Chicken stew in a Crock Pot slow cooker

Chicken stew in a slow cooker – a delicious and simple recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Total time: 4 hours and 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Welcome to the world of slow cooking, where flavors intertwine and develop gradually, creating truly savory dishes. Today, I invite you to discover the recipe for chicken stew in a slow cooker, a perfect option for evenings when you want to enjoy a hearty meal without too much effort. With the help of a Crock Pot, you will achieve tender meat and well-cooked vegetables, all in a rich sauce full of flavors.

A brief story about stew

Stews have a long-standing tradition in gastronomy, being dishes that bring together simple yet flavorful ingredients. They are often considered comfort food, ideal for family meals. Slow cooking allows the ingredients to blend harmoniously, providing a culinary experience passed down from generation to generation.

Necessary ingredients

To prepare this chicken stew in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients:

- 4 chicken thighs (you can choose between upper or lower thighs, depending on your preference)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil (olive oil or sunflower oil)
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into pieces
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 200 g champignon mushrooms, sliced
- 40 ml white wine (optional, but recommended for added flavor)
- 40 ml chicken broth (or water, if you don't have broth)
- 200 g thick tomato juice
- 1 tablespoon of pepper paste
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar (wine or balsamic)
- Salt, pepper, dried thyme (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 whole garlic clove (peeled)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and cutting all the vegetables. Make sure the carrots, potatoes, and celery are cut evenly so they cook at the same time. If you are using fresh mushrooms, clean and slice them.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a pan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This will add a special flavor to your stew.

3. Mixing the liquids: In a bowl, combine the white wine, chicken broth, pepper paste, sugar, and vinegar. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous sauce. This mixture will provide a deep and complex flavor.

4. Arranging the ingredients in the slow cooker: Place the chopped vegetables (carrots, potatoes, celery, and mushrooms) in the ceramic pot of the slow cooker. Add the sautéed onion, the whole garlic clove, the spices (salt, pepper, thyme, sweet paprika), and the bay leaf. Gently mix to combine the ingredients.

5. Adding the chicken: Wash the chicken thighs and season them with salt, pepper, and thyme. Place them on top of the vegetables and pour the thick tomato juice over them. This will create a delicious sauce that will coat the meat and vegetables.

6. Cooking: Put the lid on the slow cooker and set it to High for 4 hours and 30 minutes. If you prefer a slower cooking method, you can choose Low for 8-10 hours. Regardless of the method chosen, the meat will become tender and flavorful.

7. Serving: Once the stew is ready, remove the garlic clove and bay leaf. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh look and a hint of flavor. Serve the stew hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or with a seasonal salad.

Useful tips

- Vegetarian option: You can replace the chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas to create a delicious vegetarian stew.
- Adding spices: Experiment with spices like cumin or coriander to add a different note.
- Serving: This stew pairs perfectly with a serving of mashed potatoes or rice. Also, a glass of white wine would wonderfully complement the meal.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken stew is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken thighs, and it contains a variety of vegetables that provide essential fibers, vitamins, and minerals. Carrots, potatoes, and celery contribute to the intake of antioxidants and nutrients, making this dish a healthy choice for the whole family.

Estimated calories: Approximately 400-500 kcal per serving (depending on the ingredients used)

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of meat? Yes, you can use pork or beef, but the cooking time will be different.
- How can I make this recipe spicier? Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the liquid mixture.
- Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, the stew keeps well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in airtight containers.

Now you are ready to start cooking! The experience of preparing chicken stew in a slow cooker is not only enjoyable but also extremely satisfying. You will bring to your table a meal full of flavors, tradition, and love. Enjoy your meal!