Description
A hearty and comforting slow cooker chicken stew made with tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs. This easy make-ahead recipe slow cooks chicken with carrots, potatoes, onions, and green peas in a flavorful broth, perfect for a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to season
- Black pepper, to season
Vegetables
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 large potatoes (about 1 pound), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 cup frozen green peas
Liquids and Others
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken thighs on a cutting board and dice into 1-inch pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper to ensure the meat is flavorful.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear for 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides, enhancing flavor and texture. No need to cook through completely.
- Coat with Flour and Herbs: Transfer the seared chicken into the slow cooker. Sprinkle with flour, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated with the flour and herbs.
- Add Vegetables & Broth: Add minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes to the slow cooker. Stir to mix the ingredients. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf for aromatic flavor.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Finish with Peas and Milk: About 10-15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen green peas and milk. Cook on high until the peas are warmed through. Adjust stew thickness if desired by adding more flour to thicken or a splash of broth to thin.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your preference. Serve the stew hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or accompanied by crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
Notes
- For richer flavor, sear the chicken directly in the removable pot if your slow cooker has a stovetop-safe insert.
- Adjust cooking times based on your slow cooker’s wattage and settings to avoid overcooking.
- If the stew is too thick, add more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor if preferred, adding near the end of cooking.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for coating the chicken.
