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Crockpot Chicken Stew

This comforting chicken stew is made effortlessly in the slow cooker, combining tender chicken thighs, hearty vegetables, and savory broth for a cozy, rustic dish. The ingredients meld together during slow cooking, resulting in a thick, flavorful stew with melt-in-your-mouth textures and inviting aromas.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into large chunks
  • 3 medium carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 medium potatoes diced
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 cup frozen peas optional, added at the end
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large slow cooker
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Begin by chopping the chicken thighs into large, even chunks and season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Peel and dice the carrots and potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
  3. Layer the chicken pieces at the bottom of your slow cooker, followed by the diced vegetables and chopped onion. Sprinkle dried thyme, paprika, and add the bay leaf on top.
  4. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring everything is just covered. This helps the flavors meld during cooking.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 4 to 5 hours. The house will fill with a warm aroma as the chicken becomes tender and vegetables soften.
  6. About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas for a burst of sweetness and color. If you'd like a thicker stew, remove the lid and turn the slow cooker to high for 15-20 minutes to reduce the broth slightly.
  7. Once the vegetables are soft and the chicken is falling apart, remove the bay leaf and give the stew a gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve the warm, hearty stew in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Pair with crusty bread for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

For extra flavor, sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet for a few minutes until browned before adding them to the slow cooker. This enhances depth but is optional. Adding fresh herbs at the end brightens the dish, so consider stirring in chopped parsley or thyme just before serving.