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Crockpot Chicken Stew

This crockpot chicken stew features tender chunks of chicken thighs simmered with hearty vegetables and fragrant herbs, resulting in a hearty, comforting broth with melt-in-your-mouth meat and soft vegetables. The slow cooking process creates a rich, savory dish with a rustic appearance and a cozy aroma, perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. It’s a forgiving, fuss-free recipe that practically cooks itself and delivers a warm, satisfying meal every time.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs cut into large chunks (~2 inches)
  • 3 carrots sliced into thick rounds
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf bay leaf
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup frozen peas or green beans added in the last 10 minutes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large crockpot
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spoon for stirring

Method
 

  1. Gather your equipment: a large crockpot, a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a spoon for stirring.
  2. Chop the chicken thighs into large chunks about 2 inches wide, slice the carrots into thick rounds, dice the onion, and peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Keep everything within easy reach.
  3. Place the chicken chunks at the bottom of the crockpot, creating a sturdy base for the stew.
  4. Add the sliced carrots, diced onions, and chopped potatoes on top of the chicken, spreading them evenly.
  5. Sprinkle the dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the ingredients, and tuck the bay leaf into the mixture for aroma.
  6. Pour the chicken broth over everything, just enough to cover the ingredients—about 4 cups—ensuring all vegetables are submerged.
  7. Cover the crockpot tightly and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for about 4 hours. You'll start to smell the rich aroma as it cooks.
  8. About 10 minutes before the end of cooking, open the lid and stir in the frozen peas or green beans for a splash of freshness and color.
  9. Once the cooking time is up, turn off the crockpot and let the stew rest uncovered for 10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  10. Remove the bay leaf, give the stew a gentle stir, and taste to adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  11. Serve the stew hot, ladled into bowls with a side of crusty bread if desired, and enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors.

Notes

For extra richness, sear the chicken briefly in a skillet before adding to the crockpot. Use fresh herbs for a brighter aroma or swap in sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist. Thicken the stew by mashing some potatoes or stirring in a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes if you prefer a thicker broth.