Hearty Harvest Chicken Stew (Crockpot Comfort)

Looking for easy chicken crockpot recipes? This Hearty Harvest Stew is proper comfort food! Tender chicken, root veggies & a touch of apple cider make this a winner. Get the recipe!

Alright, let’s dive into this!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a proper comforting meal? Easy chicken crockpot recipes don't get much better than this! This Hearty Harvest Chicken Stew will warm you right up.

Brief Overview

This isn't just stew, mind you. this is proper comfort food. a good chicken stew is rooted in history and home cooking.

It takes us back to simpler times. it is easy to make. it takes about 6- 8 hours on low or 3- 4 hours on high.

This serves 6-8 hungry mouths.

Main Benefits

Chicken stew is packed with goodness! it is full of protein and veggies. it is great for those chilly evenings.

Plus, it makes your kitchen smell divine. it is one of the great easy dinner recipes .

Want a stew that is dead simple, yet packed with flavour? This recipe is a game changer. It's like a hug in a bowl.

From Ingredients to Deliciousness

This hearty harvest chicken stew recipe starts with 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. we also need one large onion.

You'll also need carrots, celery, garlic, and 4 cups of chicken broth. don't forget the apple cider! a cup of that will do.

Add some potatoes, peas, corn, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. you'll also need salt and pepper to taste.

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make some seriously good easy chicken crockpot recipes . honestly, it's all about getting the right stuff before you even switch on the slow cooker.

This hearty harvest chicken stew is about to become your new best friend for those chilly evenings! think easy dinner recipes crockpot casseroles without the casserole part.

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's break down what you need to make this recipe a success. This recipe is one of the best crockpot meals dinner recipes. No need to spend hours in the kitchen.

Main Ingredients

Okay, first things first, the main players. This Momontimeout recipe will make you look like a pro, even if you're just winging it.

• Chicken: You'll want 2 lbs (900g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized, 1-inch (2.5cm) cubes. Quality indicator : Look for chicken that's pink, firm, and doesn't smell funky.
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Just a little for searing, if you choose to.
• Onion: 1 large, chopped. Yellow or white, whatever you've got.
• Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped. Adds a bit of sweetness, you know?
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped. Essential for that stew-y flavour.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Honestly, could you ever have too much garlic?
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml) . Low sodium is best, so you can control the salt.
• Apple Cider: 1 cup (240ml) . This is our secret ingredient for that autumn vibe.
• Potatoes: 1 lb (450g) Yukon Gold, peeled and cubed. They get super creamy in the crockpot.
• Frozen Peas & Corn: 1 cup (150g) each . Makes life easy, right?
• Cornstarch: 2 tbsp (30ml) . For thickening things up at the end.
• Cold Water: 2 tbsp (30ml) . To make a slurry with the cornstarch.

Seasoning Notes

Now for the flavour boosters. Essential spice combinations are vital!

• Bay Leaves: 2 . Don't forget to take them out before serving, though!
• Dried Thyme: 1 tsp . Adds a bit of earthiness.
• Dried Rosemary: 1/2 tsp . A little goes a long way!
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously!
• Quick substitution : If you don't have thyme and rosemary, use 1 tsp of Italian seasoning.

Equipment Needed

Alright, what bits and bobs will you need? Don't worry, we're keeping it simple.

• Slow Cooker: A 6-quart or larger is ideal. If you don't have one , a large Dutch oven can work on low heat in the oven. Though it won't be easy dinners in crockpot .
• Large Skillet: Optional, for searing the chicken.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Obvs.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For the basics.
• Small Bowl: For the cornstarch slurry.

That’s all there is to it! now, you're all set to make some amazing crockpot meals that take 8 hours (or less if you're in a rush!).

Who needs fancy restaurants when you've got easy chicken crockpot recipes like this?

Alright, so you want to nail easy chicken crockpot recipes , eh? i get it. we all need those dinners where you just chuck everything in and voila , dinner's served! no stress, minimal effort – my kinda cooking! let's dive into a hearty chicken stew that's perfect for a chilly evening and totally hands-off.

It is also one of my go-to easy dinner recipes crockpot casseroles , trust me.

Crockpot Chicken Stew: Prep Like a Pro

So, prep is key, even with easy dinners in crockpot . honestly, if you get your mise en place sorted, it’s half the battle.

Chop all your veggies first. dice about 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. it’s way easier to have everything ready to go.

This stew is a great momontimeout recipe as well, because it really takes no time to prepare.

Essential Mise en Place: Get those veggies chopped! Onion, carrots, celery – the works! Mince that garlic, too. I like to have all my spices measured out as well.

Time-Saving Tips: Chop your veggies the night before. Seriously, it'll save you a ton of time. Pre-cut chicken is also an option, but it can be pricier.

Hearty Chicken Stew: Step-by-Step Crockpot Magic

Right, let's get cooking! This recipe is going to give you some serious comfort food vibes.

1. Sear the Chicken (Optional): Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet. Brown your chicken on all sides. This boosts flavor.

2. Sauté Aromatics (If Not Searing Chicken): Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Deglaze the pan with broth if searing.

3. Combine all ingredients: dump chicken, veggies, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of apple cider, potatoes, frozen peas/corn, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp dried thyme, 0.

