Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Step into the cozy realm of comfort food with our Chicken Stew recipe. This robust and flavorful dish is a testament to the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals, offering warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.

Perfect for cold days, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for cozy meals.

Chicken stew is a classic comfort food that warms you from the inside out, especially on a cold day.

Below is a detailed guide to crafting this delicious dish, broken down into steps to make the process as straightforward as possible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the cooking process, gather these ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (plus some extra, as needed)
• 1 large onion
• 2 celery ribs
• 3 medium carrots (or fewer if using very large carrots)
• 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (bone-in is also an option)
• 4 big cloves of garlic
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 6 cups of chicken broth
• 1 pound of baby potatoes
• Fresh thyme (about 4 sprigs)
• A few bay leaves
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup of chopped parsley for garnish

Preparing the Ingredients

Chopping the Vegetables

1. Onion: Dice one large onion. Since this is a stew, precision isn’t key, so feel free to be rustic with your chopping.
2. Celery: Slice two celery ribs. Home-grown celery can add a burst of flavor, but store-bought works just as well.
3. Carrots: Chop three medium carrots. Cannell suggests varying the shape sizes to circles and half-moons to ensure even cooking.

Preparing the Chicken

4. Chicken Thighs: For this recipe, Cannell uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 1.5 pounds. If using bone-in thighs, it’s still acceptable; just remove the bones after cooking. Add the chicken thighs directly into the pot to brown them.

Cooking Method

Browning the Chicken

1. Set a large pot over medium-high heat and add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs.
3. Cook the chicken until lightly browned. This will enhance the flavors and create fond at the bottom of the pot, adding richness to your stew.
4. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Cooking the Vegetables

1. Sauté Vegetables: Next, add the diced onion, sliced celery, and chopped carrots to the same pot.
2. Add Olive Oil if Needed: Add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil if needed to prevent the vegetables from sticking.
3. Cook Until Tender: Stir and cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they start to become tender and the onion becomes translucent.

Adding Garlic and Flour

1. Garlic: Smash and mince four big cloves of garlic, then add them to the pot once the vegetables are nearly tender. Garlic should be added towards the end of the sautéing process to avoid burning it.
2. Creating a Roux: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir frequently for about 2 minutes. The flour will mix with the fats to create a roux, which will act as a thickening agent for the stew.

Incorporating Chicken Broth

1. Slowly Add Broth: Gradually add 6 cups of chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Adding the liquid slowly helps in creating a silky texture.
2. Deglaze the Pot: As you stir in the broth, deglaze the pot by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. These bits add depth and complexity to your stew’s flavor.

Adding Chicken and Potatoes

1. Cut and Add Chicken: Cube the partially cooked chicken thighs and add them back into the pot.
2. Baby Potatoes: Add 1 pound of baby potatoes. If they are larger, consider cutting them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.

Simmering and Seasoning

1. Herbs and Spices: Add about 4 sprigs of fresh thyme, a few bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the stew for 40 to 45 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the potatoes to become tender.

Final Touches

Adding Parsley and Adjusting Seasoning

1. Chop Parsley: While the stew simmers, chop about 1/4 cup of fresh parsley.
2. Adjust to Taste: After your stew has simmered, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a pinch of salt or more pepper if necessary.
3. Garnish: Stir in the chopped parsley just before serving.

Serving the Stew

Your comforting chicken stew, laden with tender vegetables and hearty pieces of chicken, is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it hot, and consider pairing it with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Optional Additions

• Cream: For added richness, you can stir in a little bit of cream right before serving. It adds a silky texture to the stew, making it even more indulgent.

This homemade chicken stew is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of comfort and warmth perfect for any cold day.