Sometimes, you need dinner on the table with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. That’s where these 5-hour slow cooker recipes come in. They strike the perfect balance: enough cooking time for deep flavor, yet short enough to fit into your busy schedule. Our Maple-Garlic Chicken Stew is a cozy, one-pot wonder that fills your home with irresistible aromas and is indulgently satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Begin by lightly browning the chicken thighs in a hot skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. This step only takes a few minutes and helps seal in the juices, ensuring each bite stays succulent. While the chicken browns, slice up your carrots and celery, then dice the onion. Transfer the browned chicken to your slow cooker, and tuck the chopped vegetables all around it.
Whisk together the chicken broth, maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, and thyme. Pour this fragrant mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Give everything a quick stir, then season with salt and black pepper. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for about 5 hours. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the sweet and savory scent of maple and garlic melding together.
When the cooking time is up, the chicken should be fork-tender and the vegetables perfectly soft. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer a thicker consistency, just remove the lid for the last 15 minutes of cooking or stir in a cornstarch slurry until you reach your desired thickness. Serve the stew piping hot, perhaps on a bed of mashed potatoes or with a crusty loaf of bread to sop up the luscious sauce.
This Maple-Garlic Chicken Stew is an excellent option for busy families, health-conscious eaters, and anyone looking for a comforting meal without hours of hands-on work. Chicken thighs are rich in protein and stay extra juicy, while the carrots and celery add nutritious texture and color. You can easily swap out the chicken thighs for chicken breasts or turkey cutlets if you prefer.
If you’re watching your sodium or sugar intake, reduce the soy sauce or maple syrup to taste—this recipe is very forgiving. Enjoy a delicious, soul-warming meal that comes together with minimal effort and a whole lot of flavor!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
