Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe: The Ultimate Saturday Evening Meal
Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe: The Ultimate Saturday Evening Meal
There’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm, comforting bowl of chicken stew after a long day. This simple slow cooker chicken stew recipe is the perfect solution for busy Saturdays when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this crockpot chicken stew will become your new go-to comfort food.
The beauty of this stew recipe crockpot style is how it transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary. Tender chicken pieces meld with savory vegetables in a rich broth that develops incredible depth of flavor over several hours of slow cooking. It’s the ideal stewed chicken in crockpot that fills your home with wonderful aromas and delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping all your vegetables and cutting the chicken into uniform pieces. This ensures everything cooks evenly and creates the perfect texture for your chicken casserole recipes slow cooker style.
Step 2: Layer in Slow Cooker
Place the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes in the bottom of your crockpot. Add the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. This layering technique helps the chicken stay moist while allowing the vegetables to cook in the flavorful juices.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Liquid
Mix the tomato paste with the chicken broth and pour over the chicken and vegetables. Add the minced garlic, thyme, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Cook Slowly
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer, slower cooking on low setting yields the most tender results for this slow cook chicken casserole.
Step 5: Thicken the Stew
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew to thicken the broth. Add the frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the bay leaf and serve your delicious chicken stews and casseroles creation hot. It’s perfect with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
Expert Tips
Choose the Right Cut: Chicken thighs work beautifully in slow cooker chicken recipes because they stay moist and tender during long cooking times. Breast meat can be used but may require less cooking time.
Don’t Overfill: Make sure your crockpot is no more than â…” full to allow proper cooking and circulation of heat.
Brown for Extra Flavor: For even deeper flavor, consider browning the chicken pieces in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker. This step adds rich color and taste.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, sweet potatoes, or green beans to customize your crockpot chicken ideas simple to your taste preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase cooking time by 1-2 hours and make sure the chicken is fully cooked through before serving.
How long does this stew keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze this chicken stew?
Absolutely! This stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What if my stew is too thin?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the hot stew. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
This simple slow cooker chicken stew recipe proves that the best Saturday evening meals don’t require complicated techniques or hours of active cooking time. With these easy crockpot chicken ideas simple enough for any home cook, you’ll have a comforting, family-friendly meal ready when you need it most.
Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe: The Ultimate Saturday Evening Meal
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping all your vegetables and cutting the chicken into uniform pieces. This ensures everything cooks evenly and creates the perfect texture for your chicken casserole recipes slow cooker style.
- Layer in Slow Cooker: Place the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes in the bottom of your crockpot. Add the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. This layering technique helps the chicken stay moist while allowing the vegetables to cook in the flavorful juices.
- Add Seasonings and Liquid: Mix the tomato paste with the chicken broth and pour over the chicken and vegetables. Add the minced garlic, thyme, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer, slower cooking on low setting yields the most tender results for this slow cook chicken casserole.
- Thicken the Stew: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew to thicken the broth. Add the frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the bay leaf and serve your delicious chicken stews and casseroles creation hot. It’s perfect with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
