Description
A warm, hearty dish made with tender chicken thighs, vegetables, and herbs, this Slow-Cooker Chicken Stew is rich, comforting, and perfect for any day you need a cozy bowl of goodness.
Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: 2 pounds – juicy, flavorful, and perfect for long cooking.
- Carrots: 4 large, sliced – bring sweetness and heartiness.
- Celery Stalks: 3, chopped – add savory backbone and crunch.
- Yellow Potatoes: 4 medium, cubed – creamy and naturally thickening.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large, diced – builds flavor base.
- Garlic Cloves: 4, minced – aromatic richness in every bite.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons – adds depth and umami.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups – the savory foundation of the stew.
- Bay Leaves: 2 – infuse subtle herbal notes.
- Thyme (dried): 1 teaspoon – earthy and comforting.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon – adds warmth and slight smokiness.
- Salt & Pepper: to taste – essential for flavor balance.
- Cornstarch + Water: 2 tablespoons each – to thicken if needed at the end.
- Fresh Parsley: for garnish – brightens and freshens up the dish.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Set your slow cooker to low or high depending on your schedule. Optional: heat a skillet over medium heat for searing.
- Combine Ingredients: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. If searing, brown on both sides for 2–3 minutes per side in olive oil, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Add carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Top with tomato paste, broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir gently to combine.
- Assemble the Dish: Nestle the browned (or raw) chicken into the mixture. Cover with lid.
- Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until chicken is tender and vegetables are soft. If desired, stir together cornstarch and water, then add in last 30 minutes to thicken.
- Finishing Touches: Discard bay leaves. Shred or chop chicken into chunks. Stir, taste, and adjust seasoning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with warm bread or over rice.
Notes
- Brown chicken before slow cooking for deeper flavor.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
- Stir in a splash of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
- Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy meals.