Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

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Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a comforting and easy-to-make dish, perfect for days when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

This chicken stew, slowly cooked in a crockpot, allows the flavors to develop over time, resulting in tender, fall-apart chicken and vegetables infused with rich broth.

Using a slow cooker, you can simply combine the ingredients in the morning and let them cook gently throughout the day.

The result is a flavorful, nourishing, and perfectly balanced dish that can be customized with your favorite spices and vegetables.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew


Ingredients


2 tablespoons olive oil


1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces


3 tablespoons all-purpose flour


1 teaspoon dried thyme


1 teaspoon dried rosemary


1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to season


6 cloves garlic, minced


1 onion, diced


3 carrots, peeled and sliced


2 large potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1 pound)


3 cups chicken broth


1 bay leaf


1/2 cup milk


1 cup green peas, frozen


Black pepper, to season

There are many ways to personalize Slow Cooker Chicken Stew to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some popular variations and helpful tips to ensure a delicious stew every time:

Variations:

Herb and Lemon Chicken Stew:

    Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for extra fragrance, and finish with a squeeze of lemon for a fresh, zesty flavor.

    Creamy Chicken Stew:

      Stir in a bit of cream or a dollop of sour cream towards the end of cooking for a rich, creamy texture.

      You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

      Spicy Chicken Stew:

        Add a kick by incorporating spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, or red pepper flakes. You can also include chopped jalapeños for extra heat.

        Mediterranean Chicken Stew:

          Use ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes, along with a sprinkle of oregano, to give the stew a Mediterranean flair.

          Chicken and Dumpling Stew:

            Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough or homemade dumplings on top during the last hour of cooking for a comforting chicken and dumpling variation.

            Vegetable-Rich Stew:

              Add more vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, spinach, or green beans to make the stew heartier and packed with nutrients.

              Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stew:

              Brown the Chicken: For added depth of flavor, sear the chicken in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker.

              This caramelizes the exterior and gives the stew a richer taste.

              Layer Ingredients: Place the heartier vegetables (like carrots and potatoes) at the bottom of the slow cooker since they take longer to cook.

              The chicken can go on top to prevent overcooking.

              Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overfilling the slow cooker; about ⅔ full is ideal to allow even cooking and proper heat circulation.

              Add Dairy Last: If you’re making a creamy stew, add dairy products like cream, milk, or cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from curdling.

              Thicken the Stew: If the stew is too thin after cooking, mix a slurry of cornstarch and water, and stir it in during the last 30 minutes to thicken the broth.

              Season Wisely: Taste the stew before serving and adjust the seasoning. Slow cooking can sometimes dull the flavors, so you may need to add extra salt, pepper, or herbs.

              By experimenting with these variations and following these tips, you can create a flavorful and satisfying slow cooker chicken stew tailored to your preferences!

              Storing Slow Cooker Chicken Stew properly will help you enjoy leftovers or prepare meals ahead of time. Here’s how to store it for both short- and long-term use:

              Refrigeration:

              Duration: The stew will last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

              Method:

              Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

              Store in individual portions for easier reheating and serving.

              Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, or use the microwave. If the stew has thickened too much, add a little water or broth to restore its consistency.

              Freezing:

              Duration: Chicken stew can be frozen for up to 3 months.

              Method:

              Allow the stew to cool completely before freezing.

              Use freezer-safe bags or containers, and leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes.

              Label the containers with the date and contents.

              Tip: If you plan on freezing the stew, avoid adding dairy (like cream) or potatoes, as they don’t freeze well. You can add them fresh when reheating.

              Thawing and Reheating Frozen Stew:

              Thawing: The best way to thaw frozen stew is by transferring it to the refrigerator and letting it defrost overnight.

              For a quicker method, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave.

              Reheating: Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

              If the stew has separated or thickened too much, add some water or broth to bring it back to the right consistency.

              By storing it properly, you can enjoy your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew for several days, or even freeze it for later meals!

              The nutritional content of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew can vary depending on the ingredients used (such as the cut of chicken, vegetables, and any added fats or creams).

              Here is an approximate breakdown for a basic chicken stew using skinless chicken breasts or thighs, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and broth:

              Nutritional Information (per 1-cup serving)

              Calories: 250 – 350 kcal

              Protein: 20 – 25 g

              Fat: 8 – 12 g

              Saturated Fat: 2 – 4 g

              Carbohydrates: 20 – 25 g

              Dietary Fiber: 3 – 5 g

              Sugars: 4 – 6 g

              Sodium: 500 – 700 mg (depending on the broth used)

              Vitamins and Minerals:

              Vitamin A: 100 – 200% DV (due to the carrots)

              Vitamin C: 15 – 20% DV

              Iron: 6 – 10% DV

              Calcium: 3 – 5% DV

              Factors That Affect Nutritional Value:

              Type of Chicken: Using chicken thighs will increase fat and calorie content compared to chicken breasts.

              Broth: Store-bought broth can be high in sodium. Opt for low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.

              Vegetables: Adding more vegetables like spinach, kale, or sweet potatoes will increase fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

              Cream or Dairy: If you add cream or cheese to the stew, it will significantly raise the fat and calorie content.

                This basic breakdown gives a general idea of the nutrition in a slow cooker chicken stew.

                The stew is typically a good source of protein and contains a mix of healthy fats and carbohydrates, making it a balanced meal.

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