Herbed Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 7 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Welcome to a cozy kitchen favorite: Herbed Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. This hearty dish combines tender chicken with vibrant veggies and aromatic herbs, making it the perfect meal for those chillier days. It's a one-pot wonder that’s sure to bring warmth and comfort to your table.

Ingredients for Herbed Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Chicken thighs bring rich flavor and tenderness, perfect for slow cooking. We’re using chicken broth as the base, adding moisture and a savory depth. Carrots and potatoes offer heartiness and balance, while onions and garlic provide a fragrant foundation. Peas and corn kernels contribute a pop of sweetness and color. A touch of olive oil helps brown the chicken, enhancing flavor. Seasonings like salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and paprika infuse the stew with comforting aromas. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish right before serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker before serving.
  • For a deeper flavor, you can brown the chicken with a splash of white wine.
  • Feel free to swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
  • Add a bay leaf or two for an extra layer of flavor, just remember to remove them before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This stew is a meal in itself but pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad on the side can add a fresh contrast to the hearty stew. If you want to gild the lily, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of parmesan can add an extra layer of indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this stew on the stovetop?
Yes, just simmer everything in a large pot over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken is tender.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely, just let the stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What can I use if I don't have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley works in a pinch, but use half the amount since it's more concentrated.

Herbed Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken thighs in the skillet and brown them on both sides. This step locks in the juices, ensuring the chicken stays tender. Transfer the browned chicken to your slow cooker.

In the same skillet, add the onions and garlic. Sauté until they turn translucent, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This process will release their natural sweetness and enhance the stew's overall flavor. Once done, add them to the slow cooker.

Next, toss in the carrots, potatoes, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and paprika. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients evenly.

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low. Let it work its magic for 6-7 hours. This long, slow cook will meld the flavors beautifully and result in tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables.

About 30 minutes before you're ready to serve, add the peas and corn kernels to the slow cooker. These veggies need less cooking time and will retain their vibrant color and texture.

Just before serving, stir in the fresh parsley. This final touch adds a burst of freshness. Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Convenient slow cooker method makes it a set-it-and-forget-it meal.
  • Packed with nutritious veggies like carrots, potatoes, peas, and corn.
  • Herbs like thyme and rosemary add depth and aroma.
  • Gluten-free and easily adaptable for different diets.
  • Great for meal prep — leftovers taste even better!

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken thighs
4 cups chicken broth
2 carrots, sliced
3 potatoes, cubed
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup peas
1 cup corn kernels
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken thighs on both sides.
2. Transfer chicken to the slow cooker.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until translucent, then add to the slow cooker.
4. Add carrots, potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika to the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until chicken is tender.
6. In the last 30 minutes, add peas and corn to the slow cooker.
7. Before serving, stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning to taste.

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