Can I use frozen chicken in Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs in this recipe. However, keep in mind that it might take a little longer for the chicken to cook thoroughly. It’s best to cook it on the high setting for 4-5 hours if you are using frozen chicken.

Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. It can also be stored as leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I make this stew in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can. To make this in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, use the "Pressure Cook" setting for about 10-12 minutes with the same ingredients. Ensure to let the pressure release naturally for a tender result.

How do I thicken my Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?

If your stew is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water (about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also mash some of the potatoes in the stew to naturally thicken the broth.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew: Easy Recipe for Busy Nights

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487487H48M51S
Total time: PT-487487H48M51S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Chicken Breast or Thighs (1.5 lbs): A lean protein that’s full of flavor and adds heartiness to the stew.; Carrots (2 large): Provides a natural sweetness and vibrant color.; Celery (2 stalks): Adds a crunchy texture and subtle flavor that complements the other vegetables.; Potatoes (3 medium): They thicken the stew and absorb all the delicious flavors as they cook.; Onion (1 large): Adds savory depth and aromatic sweetness to the stew base.; Garlic (3 cloves): Offers rich, aromatic flavor that brings the dish to life.; Chicken Broth (4 cups): The base liquid that enriches the flavors and gives the stew its comforting consistency.; Herbs (1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp rosemary): These herbs add an earthy and aromatic essence that elevates the dish.; Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the stew.

Description

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the perfect meal for busy weekdays or chilly weekends. Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and savory broth, this one-pot dish is both easy to prepare and full of nutrients. It requires less than 10 minutes of prep time and is easily customizable to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Chicken Breast or Thighs (1.5 lbs): A lean protein that’s full of flavor and adds heartiness to the stew.
Carrots (2 large): Provides a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Celery (2 stalks): Adds a crunchy texture and subtle flavor that complements the other vegetables.
Potatoes (3 medium): They thicken the stew and absorb all the delicious flavors as they cook.
Onion (1 large): Adds savory depth and aromatic sweetness to the stew base.
Garlic (3 cloves): Offers rich, aromatic flavor that brings the dish to life.
Chicken Broth (4 cups): The base liquid that enriches the flavors and gives the stew its comforting consistency.
Herbs (1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp rosemary): These herbs add an earthy and aromatic essence that elevates the dish.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the stew.

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Instructions

Prepare the ingredients by dicing the carrots, celery, potatoes, and onions into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.
Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add the diced vegetables, garlic, and herbs on top of the chicken.
Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the ingredients are well-covered with liquid. Season with salt and pepper.
Set your slow cooker on low and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Once the stew is ready, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.

Notes

Avoid overcooking the chicken by checking for doneness early if you are using the high setting.
For extra creaminess, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end of cooking.
To enhance the flavors, let the stew sit for a few minutes after cooking and before serving to allow the flavors to fully meld together.
If the stew is too thick, you can add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg