Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
This is similar to Brunswick Stew but without the butterlima beans and corn which you can certainly add if you like
This is similar to Brunswick Stew but without the butterlima beans and corn which you can certainly add if you like
- 2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bit
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bit
- 2 cups mushrooms halved (i like crimini)
- 1 cup frozen small whole onions (or 3/4 cup chopped
- 1 cup celery sliced, 1/2 inch slices
- 1 1/2 cups carrots thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon paprika (make sure to use good quality paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper freshly ground, to taste
- 14 1/4 ounces chicken broth
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth or 1/2 cup vegeta
- 2 cups frozen green peas or 2 cups frozen edamame
- 1 cup cubed extra firm tofu (optional)
- Carbohydrate 8.37774787014495 g
- Cholesterol 37.8731910164063 mg
- Fat 7.84044910765623 g
- Fiber 1.81658717220717 g
- Protein 11.1104809019352 g
- Saturated Fat 2.22248008874852 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (290g)
- Sodium 78.0812094204659 mg
- Sugar 6.56116069793779 g
- Trans Fat 0.723994841020601 g
- Calories 146 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine the first 14 ingredients in an electric slow cooker.
- Cover with a lid and cook on high setting for 4 hours or until the carrot is tender.
- Combine the water and cornstarch in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk until blended.
- Add the cornstarch mixture and frozen peas or edamame (and tofu, if using) to the slow cooker, stir well.
- Re-cover and cook on high-heat setting for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve with hot cooked rice.
My Comfort Food Secret: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Finding quick, healthy, and delicious meals is a constant quest, and that's why my slow cooker has become my absolute best friend. It's my secret weapon against weeknight dinner chaos, transforming humble ingredients into hearty, satisfying meals with minimal effort. This Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a perfect example – a recipe that’s incredibly versatile, customizable, and, most importantly, tastes amazing. It’s a comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or those days when you just need a little bit of soul-warming nourishment.
This recipe started as a simple attempt to recreate Brunswick Stew, a Southern classic. However, I wanted something a little lighter, a little less rich, and more adaptable to my own tastes. I eliminated the butter, lima beans, and corn—classic Brunswick stew ingredients—to create a leaner, more vegetable-forward stew. That doesn’t mean you can’t add them back in! The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, proteins, and spices to make it your own. I often add extra firm cubed tofu in the last 30 minutes for a boost of protein and a heartier texture, a personal preference driven by my vegetarian leanings. Similarly, the inclusion of small new potatoes at the beginning extends the recipe, providing additional bulk and flavor. The possibilities are truly endless!
The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, falling apart easily with a fork. The vegetables soften beautifully, creating a rich, savory broth. It’s a one-pot wonder, minimizing cleanup, a huge plus for any busy mom. The finished stew is incredibly flavorful and satisfying, a testament to the magic of slow cooking. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly evening, a comforting treat after a long day, or a simple yet impressive dish to serve to guests. It's also remarkably versatile; you can easily double or even triple the recipe to feed a crowd or have leftovers for lunch throughout the week. The adaptability of this slow-cooked chicken stew truly makes it a staple in my culinary repertoire.
This isn’t just a recipe; it's a time-saving strategy, a stress reducer, and a delicious way to nourish my family. It’s proof that healthy eating and a busy lifestyle don’t have to be mutually exclusive. So, whether you're a seasoned slow-cooker enthusiast or a complete beginner, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. You might just find your new favorite weeknight meal.
Beyond its convenience and deliciousness, this stew also represents a journey of culinary exploration. I started with a well-loved recipe, adapting and modifying it to suit my own preferences and dietary needs. Over time, this simple stew has become more than just a meal; it's a reflection of my own personal evolution in the kitchen. It's a celebration of simplicity and a testament to how a few humble ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. Each time I make it, I find myself tweaking and experimenting with new flavors and ingredients, further personalizing it and making it uniquely my own. The journey of creating this dish has been as much about the process as it is about the final product, and I encourage you to embark on a similar journey of culinary self-discovery.
So, ditch the takeout menus and embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of this slow-cooked chicken stew. It's a recipe that will become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire, a testament to the comforting power of simple, wholesome ingredients cooked to perfection. It's a dish that embodies the essence of home-cooked goodness, a culinary hug in a bowl, and a testament to the magic of the slow cooker. Let me know in the comments how you enjoyed it and what variations you tried!
