. To start, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Turn the pieces often until they are golden brown all over. This step gives the chicken a nice crust and adds flavor. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In your slow cooker, create a base with vegetables. Begin with 4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds. Next, add 3 medium potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes, and 1 large onion, chopped. Spread these evenly across the bottom. This vegetable mix forms a hearty foundation for your stew and will cook down nicely. Next, take the seared chicken thighs and carefully place them on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. This allows the chicken juices to drip down, adding flavor to the veggies below. Now, sprinkle 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 cup of trimmed green beans over the chicken. This addition will elevate the stew's taste, giving it a fresh and aromatic kick. In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of dried thyme, 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary, and 2 bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Pour this flavorful mixture over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is well covered. Cover the slow cooker with a lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The stew is ready when the chicken is fork-tender and the flavors meld together. For added texture, you can broil the stew in an oven-safe dish for a few minutes after cooking. This step adds a nice crispiness to the chicken. Enjoy your hearty stew! To boost the flavor of your slow cooker chicken stew, consider adding aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs. These ingredients create a rich base. - Suggested Aromatics and Seasoning Adjustments: - Use fresh rosemary or thyme for a stronger taste. - Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. - A splash of lemon juice brightens the stew. - Optional Add-ins for Texture: - Use mushrooms for a meaty texture. - Add peas or corn for a sweet crunch. - A handful of spinach or kale provides color and nutrients. The right consistency makes your stew delightful. Adjusting liquid can help here. - Adjusting Liquid Quantities: - If the stew is too thick, add more chicken broth. - For a thicker stew, mash some potatoes in the pot. - Broiling for Crispiness: - Transfer the stew to an oven-safe dish after cooking. - Broil for about five minutes to achieve a crispy top. - Watch closely to avoid burning the chicken. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for other meats. Try using beef or pork. Both can add rich flavors to your stew. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces. Adjust your cooking time if you use beef. It may need a bit longer to become tender. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use tofu or tempeh. Both absorb flavors well and add protein. You can also replace the chicken with chickpeas for a hearty stew. Just add them at the same time as the broth. Seasons change, and so can your stew! Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for better flavor. In spring, try asparagus and peas. In summer, add zucchini and bell peppers. Fall is great for squash and sweet potatoes. Winter calls for root vegetables like parsnips and turnips. If you have leftover vegetables, toss them in! Use what you have on hand. Just keep the size uniform for even cooking. This way, your stew stays tasty and reduces waste. After you make your crispy garlic herb slow cooker chicken stew, let it cool. Cooling helps to keep it safe. Once it cools, transfer it to an airtight container. This way, you keep the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, just scoop some stew into a bowl. Heat it in the microwave or on the stove. Stir it well to ensure even heat. Check the temperature before serving. The stew should be hot all the way through. If you want to save some stew for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the stew cool completely. This step is key to keep it fresh. Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage. Make sure to leave some space in the container for the stew to expand as it freezes. You can keep the stew frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight. For a quicker option, you can heat it straight from the freezer. Just place it in a pot on low heat and stir often. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir it well until it’s hot throughout. This ensures you enjoy every bite of your delicious stew. How long can I keep chicken stew in the fridge? You can keep chicken stew in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before putting it in the fridge. This helps keep it fresh and safe to eat. Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken in your stew. Just add the frozen chicken directly to the slow cooker. Increase your cooking time by about 1 to 2 hours on low. The chicken will cook through and stay juicy. What can I serve with slow cooker chicken stew? Slow cooker chicken stew pairs well with bread, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. Try a nice crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. How do I ensure my chicken is tender? To ensure your chicken is tender, use thighs instead of breasts. Thighs have more fat, which keeps them juicy. Also, cook the stew low and slow. This method breaks down the meat, making it tender and flavorful. Can I make chicken stew in a regular pot? Yes, you can make chicken stew in a regular pot. Just follow the same steps as in the slow cooker. Cook it on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours. Check the chicken to make sure it's cooked through and tender. This blog post covered how to make a delicious slow cooker chicken stew. We explored the ingredients you need, including chicken, vegetables, and herbs. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, layering, and cooking. I shared tips for enhancing flavor and achieving the right consistency. Plus, we discussed variations with different proteins and seasonal veggies. Remember to store leftovers properly for future meals. Enjoy crafting your unique stew and make it your own!](https://tossedtastes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ba595aa4-c57d-4cb8-8203-4a4a9e32dfe1-300x300.webp)
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Indulge in a warm and hearty meal with this Crispy Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this easy recipe is perfect for any day of the week. Just sear the chicken, layer it with veggies, and let your slow cooker work its magic for delicious flavors that meld beautifully. Click to discover the full recipe and bring comfort to your dinner table tonight!