Traditional Slow-Cooked Chicken Stew

Name: Traditional Slow-Cooked Chicken Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 h
Total time: 7 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs; 1 cup chopped carrots; 1 cup chopped celery; 1 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 bay leaf; 2 tbsp olive oil

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 7 hours

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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Ah, the comfort of a homemade stew! This Traditional Slow-Cooked Chicken Stew is your ideal companion for cozy evenings, offering rich flavors and tender chicken that falls off the bone. It's perfect for when you need something hearty yet simple.

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Ingredients for Traditional Slow-Cooked Chicken Stew

Chicken thighs are the star here, providing tender, juicy meat. Carrots, celery, and onion form the classic mirepoix, adding sweetness and depth. Garlic lends a savory punch, while chicken broth and white wine create a flavorful broth. Dried thyme adds an earthy note, and salt and black pepper bring everything together. Finally, a bay leaf infuses a subtle, herbal aroma.

Tips & Tricks

For a thicker stew, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some of the liquid evaporate.
If you prefer boneless chicken, thighs or breasts work just as well, though thighs stay juicier.
Test the seasoning halfway through; you might want to adjust the salt or thyme to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this stew with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth, or serve it over mashed potatoes for extra comfort. A side of steamed green beans or a light salad offers a nice contrast to the rich flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?: Yes, but keep in mind that thighs tend to stay juicier during slow cooking.
What can I use instead of white wine?: Feel free to substitute with additional chicken broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
Do I need to brown the chicken?: While not essential, browning the chicken adds depth of flavor and improves the stew's overall taste.

Traditional Slow-Cooked Chicken Stew Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, brown the chicken thighs on both sides, which should take about 5 minutes per side. This step locks in the flavor and gives the chicken a lovely color.

Next, grab your slow cooker. Layer in the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to form a base. It’s like building a flavorful foundation for the dish.

Place the browned chicken on top of the vegetables. This way, all the juices from the chicken seep into the veggies as it cooks, enhancing the overall flavor.

Pour in the chicken broth and white wine. Then sprinkle over the thyme, salt, and pepper. Drop in the bay leaf for a subtle aromatic touch.

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for 6 to 7 hours, during which time the flavors will meld beautifully, and the chicken will become incredibly tender. Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaf.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfect for busy days: Let your slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
Rich, deep flavors: The slow cooking process melds everything beautifully.
Nutrient-packed: Loaded with veggies and lean protein.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will be won over.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken thighs

1 cup chopped carrots

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup dry white wine

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 bay leaf

2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and brown the chicken thighs on both sides.

2. In the slow cooker, add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic as the base layer.

3. Place the browned chicken on top of the vegetables.

4. Pour in chicken broth and white wine, then add thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.