Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
**Ingredients:**
– **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
– **6 cloves garlic**, minced
– **1 onion**, diced
– **3 carrots**, peeled and sliced
– **2 large potatoes**, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 1 pound)
– **3 cups chicken broth**
– **1 bay leaf**
– **1/2 cup milk**
– **1 cup frozen green peas**
– **Black pepper**, to season
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**Instructions:**
**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then coat them in the flour.
3. Brown the chicken in the skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. You don’t need to cook the chicken fully through at this stage as it will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
4. Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
### **Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Broth**
1. Add the diced onions, carrots, potatoes, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle the thyme, rosemary, and salt over the vegetables and chicken.
3. Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker and add the bay leaf.
### **Step 3: Slow Cook**
1. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on **low for 6-7 hours** or on **high for 3-4 hours** until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
### **Step 4: Final Touches**
1. About **30 minutes before serving**, stir in the milk and frozen peas. Cover and let cook for the remaining time.
2. Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
### **Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
1. Once the stew is ready, ladle it into bowls and enjoy it warm, possibly served with crusty bread or biscuits on the side.
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## **History of Chicken Stew:**
Chicken stew is one of the oldest and most cherished dishes in many cultures. The method of stewing, or slowly simmering ingredients to create a hearty meal, has been a popular way to cook tough cuts of meat and fibrous vegetables for centuries. Traditionally, stews were cooked over open flames or in earthenware pots. The invention of slow cookers in the 20th century revolutionized the way we make stews, allowing for longer, slower cooking that enhances the depth of flavor with minimal effort. Chicken stew, in particular, has been a staple in American, European, and Asian cuisines, with each culture adding its unique touch through different spices, herbs, and vegetables.
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## **Benefits of Slow Cooker Chicken Stew:**
– **Nutrient-Rich:** This dish is packed with protein from the chicken and plenty of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
– **Low Maintenance:** Using a slow cooker means less time standing over the stove. Simply prep, combine, and let it cook while you go about your day.
– **Comfort Food:** The warm, hearty flavors make it perfect for colder months or anytime you crave comfort food.
– **Affordable Ingredients:** Chicken thighs, potatoes, and carrots are inexpensive ingredients, making this a budget-friendly dish.
– **Customizable:** You can add or substitute vegetables depending on your preferences, making it versatile.
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## **Formation and Texture:**
The key to a good chicken stew lies in its formation. The base is a flavorful broth, with the slow-cooked chicken becoming tender and moist. As the stew simmers in the slow cooker, the vegetables soften, releasing their flavors into the broth. The chicken, coated in flour, not only helps thicken the stew but also adds richness to the texture. The peas added at the end of cooking retain a bit of their bite, providing a subtle pop of texture. The addition of milk rounds out the flavors, creating a creamy yet hearty finish.
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## **Conclusion:**
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a dish that brings warmth, flavor, and nourishment to the table. Its simplicity and slow-cooking method make it a convenient yet delicious meal, perfect for weeknights or lazy weekends. With a combination of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and rich broth, this stew is bound to be a favorite for all who try it. It’s a true comfort food that appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds.
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## **Lovers of Chicken Stew:**
This recipe is adored by anyone who appreciates comforting, home-cooked meals. It’s a great dish for families, busy professionals, and food enthusiasts who love slow-cooked, flavorful meals. Chicken stew is a beloved dish for both children and adults, and its flexibility in ingredients allows everyone to tailor it to their tastes. Whether you’re feeding a large crowd or making it for a small family dinner, this stew is guaranteed to satisfy.
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## **Nutrition Information (Per Serving, based on 6 servings):**
– **Calories:** 320 kcal
– **Protein:** 25 g
– **Carbohydrates:** 28 g
– **Fat:** 12 g
– **Fiber:** 5 g
– **Sodium:** 600 mg
– **Calcium:** 80 mg
– **Iron:** 2 mg
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## **Conclusion (Again):**
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a classic that never goes out of style. Its rich, hearty flavors combined with the convenience of slow cooking make it a go-to recipe for those looking for a comforting and nourishing meal. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe will surely become one of your favorites. The next time you need a warm, filling meal, don’t hesitate to try this slow cooker chicken stew!
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## **Lovers of Chicken Stew (Again):**
Slow Cooker Chicken Stew has a universal appeal. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a wholesome, homemade meal. It’s also great for meal prepping, as it keeps well in the fridge or freezer. Those who appreciate hearty, comforting dishes will fall in love with the tender chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and rich broth. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether it’s for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.