– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 3 medium carrots, diced
– 3 medium potatoes, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning chicken)
– 1 cup frozen peas (added towards the end)
Creating your Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is quite simple if you follow these detailed steps:
1. Brown the Chicken (optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brown on both sides for added flavor.
2. Prepare Vegetables: In the meantime, chop the carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic.
3. Layer Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the chopped vegetables first. Place the browned or raw chicken thighs on top.
4. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the chicken and vegetables. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce.
5. Pour in Broth: Carefully add the chicken broth until everything is covered. Avoid pouring directly over the chicken to keep it whole.
6. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
7. Shred the Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken thighs from the stew. Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the slow cooker.
8. Add Frozen Peas: Stir in the frozen peas. Allow them to heat through for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
9. Taste and Adjust: Check the seasoning before serving. Add additional salt or pepper if required.
These straightforward steps will guide you to create a comforting, flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Stew effortlessly.