Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6

📝 Ingredients List

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (for thickening)

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Slow cooker (6-quart capacity)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Small mixing bowl (for the cornstarch slurry)
• Wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: Place the diced chicken, carrots, celery, potatoes, and onion into your slow cooker. 🥣
2. Add Aromatics: Stir in the garlic, thyme, rosemary, tomato paste, and chicken broth until everything is well combined.
3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are soft.
4. Thicken the Stew: In the final 30 minutes, stir in the frozen peas. Pour in your cornstarch slurry and stir gently. Cover and cook for the remaining time until the sauce is slightly thick and glossy.
5. Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving in deep bowls. Enjoy! ✨

💡 Pro Tips

• Storage: Leftovers keep perfectly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Consistency: If you prefer a thinner stew, simply skip the cornstarch slurry step.
• Vegetable Swaps: Feel free to toss in sweet potatoes or parsnips for an extra nutritional boost.

Variations

For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk right before serving. You can also add a handful of fresh baby spinach at the very end until it just wilts into the stew.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead? Yes, but keep in mind that chicken thighs stay moister during the long cooking time. If using breasts, check for doneness around the 5-hour mark on low.

Does this recipe contain alcohol? No, this recipe is completely alcohol-free, relying on herbs and savory broth for its rich flavor profile.