Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a soul-warming culinary experience? This Crock Pot Chicken Stew is not just a recipe—it's a magical journey of flavors that will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with irresistible aromas. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken falling apart, nestled among hearty vegetables in a rich, savory broth that promises to comfort and satisfy every single time. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook, or someone craving a hassle-free yet delicious meal, this recipe is your ultimate solution to a memorable dinner.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and rosemary on both sides.
- Prepare the vegetables by washing and chopping: slice carrots into 1/2-inch thick rounds, dice potatoes into 1-inch cubes, and finely chop the onion.
- Place the chopped onions at the bottom of the crock pot to create a base layer.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs over the onions in a single layer.
- Add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes around and on top of the chicken.
- Pour the chicken broth slowly over the ingredients, ensuring it covers most of the vegetables and chicken.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set to low heat setting.
- Cook for 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and flavors to meld together.
- After cooking time, carefully remove chicken thighs and shred them using two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the stew and stir gently to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, ensuring each serving has chicken, vegetables, and broth.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for bone-in chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness. They're more forgiving during long, slow cooking.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Always pat your chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better spice adherence and more even browning.
- Layer Strategically: Place onions at the bottom to create a flavor base and prevent chicken from sticking to the pot.
- Don't Overfill: Leave some space in your crock pot for ingredients to cook evenly and liquids to circulate.
- Low and Slow is the Key: Resist the temptation to rush the cooking process. Six hours on low heat ensures incredibly tender meat and deep, melded flavors.
- Shred with Care: Use two forks to shred chicken gently, ensuring you maintain those delicious, substantial meat pieces.
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasoning at the end of cooking for perfectly balanced flavors.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
