Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Here’s a comforting and hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew recipe. It’s packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and delicious flavors—perfect for a cozy meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs (about 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs)
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Dice the potatoes, slice the carrots, chop the celery, and dice the onion. Mince the garlic.

2. Layer the Stew in the Slow Cooker:

   • Place the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
   • Add the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the vegetables.

3. Add the Seasonings:

   • Sprinkle the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the chicken and vegetables. Add the bay leaf.

4. Pour in the Broth:

   • Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Make sure everything is covered with the broth.

5. Cook the Stew:

   • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

6. Shred the Chicken:

   • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the stew.

7. Add Frozen Peas:

   • Stir in the frozen peas and let them cook for about 10-15 minutes (they’ll cook quickly in the hot broth).

8. Thicken the Stew (Optional):

   • If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew and cook for another 10 minutes until it thickens.

9. Serve:

   • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve the stew hot with a side of crusty bread or over rice if desired.

Enjoy your cozy and comforting slow-cooked chicken stew! It’s a perfect meal for any season.