📖 Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Cut 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) into 1-inch pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. You can use pre-cut chicken to save even more time!
2. Sauté Aromatics (Optional, but Recommended): In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced cloves of garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step really deepens the flavor of the stew, but if you're short on time, you can skip it and add the onion and garlic directly to the slow cooker.
3. Layer the Ingredients: In a 6-quart slow cooker, layer the sautéed onion and garlic (if using), followed by the seasoned chicken, 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 1.5 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed. Feel free to add other veggies like peas or corn at this stage as well.
4. Add Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1 bay leaf (remove before serving). These herbs add a wonderful savory note to the stew. For a richer flavor, add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. A splash of dry white wine (about 1/4 cup) is also a great addition.
5. Pour in the Broth: Pour 4 cups of chicken broth over all the ingredients. Make sure the broth covers the chicken and vegetables. If not, add a little more until everything is submerged.
6. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shreddable with a fork, and the vegetables should be soft.
7. Shred the Chicken: Once the stew is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. This will thicken the stew slightly.
8. Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, you can create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the stew reaches your desired consistency.
9. Season to Taste: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You might also want to add a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of brightness.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the slow cooker chicken stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with crusty bread, biscuits, or a side salad.