The BEST Slow-Cooker Honey Chicken Stew – Sweet & Savory Perfection

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty stew on a chilly day. This Slow-Cooker Homey Chicken Stew is a perfect example of cozy food that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Tender chunks of chicken, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth come together to create a meal that is both satisfying and wholesome. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, letting the flavors develop while you go about your day. This stew is ideal for a family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless to Make: Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do all the work for you.
Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with lean chicken, veggies, and herbs, this stew is a wholesome and balanced meal.
Perfect Comfort Food: The rich, savory flavors will satisfy your cravings for a hearty, warming dish.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prepping.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Add the chicken chunks, carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, and celery to your slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, and stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Add the Seasonings:

1. Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss in the bay leaf for added flavor.
2. Give everything a good stir, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are evenly distributed in the broth.

Cook the Stew:

1. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat.
2. Let the stew cook for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Alternatively, you can cook it on high heat for 3-4 hours.

Thicken the Stew (Optional):

1. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
2. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the slurry into the stew and cook on high to thicken the broth.
3. Alternatively, you can remove some of the vegetables and mash them before returning them to the stew for natural thickening.

Add the Peas:

1. Stir in the frozen peas during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, allowing them to heat through.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Once the stew is ready, remove the bay leaf and discard it.
2. Serve the stew warm in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or other herbs if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 220 | Carbs: 24g | Fat: 6g | Protein: 20g | Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

• Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor: While chicken breasts are leaner, chicken thighs add more richness and flavor to the stew.
• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap or add other vegetables, like sweet potatoes, green beans, or corn, for variety.
• Thickening Tip: If you prefer a heartier texture, you can use a potato masher to mash some of the cooked potatoes before serving.
• Fresh Herbs: For an added burst of flavor, you can use fresh thyme and rosemary instead of dried herbs. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their brightness.

Why This Recipe Works

• Simple and Hearty: It combines simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful, comforting meal.
• Slow Cooker Convenience: The slow cooker allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld together effortlessly.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs, making it a flexible meal option for everyone.

This Slow-Cooker Homey Chicken Stew is the ultimate comfort food made easy. With its tender chicken, savory broth, and a medley of vegetables, it’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Perfect for busy days when you want a no-fuss, delicious dinner, this stew is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy a bowl of cozy goodness tonight!