Imagine coming home after a long day to the tantalizing aroma of a hearty, creamy chicken stew wafting through your kitchen. This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Stew is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl, perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings. With minimal prep time and the magic of slow cooking, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort, making it a must-try for any home cook. Ready to dive into a recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cubing the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces, slicing carrots, dicing potatoes, and finely chopping the onion and garlic.
- Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Grease the interior of the slow cooker with a light cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Layer the chopped onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavor base.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the onion and garlic layer, distributing them evenly.
- Place the diced potatoes and sliced carrots around and over the chicken to ensure even cooking.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, cooking for 5-6 hours until the chicken is tender and vegetables are soft.
- In the final 30 minutes of cooking, gently stir in the heavy cream to create a rich, creamy texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot in bowls, ensuring each serving has a mix of chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and cube the chicken the night before. Store them in the fridge to make your cooking process even smoother.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and thyme! Proper seasoning enhances the flavors and ensures a deliciously savory stew.
- Layering is Key: Start with the onions and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. This allows their flavors to infuse into the chicken and vegetables as they cook.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allow the stew to cook on low heat for the full 5-6 hours. This slow cooking process is essential for tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables.
- Creamy Finish: Stir in the heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking to achieve that rich, velvety texture without curdling.
- Taste Test: Before serving, always taste your stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or pepper can elevate the dish to perfection!
- Serve with Style: For a complete meal, serve the stew with crusty bread or over rice for a satisfying dinner that will impress your family and friends.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg
