Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting meal featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs all simmered to perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy days, this gluten-free stew offers a delicious home-cooked dinner that can be served with crusty bread or over rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken chunks, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, celery, chopped onion, minced garlic, and canned diced tomatoes (with their juice) into the slow cooker.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Cook Stew: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the vegetables to cook through thoroughly.
- Thicken Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker consistency, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking to help the stew thicken nicely.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the stew before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the stew hot alongside crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, brown the chicken pieces and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes to add a subtle sweetness to the stew.
- This stew freezes well, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers.
