Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Slow cooker chicken stew is a hearty and comforting meal that everyone loves! This easy-to-make recipe yields rich flavors and tender chunks of chicken in a savory broth. With just a few ingredients, you can create this delicious dish for your family. In about 8 hours on low heat or 4-5 hours on high heat, your slow cooker will be filled with a delightful aroma that is sure to make your home feel warm and inviting.

Slow cooker chicken stew is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to come home to a delicious meal. It's also great for potlucks or family gatherings since it can be made in advance and kept hot on the stove while guests arrive. The slow cooking process makes this dish incredibly tender, so there’s no need to worry about tough meat.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 6 potatoes, cubed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Time: 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high, depending on your preferred consistency.

Servings: 6 generous portions

Instructions

Begin by placing the chicken breasts into the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they are evenly distributed to ensure even cooking throughout.

Next, add in the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. These vegetables will enhance the flavor profile significantly while providing a wonderful texture contrast within the stew.

Potatoes cut into cubes should be placed on top of these ingredients as they cook slower than meat but faster than certain root vegetables like beets or rutabaga. This arrangement helps maintain proper heat distribution inside your appliance during cooking time.

Once all main components have been layered appropriately, pour over the chicken broth and tomatoes (ensure to include their juices). The addition of garlic cloves adds another layer of flavor complexity without being overpowering at this stage in preparation. Finally, add 2 bay leaves for aromatic depth which is essential when making any type of stew.

At this point, season with salt & pepper according to personal preference; however, remember that tomatoes already contain natural acidity so go lightly on adding extra salt if using acidic ingredients like lemon juice elsewhere in your meal plans today. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

As cooking progresses, the liquid will thicken slightly due to evaporation and reduction from the boiling point. If desired, you may occasionally stir gently without removing any cooked vegetables or chicken during this time to prevent sticking but not every session requires manual attention.

Taste & Adjust

After reaching your target cooking period, remove one piece of chicken to check its doneness - it should be fork-tender. Additionally, taste the broth and adjust seasoning if necessary – remember that garlic has a strong flavor which might vary among people's palates.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or rolls for dipping into the flavorful broth. For those seeking additional nutrition alongside their main course, consider serving it side by side with a fresh green salad dressed simply yet effectively to balance out the richness of the stew.

Leftovers can be enjoyed throughout the week as part of lunches too; they're excellent reheated and make great leftovers for dinner after work when there isn’t much time available but still craving home-cooked goodness.

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p>Slow cooker chicken stew offers an affordable yet luxurious experience perfect for any occasion. Its simplicity allows you to spend quality family time together instead of worrying about meal preparation, ensuring everyone looks forward eagerly anticipating the arrival of this delectable dish.