Introduction
This comforting chicken and vegetable stew is the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and an assortment of herbs, this slow-cooked meal is both nutritious and flavorful. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying stew that is easy to prepare.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 gold potatoes, cut into large cubes
– 1 large onion, chopped into large chunks
– 3 carrots, coined
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons cold water
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 4-7 hours depending on the setting
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Enjoy this hearty stew by ladling it into bowls and garnishing with fresh herbs if desired. It’s a delightful dish that combines the simplicity of slow cooking with the richness of homemade flavors. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a simple family meal, this chicken and vegetable stew is sure to become a favorite.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the vegetables
Chop the onion into large chunks, coin the carrots, slice the celery, and cut the potatoes into large cubes. Mince the garlic.
Set the slow cooker
Set the slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Add vegetables and herbs
Add the chopped vegetables, minced garlic, and dried sage to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Layer the herbs
Place the rosemary and thyme sprigs, along with the bay leaf, on top of the vegetable mixture.
Season and place the chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them on top of the herbs and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Pour in the chicken broth
Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook
Cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Remove chicken and herbs
About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, remove the chicken breasts and herb sprigs from the slow cooker.
Shred the chicken
Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Make the cornstarch slurry
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth to create a slurry.
Thicken the stew
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the stew.
Return shredded chicken
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and cook for the remaining time to allow the flavors to meld and the stew to thicken.
Taste and adjust seasoning
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the stew
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Slow Cooker Settings
Choose the cooking time based on your schedule; low for slow cooking or high for a quicker meal.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to add other vegetables according to your preference or what you have available.
Flavor Enhancements
Adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor profile.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for longer storage.
Cook techniques
Preparing Vegetables
Chop, coin, slice, and mince the vegetables as specified to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor release.
Slow Cooking
Set the slow cooker to low or high as described to achieve the ideal tenderness for the chicken and vegetables over time.
Layering Ingredients
Add vegetables and spices to the slow cooker before placing the chicken on top to enhance the distribution of flavors.
Shredding Chicken
Use two forks to pull apart the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring even distribution in the stew.
Thickening the Stew
Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then incorporate it into the stew for desired thickness.
Tasting and Adjusting Seasoning
Before serving, taste the stew and adjust with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor.
FAQ
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to substitute vegetables based on your preference, but keep in mind cooking times may vary.
Is it necessary to shred the chicken?
Shredding is optional, but it helps distribute the chicken throughout the stew for better flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes, you can freeze the stew. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
How can I make it more spicy?
You can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or other spices to increase the heat level.
Conclusion
This comforting chicken stew combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs, creating a satisfying meal that warms the soul. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop beautifully, making it a delightful choice for family dinners or meal prep.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Add more vegetables like zucchini and spinach to the mix, along with pasta or quinoa, for a heartier soup.
Chicken Pot Pie
Use the shredded chicken and vegetables to fill a flaky pie crust, topping it with a creamy sauce for a classic pot pie.
Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken
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Shred the cooked chicken and mix with barbecue sauce. Serve on slider buns with coleslaw for a delicious twist.
