Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly in this slow cooker chicken stew. They're leaner but still turn out tender and flavorful. Just be careful not to overcook them - stick to the lower end of the cooking time range.

What if my stew is too watery?

Mix 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch with equal parts cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high. You can also simmer it uncovered on the stovetop for 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Peas, corn, green beans, parsnips, or turnips all work wonderfully. Add quicker-cooking vegetables like peas or corn during the last 30 minutes to prevent them from getting mushy.

Do I have to sear the chicken first?

No, it's optional. Searing adds extra flavor and color, but if you're short on time, you can skip this step. Your slow cooker chicken stew will still turn out delicious and satisfying.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe - Comforting & Delicious Dinner

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 3 carrots, diced; 3 celery stalks, diced; 1 onion, diced; 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 bay leaves; Salt and pepper to taste; ¼ cup flour for thickening (optional); 1 tablespoon oil for searing; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

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Hearty comfort food featuring tender chicken and vegetables in rich savory broth. Set it and forget it convenience for busy weeknights.

Author: James Carter Jr
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
3 carrots, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
1 onion, diced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup flour for thickening (optional)
1 tablespoon oil for searing
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown for extra flavor depth.
Transfer seared chicken to slow cooker. Add diced carrots, celery, onion, cubed potatoes, minced garlic, and bay leaves.
Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper over ingredients. Stir gently to distribute seasonings evenly.
Whisk tomato paste into chicken broth until smooth. Pour broth mixture over ingredients in slow cooker.
For thicker stew, sprinkle flour over ingredients and stir well to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
Remove bay leaves. Shred chicken with two forks. Taste and adjust seasonings. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Searing chicken is optional but adds significant flavor depth. Skip if short on time.
Chicken thighs yield more flavor, but breasts work perfectly and are leaner.
Add quick-cooking vegetables like peas or corn during last 30 minutes.
If stew is too thin after cooking, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir in during last 15 minutes on high.
Stew tastes even better the next day after flavors meld together.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 580 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/slow-cooker-chicken-stew/