Cozy Autumn Chicken Stew

$- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks - 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds - 3 medium potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup celery, sliced into small pieces - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup frozen green peas - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. I prefer using organic chicken and vegetables when possible. This choice not only enhances flavor but also supports local farmers. Fresh herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, bring vibrant taste. So, if you can find them, use fresh instead of dried. Some ingredients can be swapped if needed. For the chicken, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. If you’re short on time, pre-cut veggies work well. For a gluten-free option, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Lastly, if you don't have fresh parsley, try using green onions for garnish. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need: - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks - 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds - 3 medium potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup celery, sliced into small pieces - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup frozen green peas - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the onion is soft and smells great. This step boosts the flavor of your stew. Carefully transfer the onion and garlic to your slow cooker. This is where the magic happens! Now it’s time to add the chicken. Place the bite-sized chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Next, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and sliced celery. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary evenly. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything gently but well to mix. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Cover the slow cooker. You can cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. This keeps them bright and fresh without getting mushy. When cooking time is up, taste your stew. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the hearty stew into bowls. Top each bowl with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of your savory stew! To make a perfect chicken stew, start with good chicken. Use boneless, skinless thighs for the best flavor. Cut them into bite-sized chunks for even cooking. Sauté the onion and garlic first. This adds depth to your stew. Cook them until the onion is soft and clear. Then, add them to the slow cooker. Layer your ingredients. Add the chicken, carrots, potatoes, and celery. This helps all the flavors mix well. Pour in the chicken broth last to keep everything moist. Check the seasoning. Always taste your stew before serving. Adjust with salt and pepper as needed. A few simple tricks can boost your stew's flavor. Add Worcestershire sauce for a savory kick. Use fresh herbs like parsley for bright notes. Consider adding a splash of lemon juice at the end. It brightens the flavors. You can also try a pinch of cayenne for heat. Don't skip the frozen peas. Stir them in during the last 30 minutes. They add color and sweetness to the dish. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Slow cookers work slowly, so don't rush. Set it to low for 6-8 hours. Avoid cooking on high for too long. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Chicken can be bland without enough salt and pepper. Taste as you go to ensure balance. Lastly, don't crowd the slow cooker. Ensure there’s enough space for steam. This helps the stew cook evenly and stay flavorful. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile of your stew significantly. Consider adding fresh thyme or rosemary just before serving for an aromatic finish. Layering Flavors: Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavor. This simple step builds a more complex taste in your stew. Adjust Consistency: If your stew turns out too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a while to thicken. Freezing Tips: This stew freezes well, making it a great make-ahead meal. Portion leftovers into airtight containers and freeze for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken with other meats. Try turkey or pork for a twist. Both options work well in a slow cooker. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. Use the same cooking times as chicken. You can also try beef for a heartier stew. Just remember to choose cuts like chuck or brisket. These will become tender and tasty when cooked slowly. Want a meat-free stew? You can make a vegetarian version easily. Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables. Use mushrooms, chickpeas, or lentils for protein. Add more root veggies like sweet potatoes or parsnips. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the flavor rich and satisfying. A mix of beans adds extra texture and taste. Spice up your stew with different seasonings. Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. You could add a pinch of cayenne for some heat. Herbs like basil or oregano can change the taste, too. A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors nicely. Don't forget to taste as you go. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your palate. These small changes make a big difference! To keep your chicken stew fresh, allow it to cool first. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Be sure to leave some space at the top for expansion if you freeze it. Store the stew in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you’re ready to enjoy your stew again, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, use a medium heat. Stir it often to ensure even warming. If using a microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Make sure it’s hot all the way through before serving. If you plan to freeze the stew, do so within two hours of cooking. Divide it into portions before freezing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Label each container with the date. You can freeze the stew for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can store Slow Cooker Chicken Stew in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. In the freezer, it lasts up to three months. Just remember to label the container with a date! Yes, you can cook this stew on the stovetop. Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in a large pot, just like in the slow cooker recipe. Then add the chicken and the other veggies. Pour in the broth and seasonings. Let it simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes. The key is to cook until the chicken and veggies are tender. Chicken stew goes well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Crusty bread for dipping - Rice to soak up the sauce - A simple green salad for freshness - Mashed potatoes for extra comfort food Try these sides to make your meal even better! In this article, we explored the key ingredients and steps to make a great chicken stew. You learned how to choose high-quality ingredients and use special substitutes. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and enhance the flavor. We also discussed ways to store leftovers and keep your stew fresh. Remember, cooking is a fun journey. Try new variations and make this dish your own. Enjoy your delicious chicken stew!$

A comforting and hearty chicken stew perfect for autumn.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 8

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
3 medium potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup celery, sliced into small pieces
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup frozen green peas
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large skillet set over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Carefully transfer the sautéed onion and garlic into the bowl of a slow cooker. This step adds a depth of flavor to the stew.
To the slow cooker, add the bite-sized chunks of chicken thighs. Follow with the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, sliced celery, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, ensuring even distribution of the ingredients.
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preference.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, gently stir in the frozen peas to let them warm thoroughly without overcooking.
Once cooking time is complete, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed to ensure perfect flavor balance.

Notes

Ladle generous portions into bowls and garnish with parsley. Serve with crusty bread.

Keyword autumn recipe, chicken stew, comfort food