This hearty chicken stew recipe is the epitome of cozy meals, perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring the chicken turns out tender and succulent.
Ingredients
Scale:
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
3 large carrots, sliced into rounds
2 stalks of celery, chopped into small pieces
1 large onion, diced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Crusty bread or homemade dumplings (for serving, optional)
Instructions
If you prefer a richer flavor, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. This step adds depth to the stew but is optional.
In your slow cooker, add the browned chicken (or raw chicken if skipping browning), chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can adjust the seasoning later, so it’s okay to start light.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The stew is ready when the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Ladle the hearty chicken stew into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread or dumplings.
