### Simple Chicken Stew Recipe Slow Cooker: A Comforting Meal for Busy Weeknights
Are you looking for an easy and delicious way to prepare a comforting meal? Look no further than this simple chicken stew recipe slow cooker. Perfect for bu……
Are you looking for an easy and delicious way to prepare a comforting meal? Look no further than this simple chicken stew recipe slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this stew is sure to become a family favorite.
#### Ingredients You'll Need
To create this simple chicken stew recipe slow cooker, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 4 cups of chopped vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, and celery)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup of frozen peas for added color and nutrition
- Fresh parsley for garnish
#### Preparation Steps
1. **Prepare the Ingredients**: Start by chopping your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly and are easy to eat.
2. **Layer in the Slow Cooker**: Place the chopped vegetables at the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic.
3. **Add the Chicken**: Lay the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors from the veggies as it cooks.
4. **Season and Add Broth**: Sprinkle the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, ensuring that all ingredients are submerged.
5. **Cook**: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time will yield more tender chicken and richer flavors.
6. **Add Peas (Optional)**: If you’re using frozen peas, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will keep them vibrant and fresh.
7. **Serve**: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker for a rustic feel. Stir everything together and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
#### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This simple chicken stew recipe slow cooker is not just easy to make; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it based on your family’s preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to swap out the vegetables for whatever is in season or add in your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
Moreover, the slow cooker makes meal prep a breeze. Simply set it in the morning before you head out for the day, and come home to a warm, inviting meal that’s ready to serve. This is especially great for those hectic weeknights when you want a home-cooked dinner without the fuss.
#### Tips for Success
- **Choose the Right Chicken**: Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and remain moist during cooking compared to breasts. However, both work well in this recipe.
- **Don’t Skip the Browning**: For an extra depth of flavor, consider browning the chicken and vegetables in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- **Store Leftovers**: This stew stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days, and it also freezes beautifully. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
In conclusion, this simple chicken stew recipe slow cooker is a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. With its ease of preparation and comforting flavors, it’s sure to satisfy your family and leave you with leftovers for lunch the next day. Enjoy the warmth and heartiness of this dish, and watch as it becomes a staple in your home!