Description
A hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Stew featuring tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs, slow-cooked to perfection for a delicious, easy-to-make meal ideal for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
- Black pepper, to season
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 large potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup green peas, frozen
Liquids and Herbs
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden; this step locks in juices and adds depth of flavor.
- Coat Chicken: In a bowl, toss the browned chicken with all-purpose flour, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to create a flavorful crust and help thicken the stew.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the coated chicken to the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf for an aromatic base.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken and vegetables to become tender.
- Final Touches: Stir in the frozen green peas and milk, then cook uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed to taste.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve the stew warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs ensures the meat remains moist and tender during slow cooking.
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds a richer flavor and better texture.
- Frozen peas are added at the end to keep their color and slight sweetness.
- Feel free to substitute milk with cream for a richer stew or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
