take longer to cook.
- Don’t skip the sear (optional): Browning the chicken and sautéing the onions beforehand can add extra depth of flavor.
- Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, use less broth or add a thickener like cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
Variations to Suit Every Taste
- Creamy Chicken Stew: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
- Spicy Stew: Add a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Low-carb version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips.
- Herbal twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or parsley instead of rosemary and thyme.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Stew
This stew is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right side can elevate your dining experience:
- Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Rice or noodles: Serve over a bed of rice or egg noodles for a heartier option.
- Side salad: A fresh green salad balances the stew’s richness.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Stew
Storing:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Let the stew cool completely before freezing.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Warm in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the stew thickened too much during storage.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the chicken first for even cooking. Cooking frozen chicken in a crock pot may lead to uneven temperatures and unsafe cooking practices.
How can I make the stew gluten-free?
Simply use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend as a thickener instead of regular flour.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Parsnips, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
To make it keto-friendly, skip the potatoes and replace them with low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini.
Crock Pot Chicken Stew
Crock Pot Chicken Stew is the ultimate one-pot meal to cozy up with on a chilly evening. Packed with tender chunks of chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this stew is as easy to prepare as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet onions, 3 celery stalks, 4 carrots, 2 russet potatoes, 2 garlic cloves (minced).
- 1 bay leaf, 3 sprigs thyme (or 1 tsp dried), 2 sprigs rosemary (or 1 tsp dried), ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp poultry seasoning.
- 3-4 lbs bone-in breasts or thighs (skin removed).
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water (adjust as needed).
- Kosher salt, ground black pepper.
- Chopped fresh parsley.
Instructions
- Add onions, celery, carrots, potatoes, garlic, and seasonings (bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, paprika, poultry seasoning, and 1 tsp salt) to your crock pot. Stir to combine.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then lay it on top of the veggies.
- Pour in chicken broth, cover, and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, remove the chicken, shred or chop it, and discard the bones. Return the meat to the pot.
- Whisk cornstarch and cold water into a smooth slurry. Stir it into the stew and cook uncovered on HIGH for another 30 minutes, or until the broth thickens.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1038Total Fat: 63gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 44gCholesterol: 581mgSodium: 859mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 109g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Chicken Stew is a versatile, nourishing, and simple dish that anyone can master. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with variations, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. The best part? Your home will be filled with the inviting aroma of a home-cooked meal as the crock pot works its magic. Happy cooking!
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