This easygoing chicken stew is brimming with seasonal vegetables and fragrant herbs, all simmered to perfection in the slow cooker. It’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Let the slow cooker handle the heavy lifting, and come home to a hearty, flavorful meal that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
1. If you like a deeper flavor, start by heating the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces lightly, then set them aside. While browning isn’t mandatory, it does add an extra layer of savory richness.
2. In your slow cooker, combine the carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes. Spread the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
5. Taste and adjust the seasonings with additional salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash a few potato pieces against the side of the slow cooker, giving it a natural creaminess.
This stew is an ideal one-pot meal that offers comforting flavors to anyone seeking a hearty dinner without fuss. The ingredients are wholesome, making this dish a good option for folks trying to keep meals balanced. You can easily tweak it based on what you have on hand—swap in sweet potatoes, add extra vegetables like peas or green beans at the end of cooking, or even opt for boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs. It’s a perfect go-to recipe for busy nights, cool weather, or whenever you crave a simple, nourishing dinner. Enjoy!
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.
