– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 4 medium carrots, sliced
– 3 medium potatoes, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning, optional)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
Creating Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome:
1. Brown the Chicken (Optional): In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and brown them on all sides. This step enhances flavor but is not necessary.
2. Prepare Vegetables: Chop the onions, slice the carrots, and dice the potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking.
3. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Add the chopped onions, carrots, potatoes, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Make sure to adjust the time based on how cooked you want the chicken.
6. Add Peas: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas.
7. Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew before serving.
8. Shred Chicken: About 15 minutes before serving, shred the chicken directly inside the slow cooker. This allows the meat to absorb all those fantastic flavors.
9. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste your stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
By following these simple steps, you will have a delightful meal that nourishes both body and spirit.