   5 tsp dried rosemary, salt, and pepper into the crockpot.

4. Cook low and slow: cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours .

   Chicken should reach 165° f ( 74° c) internally.

5. Thicken (Optional): Mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water. Stir into the stew for the last 30 minutes.

6. Serve it Up: Remove bay leaves. Ladle and garnish with parsley. Serve with crusty bread, this is also a quick meals for groups .

Now isn't that one of the greatest crockpot meals dinner ever?

Pro Tips for Crockpot Supremacy

Okay, listen up! These are my secrets to seriously amazing crockpot stew. I've made this crockpot meals that take 8 hours so many times, I could do it in my sleep! And it is way better than any crockpot recipes no cream cheese , seriously!

• Sear That Chicken: I know it's optional, but trust me, searing the chicken is a game changer . It adds so much depth of flavor.
• Don't Overcook! I know, it's tempting to just leave it all day, but overcooked chicken gets dry. Invest in a meat thermometer!
• Make Ahead: This stew is perfect for making ahead. It actually tastes even better the next day! Plus, you can totally adapt this to be a Mexican food recipes in crockpot by adding some taco seasoning! You can even make a chicken taco casserole crockpot with it. How good does that sound?

Honestly, this easy chicken crockpot recipes is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. So go on, give it a try and let me know what you think!

Alright, let's dive into some extra juicy details about this easy chicken crockpot recipe ! Think of these as insider tips to make your stew the absolute best it can be.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation

Okay, so you've got this amazing stew. how do we make it look, you know, instagram-worthy? honestly, presentation matters! my momontimeout recipe taught me that.

Ladle that golden goodness into a rustic bowl. top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. a swirl of cream? yes, please! and definitely some crusty bread! this complements easy dinners in crockpot .

Think beyond just soup bowls! we can get creative!

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Leftovers? if you're like me, you make extra on purpose! this crockpot meals dinner recipe is even better the next day.

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. it'll happily hang out for 3-4 days. freezing? absolutely! portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags.

Thaw it overnight in the fridge. when reheating, add a splash of broth if it seems a bit thick. this tip especially helpful for quick meals for groups .

Variations: Twists and Turns

Feeling adventurous? Let's riff on this easy chicken crockpot recipe !

• Dietary Adaptations: Wanna ditch the potatoes? Sweet potatoes or parsnips work wonderfully . Going low-carb? Cauliflower rice is your friend!
• Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, zucchini or bell peppers add a fresh twist. In the fall, butternut squash is the bomb! Change with time!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Okay, i'm not a nutritionist, but let's keep it real: this stew is packed with good stuff. we're talking protein from the chicken.

Vitamins from those veggies. fiber to keep you feeling full. a balanced meal that’s surprisingly healthy for such a comforting dish.

I believe this is an easy dinner recipes crockpot casseroles !

So there you have it! now you’re armed with all the insider knowledge to make this easy chicken crockpot recipe a total winner.

Don't be scared to experiment. cooking should be fun! and who knows? maybe you'll create your own signature twist that everyone will rave about!

This may also allow you to try Mexican Food Recipes In Crockpot . Remember to have Fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken in this easy chicken crockpot recipes, or does it need to be thawed first?

It's generally recommended to thaw chicken before putting it in the crockpot. Using frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking and potentially unsafe temperatures for a prolonged period. Play it safe, and thaw your chicken in the fridge overnight. It's like making sure your tea is brewed just right – a little extra effort goes a long way!

How do I prevent my chicken from drying out in easy chicken crockpot recipes?

Nobody wants dry chicken! To keep your chicken moist, use chicken thighs instead of breasts, as they have more fat and stay juicier during long cooking times. Also, avoid overcooking. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should reach 165°F (74°C). Think of it like baking a cake – timing is everything!

Can I add other vegetables to this crockpot chicken stew?

Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even turnips. Just remember that some vegetables cook faster than others, so add them accordingly. For example, add more delicate vegetables like spinach or kale in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Consider it your chance to be a kitchen maestro and orchestrate a veggie symphony!

How long will this chicken crockpot stew last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?

Properly stored, this chicken stew will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to cool it down completely before storing it in an airtight container. It also freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion, and it will keep for up to 2-3 months. It's perfect for those "emergency dinner" situations – a real lifesaver, just like having a backup umbrella on a rainy day!

Is this easy chicken crockpot recipes recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

This recipe can be part of a balanced diet! It’s packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the vegetables. To make it even healthier, you can use low-sodium chicken broth and load up on the veggies. Keep an eye on the carbohydrate content from the potatoes, and consider swapping some for cauliflower if you're watching your carb intake. It's about finding that sweet spot between comfort food and healthy choices – a bit like balancing your checkbook!

My stew is too watery! How can I thicken my easy chicken crockpot recipes stew without using cornstarch?

No worries, plenty of ways to thicken it up! You can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the crockpot to release their starch. Alternatively, remove about a cup of the broth from the slow cooker, blend it with an immersion blender, and then stir it back into the stew. You could also use arrowroot starch instead of cornstarch for a similar effect. Think of it as using a bit of kitchen wizardry to conjure up the perfect consistency!

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