Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts simmered with fresh vegetables like carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions in a flavorful herb-infused broth. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, it delivers rich, warming flavors with minimal prep time. The stew is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Vegetables
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into chunks)
- 4 medium carrots (sliced)
- 3 medium potatoes (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 1 small yellow onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings & Liquids
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Optional Thickener & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken chunks, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, sliced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and add the bay leaf on top for flavor infusion.
- Add Broth Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the low-sodium chicken broth and tomato paste until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Gently stir to combine everything without disturbing the layering too much.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked and soft.
- Optional Thickening: For a thicker stew consistency, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the stew to thicken properly.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf from the stew. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Serve this stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
- For added color and nutrition, stir in green peas or corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
