Description
A comforting and hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew featuring tender chicken thighs, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth, perfect for an easy, hands-off meal with rich homemade taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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 Broth
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 large potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 1 pound)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup green peas, frozen
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper evenly to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken pieces briefly on all sides to lock in juices and develop flavor.
- Coat Chicken: In a bowl, toss the seared chicken with flour, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and salt, ensuring each piece is coated to help thicken the stew later.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the coated chicken, minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes into the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf for aroma.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken and vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Final Touches: Stir in the frozen peas and milk into the stew. Continue cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to warm through and finish the stew. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf, give the stew a final stir, adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve hot to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Brown the chicken well to enhance flavor and texture before slow cooking.
- Adjust the amount of broth for a thicker or thinner stew based on preference.
- Use full-fat milk or creamier alternatives for a richer stew.
- Frozen peas can be substituted with fresh peas if in season.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
