Hearty Crock Pot Chicken Stew with Savory Mushrooms
This delightful hearty chicken stew combines tender boneless skinless chicken thighs with a medley of fresh sliced mushrooms, aromatic onions, and fragrant herbs, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. Inspired by a cooking class experience, this recipe has become a family favorite, especially when our son and his wife visit for dinner. The richness of the tomato paste and the depth of flavor from the merlot create a luscious gravy that complements the meal wonderfully. Serve this comforting dish over creamy polenta for a satisfying dinner that will warm the hearts of your loved ones.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh sliced mushrooms
12 ounces (sliced)
Large onion
1 (sliced)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Salt
to taste (seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Boneless skinless chicken thighs
8 (seasoned with salt and pepper)
Chicken stock or broth
1/2 cup (liquid)
Tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can (liquid)
Merlot or other dry wine
1/2 cup (liquid)
Quick-cooking tapioca
2 tablespoons (dry)
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon (dry herb)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your slow cooker insert. Place the sliced mushrooms, onions, and minced garlic into the bottom of the insert.
2
Generously season the vegetable mixture with salt and pepper, stirring gently to ensure even distribution.
3
Next, season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Lay the chicken on top of the vegetable bed in the slow cooker.
4
In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, tomato paste, merlot, quick-cooking tapioca, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
5
Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well coated.
6
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 7 to 8 hours, until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
7
Once finished, check the seasoning before serving. Ladle the stew over polenta for a hearty meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this chicken dish?
The dish is called Hearty Crock Pot Chicken Stew with Savory Mushrooms.
What type of chicken is recommended for this stew?
The recipe calls for 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
You should use 12 ounces of fresh sliced mushrooms.
How many onions are needed?
One large onion, sliced, is required for this recipe.
How much garlic is used in the stew?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
How do I prepare the slow cooker?
Begin by placing the sliced mushrooms, onions, and minced garlic into the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
Should I season the vegetables?
Yes, generously season the vegetable mixture with salt and pepper and stir gently.
How do I prepare the chicken?
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides before laying them on the vegetables.
What goes into the liquid mixture?
The mixture consists of chicken stock, tomato paste, merlot, quick-cooking tapioca, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
How much chicken stock is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of chicken stock or broth.
What size can of tomato paste is used?
Use one 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
What type of wine is suggested for the gravy?
Merlot or another dry wine is suggested for the recipe.
What is the purpose of quick-cooking tapioca in this recipe?
The 2 tablespoons of quick-cooking tapioca act as a thickener for the stew's gravy.
How much dried thyme is added?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How should the liquid be added to the slow cooker?
Whisk the liquid ingredients together and pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
How long does the stew cook on high?
It should cook on high for 3 to 4 hours.
How long does the stew cook on low?
It should cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.
What is the serving suggestion for this stew?
It is highly recommended to serve this comforting stew over creamy polenta.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 main ingredients in this chicken stew recipe.
Is this a good meal for families?
Yes, the description mentions it has become a family favorite for dinner visits.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a cooking class experience.
What should I check before serving?
You should check the seasoning and adjust if necessary before ladling the stew.
Can I use a different wine instead of Merlot?
Yes, any other dry wine can be used in place of Merlot.
What type of pot is used for cooking?
This recipe is designed specifically for a slow cooker or crock pot.
How do I ensure the chicken is well coated?
Pour the liquid mixture evenly over the top to ensure the chicken is covered before starting the cooker.
Is the garlic minced or whole?
The garlic should be minced for this recipe.
How is the onion prepared?
The onion should be sliced.
Does this recipe create a gravy?
Yes, the combination of tomato paste, merlot, and tapioca creates a luscious gravy.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and described as a satisfying, heart-warming dinner.
Are the chicken thighs skinless?
Yes, the recipe specifies using boneless skinless chicken thighs.