How to Make a Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Slow cooker chicken stew is one of those comforting dishes that can warm your entire home on a cold winter day or make for a delightful meal during cooler spring and fall evenings. This rich, hearty soup is packed with tender chunks of chicken, creamy potatoes, and aromatic vegetables like carrots and onions. Whether you're looking to prepare dinner in advance or want something delicious for a casual family night, this slow cooker chicken stew recipe can be your go-to choice.

The key ingredients needed are bone-in chicken pieces (about 1-1.5 kg), potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, garlic cloves, and your favorite herbs like thyme and bay leaves. Additionally, you’ll need chicken broth for extra flavor, a splash of red wine or apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors, and a touch of cream for that silky smooth texture.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 hours on low heat
Servings: About 6 servings

Ingredients and Preparation

• Bone-in chicken pieces (1-1.5 kg)
• 2 large potatoes, diced into bite-sized chunks
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
• 2 onions, halved and sliced
• Celery stalks, cut into 3-inch pieces
• 4-6 garlic cloves, minced finely
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Chicken broth (about 500 ml)
• Splash of red wine or apple cider vinegar
• Cream (optional for a smoother texture)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your slow cooker on the low setting. Place the bone-in chicken pieces in the bottom of the pot.
2. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and onions over the top of the chicken. Make sure to distribute these ingredients evenly so that each piece gets some contact with the broth.
3. Mince the garlic cloves and mix them into a small bowl along with your dried thyme and bay leaf. Sprinkle this mixture over all the vegetables and chicken pieces inside the slow cooker.
4. Pour in about 500 ml of chicken broth to cover most but not all parts of the ingredients – you want some visible chicken above the liquid for optimal flavor absorption.
5. Now, add a splash of red wine or apple cider vinegar. The acidity from either option adds brightness and complexity to your stew. Taste at this point and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
6. If desired, add half a cup of heavy cream towards the end of cooking time for an extra layer of creaminess.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• Choose the Right Cut: Opt for bone-in chicken pieces as they are more flavorful and hold together better during long hours of simmering. You could also use thighs instead if you prefer less meaty bites.
• Check on It Periodically: Even though slow cookers do their job well without much attention, checking the stew occasionally helps ensure even cooking throughout. Remove any pieces that might stick out too far as they tend to dry up faster than others.
• Adjust Seasoning Carefully: Since you'll be adding salt and pepper towards the beginning of the cooking process when there’s still liquid around, remember to taste at the end before serving. Over-salting can easily happen when most moisture has evaporated leaving only concentrated flavors behind.

Serving Suggestions

Once your slow cooker chicken stew has been simmering for about 5 hours on low heat, it will be ready to serve. Serve individual portions in bowls with a side of crusty bread or rice if desired. If you prefer a thicker consistency similar to pot roast gravy, you can mix some cornstarch slurry into the hot soup right before serving.

To enhance your dining experience even further, consider having a mixed green salad alongside this stew for some freshness and lighter fare. Alternatively, a simple Caesar salad with croutons adds an extra layer of texture while complementing the richness of the dish beautifully.

Conclusion

Slow cooker chicken stew is not just about indulging in delicious homemade comfort food; it’s also about easy preparation which allows you to focus on other important tasks while knowing your dinner is slowly cooking away. With this simple yet satisfying recipe, you can create a meal that everyone will love – whether enjoyed with family at home or served as part of an office potluck lunch.