Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew for Cozy Weekend Dinners

There’s nothing quite like a Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew for cozy weekend dinners. I remember one Saturday evening, my son Jake came home from soccer practice, and the smell of this stew filled the house. He walked in, took a deep breath, and said, ‘Mom, it smells like love in here!’ That’s the magic of a good stew, and this recipe is sure to warm your heart and home.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare.
• Perfect for busy weekends with minimal cleanup.
• The flavors deepen as it cooks, making it even better.

Pure Comfort

This stew is pure comfort food. The tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and rich broth come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any veggies you have on hand.

What You Need

• 2 lb 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs – You can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred.
• 1 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 4 medium carrots, sliced – Substitute with parsnips for a different flavor.
• 3 3 medium potatoes, diced – Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well.
• 1 cup 1 cup frozen peas – Fresh peas can be used in season.
• 4 cups 4 cups chicken broth – Low-sodium broth is a healthier option.
• 1 tsp 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp 1 tsp dried rosemary
• to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 6 hours | Total: 6 hours 15 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, it can be made a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

1. Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re fragrant and the onion is translucent. This step adds a great depth of flavor to your stew.
2. Next, place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Season them with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. The spices will infuse the chicken as it cooks, making it tender and tasty.
3. Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker, followed by the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. The colorful veggies not only look great but also add nutrition and flavor to the dish.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all the ingredients are submerged. This will help everything cook evenly and create a delicious broth. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
5. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6 hours. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll know it’s almost time to eat when the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas to the stew. They will brighten up the dish and add a lovely pop of color. Stir them in gently and cover again.
7. Once the cooking time is up, check the seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the stew hot, and watch everyone enjoy this cozy meal together.

Make It Perfect

• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the broth.
• You can thicken the stew by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it in during the last hour of cooking.

Mix It Up

• Add chopped bell peppers for a sweet crunch.
• Incorporate green beans or corn for added texture.

Perfect Partners

• Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
• Pair with a light salad for a complete meal.

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FAQs

Conclusion

This Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a wonderful addition to your cozy weekend dinners. With its simple preparation and delicious flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort!

Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew for Cozy Weekend Dinners

A hearty slow cooker chicken stew featuring tender chicken thighs, vegetables, and a flavorful broth. This easy, one-pot dish is perfect for cozy weekend dinners and can be made ahead, providing a comforting and satisfying meal for the whole family.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Total Time 6 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

Main

• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs You can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred
• 1 large yellow onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 4 medium carrots sliced, substitute with parsnips for different flavor
• 3 medium potatoes diced, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well
• 1 cup frozen peas fresh peas can be used in season
• 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium is a healthier option
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

• Skillet
• Slow cooker

Method

 

1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Sauté them in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
2. Place chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
3. Add the sautéed onion and garlic, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes to the slow cooker.
4. Pour in chicken broth to submerge all ingredients, then stir gently to combine.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, add frozen peas to the stew. Stir gently and cover again.
7. When cooking is complete, check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.