Classic Crockpot Chicken and Potato Stew
6 h 20 min
|
easy
|
high-protein,
lactose-free,
low-fat,
Mediterranean diet
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 min | 6 h | 6 h 20 min |
Introduction
This classic crockpot chicken and potato stew is cozy, hearty, and perfect for busy days when you want true comfort food.
Tender chicken thighs, Yukon gold potatoes, and simple veggies simmer low and slow in a rich, flavorful broth.
It is an easy, family-friendly dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl on chilly nights.
Ingredients (6 servings)
Ingredients
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How to Make Classic Crockpot Chicken and Potato Stew
-
Prep the vegetables
Peel the potatoes, then chop them into 1-inch chunks so they cook evenly and stay tender, not mushy.
Slice the carrots, chop the celery, and dice the onion into small, even pieces for consistent cooking.
Mince the garlic finely so it blends into the broth without leaving large sharp pieces.
-
Season the chicken
Pat the chicken thigh cubes dry with paper towels so the seasoning sticks and the stew does not get watery.
Sprinkle the poultry seasoning, dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken and toss to coat.
-
Load the slow cooker
Place the potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker to keep them submerged in broth and fully cooked.
Layer the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic over the potatoes so the flavors melt together as they simmer.
Scatter the seasoned chicken pieces evenly over the vegetables in a single layer for even cooking.
-
Add broth and bouillon
Sprinkle the gluten-free chicken bouillon over everything to boost the savory flavor of the stew.
Pour in the chicken broth evenly, making sure most of the ingredients are covered so nothing dries out.
-
Slow cook the stew
Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
For a faster option, cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, checking that the potatoes are fully soft.
-
Thicken the broth (optional)
Near the end of cooking, ladle about ½ cup hot broth into a bowl and let it cool slightly.
Whisk the cornstarch into the warm broth until smooth, then stir the slurry back into the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on High for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the stew thickens to your liking.
-
Taste and serve
Taste the broth and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed to balance the flavors.
Serve the stew hot in bowls, making sure each serving has a good mix of chicken, potatoes, and vegetables.
If you like, finish with chopped fresh parsley for color and a bright, herbal note.
Substitutions
- Chicken thighs -> chicken breasts
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep the stew leaner and a bit lighter, while still becoming tender in the slow cooker.
- Yukon gold potatoes -> red potatoes
- Red potatoes hold their shape very well, giving the stew a slightly firmer bite and a pretty color contrast.
- Cornstarch -> arrowroot starch
- Arrowroot thickens the broth with a glossy finish and keeps the stew gluten-free for sensitive guests.
Tips
- Brown the chicken first for deeper flavor
- Sear the chicken pieces in a hot skillet until golden, then transfer them to the slow cooker for richer flavor.
- Cut potatoes and carrots to similar size
- Aim for 1-inch chunks so the vegetables cook at the same rate and stay tender without falling apart.
- Do not overfill the slow cooker
- Keep the crock two thirds full at most so heat circulates well and the stew cooks safely and evenly.
- Skim excess fat before serving
- If the stew looks oily on top, blot gently with a paper towel or skim with a small ladle.
- Use fresh herbs at the end
- Stir in fresh parsley or thyme right before serving so the flavors stay bright and the color looks fresh.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 247 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 25 | g |
| Total Fat | 5 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- How do I keep the potatoes from turning mushy in the crockpot?
- Cut the potatoes into larger 1-inch chunks so they hold up during the long cooking time. Use waxy potatoes like Yukon gold or red, and avoid cooking much beyond the suggested time.
- Can I use frozen chicken in this slow cooker recipe?
- For food safety, it is best to thaw chicken completely in the fridge before adding it to the slow cooker. Frozen chicken takes longer to reach a safe temperature and can keep the stew in the danger zone too long.
- What if my stew tastes bland at the end of cooking?
- Start by adding a pinch of salt and a little more black pepper, then taste again. A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar can also brighten the flavor quickly. Finish with fresh herbs for a fresher, more layered taste.
- How can I make this stew ahead for meal prep?
- Cook the stew completely, cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
- Can I add other vegetables to this crockpot chicken stew?
- Yes, you can add peas, green beans, or corn in the last 30 minutes so they do not overcook. Hearty vegetables like parsnips or turnips can be added at the beginning with the carrots and potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
This cozy stew makes a complete meal when you add warm crusty bread or a simple green salad.
For a heartier twist, stir in a handful of frozen peas or baby spinach during the last few minutes.
Leftovers taste even better the next day, so plan this as a make-ahead dinner for busy nights.
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