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Choosing the Best Chicken for Stew
The type of chicken you use can dramatically affect the final texture and flavor.
Best Options
- Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
Richer flavor, stays tender longer - Chicken drumsticks
Adds depth and body to the broth - Chicken breasts
Leaner, but can dry out if overcooked
💡 Tip: Thighs are generally preferred for slow cooking because they remain juicy and flavorful even after long cooking times.
Building Flavor the Right Way
Slow cooker meals can sometimes taste flat if not layered properly. The secret to a deeply flavorful chicken stew is building flavor in stages.
Key Flavor Builders
- Aromatics (onion, garlic, celery)
- Herbs (thyme, bay leaf, rosemary)
- Proper seasoning
- Natural sweetness from vegetables
- Time
Optional but helpful:
- Browning chicken before slow cooking
- Deglazing the pan with broth
Classic Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Ingredients
This recipe uses everyday ingredients you can find anywhere.
Core Ingredients
- Chicken (thighs or breasts)
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
Seasonings
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Thyme
- Bay leaf
- Paprika
Optional Add-Ins
- Peas
- Corn
- Green beans
- Mushrooms
- Parsnips
Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless or bone-in)
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional)
- 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
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