Hearty Creamy Chicken & Vegetable Stew
This Hearty Creamy Chicken & Vegetable Stew is a delightful concoction that marries the tenderness of chicken with the robust flavors of fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy, savory sauce. Born from a culinary experiment gone right, this dish has quickly become a family favorite, providing comfort and satisfaction on hectic nights. Perfectly suited for a crock pot, the ingredients meld together as they simmer, creating a rich and creamy texture reminiscent of classic canned stews, but with the added goodness of fresh produce. With generous portions, this recipe yields enough for a cozy family dinner and leftovers for lunch the next day, ensuring that you always have a delicious meal on hand.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs
2 breasts or 6 thighs (Cut into bite-sized pieces)
Golden Mushroom Soup
1 can (10 ounces) (Ready to use)
Turkey Gravy
1 can (10 ounces) or 1 1/4 cups homemade (Ready to use or homemade)
Onion
1 small (Diced)
Potatoes
5 (Cut into 1-inch cubes)
Carrots
3 (Sliced)
Frozen Peas
3/4 cup (Ready to use)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) into bite-sized pieces and placing them at the bottom of the crock pot.
2
Add the diced onion over the chicken, followed by the potatoes (cut into 1-inch cubes) and sliced carrots. Pour in the entire contents of the Golden Mushroom soup and turkey gravy, distributing evenly.
3
Sprinkle in the frozen peas and gently stir to combine all ingredients, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are well-coated with the soup and gravy mixture.
4
Cover the crock pot and set it to low heat. Allow the stew to cook for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together.
5
Once cooked, give the stew a final stir before serving. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delicious creamy chicken stew!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Creamy Chicken & Vegetable Stew?
It is a slow-cooker dish that combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables in a savory, creamy sauce made from Golden Mushroom soup and turkey gravy.
What type of chicken should I use?
You can use either 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces.
How long does this stew take to cook?
The stew should cook on low heat in a crock pot for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken is tender.
Can I use regular mushroom soup instead of Golden Mushroom soup?
Yes, but Golden Mushroom soup provides a richer, deeper flavor and color that defines this specific recipe.
Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the crock pot?
No, the chicken is added raw to the bottom of the crock pot and cooks thoroughly during the slow-simmering process.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
This recipe uses diced onions, five potatoes cut into cubes, three sliced carrots, and 3/4 cup of frozen peas.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold work best as they hold their shape during 6 to 8 hours of slow cooking.
When do I add the frozen peas?
The frozen peas are added at the beginning with the other vegetables and stirred into the soup and gravy mixture.
Can I use homemade gravy?
Yes, you can substitute the 10-ounce can of turkey gravy with 1 1/4 cups of your own homemade turkey or chicken gravy.
How large should the potato pieces be?
The potatoes should be cut into approximately 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it makes large portions and is designed to provide leftovers for lunch the next day.
Can I cook this on high heat instead of low?
While low is recommended for the best texture, you can cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours if you are short on time.
Do I need to add water or chicken broth?
No extra liquid is needed; the soup and gravy provide all the moisture required for a thick, creamy consistency.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely, you can easily add celery, green beans, or corn depending on your preference.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this stew be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze this stew, though the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
No, Golden Mushroom soup typically contains dairy. You would need to find specific dairy-free substitutes for the soup and gravy.
How many potatoes do I need?
The recipe calls for 5 potatoes.
How many carrots are used?
The recipe calls for 3 carrots, sliced.
What size onion is required?
One small onion, diced, is sufficient for this recipe.
Can I use frozen carrots instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen sliced carrots can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh carrots.
What order should I layer the ingredients in the crock pot?
Start with chicken at the bottom, then onions, potatoes, carrots, soup, gravy, and finally peas.
Do I need to stir the stew while it cooks?
No stirring is needed during the 6-8 hours of cooking; just give it a final stir before serving.
Can I use chicken gravy instead of turkey gravy?
Yes, chicken gravy is an excellent substitute for turkey gravy in this recipe.
Is this stew similar to pot pie filling?
Yes, the creamy consistency and ingredients make it very similar to a hearty chicken pot pie filling.
How do I ensure the chicken is tender?
Cooking on the low heat setting for the full 6 to 8 hours ensures the chicken becomes tender and easy to eat.
Can I add spices to the stew?
The soup and gravy provide most of the salt and flavor, but you can add black pepper or thyme for extra seasoning.
What is the serving size?
The recipe yields enough for a full family dinner plus leftovers for the following day.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use the slow cook function or pressure cook for 10-15 minutes with a natural release, though liquid ratios may need slight adjustment.
Does the recipe require salt?
Canned soup and gravy are usually high in sodium, so it is best to taste the stew before adding any additional salt.