Savory Slow Cooker Creamy Herb Chicken Stew
Indulge in this heartwarming Savory Slow Cooker Creamy Herb Chicken Stew. This dish combines tender chicken thighs and a medley of fresh vegetables with an irresistible creamy herb sauce, all cooked slowly for a depth of flavor that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this stew is not only easy to prepare but can also be made ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baby Carrots
4 cups (washed and trimmed)
Yukon Gold Potatoes
4 medium (cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces)
Onion
1 large (chopped (1 cup))
Celery
2 medium stalks (sliced (1 cup))
Dried Thyme
2 teaspoons (divided)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
2 lbs (trimmed of excess fat)
Low Sodium Chicken Broth
3 cups (for cooking)
Fresh Sugar Snap Peas
2 cups (trimmed)
Whipping Cream
1 cup (for thickening sauce)
All-Purpose Flour
1/2 cup (for thickening sauce)
Instructions
1
In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, add the baby carrots, Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped onion, and sliced celery, seasoning them with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
2
Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs on top of the vegetables and carefully pour in the low-sodium chicken broth until everything is submerged.
3
Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW heat. Cook for 6 to 8 hours, ensuring to add the fresh sugar snap peas during the last 5 to 10 minutes of the cooking time so they retain their crunch.
4
Once cooked, using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken and vegetables to a serving bowl, keeping them warm with a cover.
5
Increase the heat setting of the slow cooker to HIGH. In a small bowl, whisk together the whipping cream, all-purpose flour, and an additional teaspoon of dried thyme until smooth.
6
Stir this mixture into the remaining liquid in the cooker. Cover and allow to cook for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened without letting the mixture reach a boil.
7
Finally, drizzle the creamy sauce over the chicken and vegetables before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow Cooker Creamy Herb Chicken Stew?
It is a comforting meal featuring chicken thighs, vegetables, and a creamy herb sauce made in a slow cooker.
What size slow cooker do I need?
A 5-6 quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, though thighs tend to stay more tender in slow cooker recipes.
How long should I cook the stew on low heat?
The recipe calls for 6 to 8 hours on the LOW heat setting.
What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and have a buttery texture.
When should I add the sugar snap peas?
Add the fresh sugar snap peas during the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking to maintain their crunch.
How is the creamy sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened by whisking together whipping cream, all-purpose flour, and dried thyme, then cooking it on high heat for about 10 minutes.
Is it necessary to remove the chicken before thickening the sauce?
Yes, removing the chicken and vegetables with a slotted spoon allows you to whisk the thickening mixture into the liquid more effectively.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs.
What herbs are used in this stew?
Dried thyme is the primary herb used to flavor both the stew and the creamy sauce.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, this stew can be made ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week as leftovers.
What is a good side dish for this meal?
Crusty bread is a perfect accompaniment for soaking up the savory creamy sauce.
Should I peel the carrots and potatoes?
The baby carrots are washed and trimmed, and the Yukon Gold potatoes are cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces; peeling the potatoes is optional.
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whipping cream?
While you can, whipping cream provides a richer, thicker consistency that defines the stew's texture.
How do I prevent the sauce from boiling?
When cooking the sauce on HIGH, monitor it closely and stop once it thickens, ensuring it does not reach a full boil.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it contains a variety of fresh vegetables like carrots, onions, celery, and snap peas, making it a wholesome family meal.
What is the role of the chicken broth?
Low-sodium chicken broth provides the base liquid for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
Can I use dried herbs other than thyme?
Yes, you could experiment with rosemary or oregano, though thyme is recommended for the classic herb flavor.
How much onion and celery is needed?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chopped onion and 1 cup of sliced celery.
What should I do with the excess fat on the chicken?
It is recommended to trim the excess fat from the chicken thighs before adding them to the cooker.
Can I substitute sugar snap peas?
If sugar snap peas are unavailable, you can use frozen peas or trimmed green beans.
Does this stew contain flour?
Yes, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour is used as a thickening agent for the sauce.
How many teaspoons of dried thyme are used in total?
A total of 2 teaspoons of dried thyme are used, divided between the initial cooking and the sauce.
Can I cook this on high heat for a shorter time?
While the recipe specifies low heat for 6-8 hours, you can generally cook it on high for 3-4 hours.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Why use low-sodium chicken broth?
Using low-sodium broth allows you to better control the saltiness of the dish by seasoning to taste.
Is this dish suitable for a family dinner?
Absolutely, its comforting flavors and easy preparation make it perfect for a cozy family meal.
How do I serve the sauce?
Once the sauce has thickened, drizzle it over the cooked chicken and vegetables in the serving bowl.
What size should I cut the vegetables?
Potatoes should be cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces, onions chopped, and celery sliced.
Can I add salt and pepper to taste?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, or adjusting to your preference.