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Slow Cooker Fall Chicken Stew

This chicken stew is prepared using a slow cooker, allowing flavors to meld gently over several hours. Main ingredients include tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and warm fall spices, resulting in a thick, aromatic, and comforting dish with a rich, stew-like texture and vibrant appearance.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs preferably with some fat for flavor
  • 2 carrots large carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks celery stalks sliced
  • 1 small onion yellow onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil for searing the chicken

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker, placing it at the bottom.
  4. Add chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the skillet to absorb remaining flavors, cooking until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  5. Pour the vegetable mixture into the slow cooker, surrounding the chicken.
  6. Sprinkle dried thyme, cinnamon, and nutmeg over the ingredients in the slow cooker for warm fall flavor.
  7. Pour chicken broth over everything, ensuring the ingredients are about halfway submerged.
  8. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook for 6 hours until the chicken is tender and falling apart, and the vegetables are soft.
  9. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken thighs and shred the meat with two forks, discarding bones if present.
  10. Stir the shredded chicken back into the stew, allowing the flavors to re-meld for a few minutes.
  11. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if desired for brightness.
  12. Serve the hearty fall chicken stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the cozy flavors and comforting aroma.

Notes

For added richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a drizzle of good olive oil before serving. You can also include seasonal vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for variation.