Chicken stew, simmered low and slow in a crockpot, is the epitome of comfort food. This creamy version elevates the classic dish with a rich, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to tender chicken and vegetables. Forget complicated recipes; this one is surprisingly simple, perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal. Let's dive into the delicious details.
What Makes This Crockpot Chicken Stew Creamy?
The creaminess in this recipe comes from a combination of ingredients working together harmoniously. We're not just adding cream at the end; instead, we build layers of flavor and texture that create a naturally luscious sauce. This involves using a roux (a mixture of butter and flour) to thicken the stew and incorporating ingredients like chicken broth and milk or cream for richness. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld and the creamier the stew becomes.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup frozen peas (added in the last hour)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Sear the chicken pieces in olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until lightly browned. This step adds depth of flavor. If you skip this, it's fine; just proceed directly to the crockpot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet (or directly to the crockpot if skipping the searing) and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic for another minute until fragrant.
- Make a Roux (Optional): If you want an extra thick and creamy stew, sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Combine in Crockpot: Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to your slow cooker.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, milk (or cream), thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas during the last hour of cooking.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
How Long Does Crockpot Chicken Stew Last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftover crockpot chicken stew will last for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I Use Different Vegetables in My Crockpot Chicken Stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms, corn, or green beans. Add them along with the carrots and celery. Just keep in mind that some vegetables, like potatoes, might require a longer cooking time.
Is it possible to make this stew on the stovetop?
Yes! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can easily adapt this recipe for the stovetop. Follow steps 1-3 as directed. Then, transfer everything to a large pot, bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through. Stir occasionally. Add the peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Crockpot Chicken Stew:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Check for doneness by piercing a piece with a fork; it should easily shred.
- Season to taste: Adjust the seasonings to your preference. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs.
- Thicken the stew: If you find the stew too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a while to reduce the liquid. You could also stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) at the end of cooking.
This creamy crockpot chicken stew is a comforting and flavorful meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
