Crock Pot Chicken Stew is the ultimate cozy meal, packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, this one-pot wonder is as simple as it is satisfying.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Chicken Stew
Crockpot chicken stew is the epitome of comfort food. Here’s why it’s a favorite in many households:
- Ease of Preparation: Just toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it do the work.
- Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins from lean chicken and vegetables.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- Great for Meal Prep: Makes enough for leftovers, and it stores beautifully.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Stew
To make the best crockpot chicken stew, you’ll need:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal.
- Vegetables: A classic mix includes carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, and peas. Sweet potatoes or parsnips are great substitutes.
- Broth: Chicken broth is the base, but you can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Seasonings: Garlic, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Thickener (Optional): A slurry of cornstarch or flour for a thicker consistency.
- Optional Add-Ins: Green beans, corn, or even canned tomatoes for a twist.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Crockpot Chicken Stew
- Pre-Sear the Chicken: While optional, browning the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot deepens the flavor.
- Cut Veggies Uniformly: Ensure all vegetables are cut to a similar size to cook evenly.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave some room in the crockpot for the ingredients to simmer properly.
- Adjust Seasonings at the End: Slow cooking can mellow spices, so taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Variations of Crockpot Chicken Stew
- Creamy Version: Add 1 cup of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end for a rich, creamy texture.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for heat.
- Herby Upgrade: Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill as a garnish for added freshness.
- Mediterranean Flair: Add olives, artichoke hearts, and a splash of lemon juice.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Stew
- With Bread: Serve with a crusty baguette, dinner rolls, or garlic bread for dipping.
- Over Grains: Spoon the stew over rice, quinoa, or egg noodles for a heartier meal.
- Garnish: Top with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Chicken Stew
- In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- To Reheat: Warm in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 1-2 minute intervals.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
Yes, but ensure it cooks thoroughly, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. You may need to increase cooking time slightly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble all the ingredients in the crockpot insert the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking in the morning.
Can I add dairy to this stew?
Yes, but add it toward the end of the cooking process to prevent curdling.
What’s the best way to thicken the stew?
A cornstarch or flour slurry works best. Mash some of the potatoes directly in the crockpot for a natural thickener.
Crock Pot Chicken Stew
Crock Pot Chicken Stew is the ultimate cozy meal, packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, this one-pot wonder is as simple as it is satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb. chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 2 russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 5 garlic cloves (chopped)
- 3 carrots (chopped)
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¾ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot)
- 1 tsp salt, plus extra salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Cut the chicken into ½" pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sear in olive oil over medium heat until cooked through (about 5 minutes). Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Load the Slow Cooker: Add carrots, onion, garlic, potatoes, coconut aminos, salt, oregano, rosemary, bay leaf, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours.
- Thicken the Stew: In a bowl, whisk almond milk and cornstarch, then pour it into the slow cooker. Stir well, cover, and cook on HIGH for 30-45 minutes until thickened.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with black pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 552Total Fat 28gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 20gCholesterol 221mgSodium 1699mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 4gSugar 7gProtein 44g
All Chicken Recipes.com, 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
Crockpot chicken stew is a versatile, hearty meal that deserves a spot in your recipe rotation. With its simple ingredients and hands-off cooking method, it’s perfect for busy schedules or lazy weekends. Whether you stick to the classic version or customize it to your heart’s content, this stew is bound to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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