Slow Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Stew

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Step into the world of easy, mouthwatering meals with the incredible Slow Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Stew. Picture this: tender chicken mixed with a colorful medley of fresh veggies, all slowly cooking together to create a flavor explosion. No fancy chef skills are needed here—just toss the ingredients in your trusty slow cooker, set it, and forget it until dinnertime. 

This is your go-to guide for delicious simplicity, making home-cooked goodness accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a kitchen whiz or a newbie, the Slow Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Stew will have you feeling like a culinary superstar. 

Join us in unlocking the secrets to an effortlessly tasty dish that fills your home with irresistible smells and your plate with pure comfort. Get ready to fall in love with cooking all over again!

Is it OK to put raw chicken in a slow cooker?

It is safe to put raw chicken in a slow cooker. Slow cookers are designed to cook food at low temperatures over an extended period, ensuring that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature to eliminate harmful bacteria. Starting with fresh, uncooked chicken is recommended, and if using frozen chicken, it should be thawed beforehand to avoid spending too much time in the bacterial growth “danger zone.” 

Placing the raw chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker helps ensure thorough cooking. It’s crucial to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) within a reasonable time frame to guarantee food safety. Following these precautions allows for the preparation of tender and flavorful slow-cooked chicken dishes without compromising safety.

What vegetables should not be added to a slow cooker?

While slow cookers are convenient for cooking a variety of dishes, certain vegetables may not be suitable for slow cooking. Here are a few vegetables that are best avoided or added towards the end of the cooking process in a slow cooker:

1. Leafy greens: Vegetables like spinach, kale, and lettuce can become mushy and lose their vibrant color when cooked for an extended period in a slow cooker. It’s better to add these greens towards the end of the cooking time to preserve their texture and nutritional value.
2. Bell peppers: While bell peppers can withstand longer cooking times, they may become overly soft and lose their crunch in a slow cooker. If you prefer a firmer texture, consider adding them during the last hour of cooking.
3. Mushrooms: Mushrooms tend to release a lot of liquid when cooked for an extended period. This can result in a watery dish. To avoid this, it’s recommended to sauté mushrooms separately before adding them to the slow cooker.
4. Zucchini and summer squash: These vegetables have a high water content, which can make them turn mushy and release excess liquid when slow-cooked. Adding them towards the end of the cooking time will help maintain their texture.

Do you put vegetables in a slow cooker at the same time as meat?

You can put vegetables in a slow cooker at the same time as meat. However, it’s important to consider the cooking time and texture preferences of both the vegetables and the meat. To ensure optimal results, cut vegetables into larger chunks or thicker slices to prevent them from becoming overly soft. 

Place root vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker, closer to the heat source, as they require more time to cook. If using vegetables that cook quickly, add them later in the cooking process to maintain their texture. Layer ingredients strategically to distribute flavors and ensure even cooking. 

What are the ingredients to make Slow Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Stew?

You can prepare this recipe in 15 minutes with an additional 8 minutes to brown the chicken. The cook time is 4 hours on high heat or 8 hours if you prefer it on low heat.

Here are the ingredients you’re going to need for 4 to 6 servings.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds depth of flavor.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Provide the main protein source.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Celery Stalks: Contribute a mild, earthy flavor and add texture to the stew.
• White Onion: Provides a savory base flavor and aromatic complexity.
• Carrots: Add sweetness, color, and a hearty texture.
• Tri-color Potatoes: Offer a starchy element, contributing to the stew’s thickness.
• Bay Leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal note.
• Dried Thyme and Dried Rosemary: Introduce aromatic herbs that complement the chicken and vegetables.
• Chicken Stock: Serves as the liquid base.
• Fresh Parsley: Used as a garnish.

How to make Slow Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Stew?

It’s time to put this recipe together now that you’ve gathered all of your ingredients.

1. First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then add the chicken and season it with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Cook it while stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned on all sides for approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
   
2. Next, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker and add the chopped celery, onion, carrots, and potatoes. Top it with the bay leaves, dried herbs, and chicken stock. Then season with additional salt and black pepper as you desire, and stir to combine.
    
3. After that, cover and cook it on high heat for 4 hours or on low heat for 8 hours. Remove the lid and stir to combine. Also remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasonings according to your taste and serve immediately topped with some fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!
   

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