Savory Slow-Cooked Pulled Chicken Stew
Warm up with this Savory Slow-Cooked Pulled Chicken Stew, a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of tender, pulled chicken thighs, and the classic vegetables like potatoes and carrots simmered with aromatic herbs creates a rich flavor profile that will delight your taste buds. Simply let your slow cooker do the work for you, and enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort. It’s not just a stew; it’s a hug in a bowl!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
4 medium (cut into bite-size pieces)
carrots
4 medium (scraped and cut into bite-size pieces)
onions
1 1/4 cups (chopped)
boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 1/4 lbs (chopped into chunks)
hot water
2 cups (just boiled)
low-sodium instant chicken bouillon granules
1 tablespoon (as is)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (as is)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (as is)
ground thyme
1/2 teaspoon (as is)
liquid gravy browner
1/2 teaspoon (as is)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your vegetables: peel and chop the potatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces, and finely chop the onions.
2
In the bottom of your slow cooker, create a layer with the chopped potatoes, followed by a layer of carrots, and then the onions on top.
3
Next, add the chopped chicken thighs on top of the vegetable layers, ensuring even distribution.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the hot water, instant chicken bouillon granules, salt, black pepper, ground thyme, and liquid gravy browner until fully combined.
5
Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring that the chicken is moistened and the seasonings are well distributed.
6
Cover the slow cooker with its lid, set it to Low, and let it cook for 9 to 10 hours, or for a faster option, set it to High and cook for 4.5 to 5 hours.
7
Once cooked, use two forks to pull apart the chicken and mix it thoroughly with the vegetables and broth before serving. Enjoy your hearty stew!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow-Cooked Pulled Chicken Stew?
It is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken thighs, potatoes, carrots, and aromatic herbs, all prepared in a slow cooker.
What are the main vegetables used in this recipe?
The primary vegetables are four medium potatoes, four medium carrots, and one and a quarter cups of chopped onions.
How long does this stew take to cook on the Low setting?
When set to Low, the stew should cook for 9 to 10 hours.
Is there a faster cooking option for the slow cooker?
Yes, you can set the slow cooker to High and cook the stew for 4.5 to 5 hours.
What type of chicken is best for this stew?
The recipe calls for one and a quarter pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs, chopped into chunks.
Do I need to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, the chopped chicken thighs are added raw directly on top of the vegetable layers.
In what order should I layer the ingredients?
First layer the chopped potatoes, then the carrots, then the onions, and finally the chicken on top.
How do I prepare the cooking liquid?
Whisk together hot water, chicken bouillon granules, salt, black pepper, ground thyme, and liquid gravy browner in a separate bowl.
What is the purpose of liquid gravy browner?
Liquid gravy browner is used to enhance the color and richness of the broth.
How is the chicken 'pulled' in this recipe?
Once the cooking time is complete, use two forks to pull the tender chicken pieces apart before mixing them back into the stew.
Can I use chicken broth instead of water and bouillon?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 cups of hot water and 1 tablespoon of bouillon with 2 cups of chicken broth.
Should the potatoes be peeled?
Yes, the instructions recommend peeling and chopping the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt, though the bouillon granules also provide saltiness.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses ground thyme and fresh ground black pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a hearty dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but chicken thighs are recommended because they stay more tender and juicy during long slow-cooking times.
Do I need to stir the stew while it cooks?
No, simply layer the ingredients, pour the liquid over, and let it cook undisturbed until finished.
What size should the carrot pieces be?
Carrots should be scraped and cut into bite-size pieces.
Is the water used for the broth room temperature?
The recipe specifies using 2 cups of just boiled hot water.
What type of bouillon is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one tablespoon of low-sodium instant chicken bouillon granules.
Can I add other vegetables like celery?
Yes, adding celery or peas would complement the existing potato and carrot profile well.
How many potatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 medium-sized potatoes.
How many carrots are required?
You will need 4 medium carrots.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with minimal effort since the slow cooker does the work.
Can I freeze leftovers of this stew?
Yes, this chicken stew can be stored in an airtight container and frozen for later use.
What texture should the chicken have?
The chicken should be tender enough to be easily pulled apart with forks.
Does this stew have a lot of broth?
It uses 2 cups of water, which creates a rich, savory broth that coats the chicken and vegetables.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include pulled chicken, slow cooker, stew, hearty, comfort food, chicken stew, family meal, easy recipe, and vegetables.
How much onion is needed?
You need 1 and 1/4 cups of finely chopped onions.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor is savory and aromatic, highlighted by thyme, chicken bouillon, and slow-simmered vegetables.