Experience the comfort of a simmering pot of fragrant, herbaceous chicken stew, made effortlessly in the Slow Cooker. With its spacious capacity and reliable heat distribution, this trusty kitchen companion transforms simple ingredients into a bowl of Italian-inspired warmth.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Handful of fresh basil, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Begin by warming the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown each side for a couple of minutes to help seal in the flavors. Transfer the chicken to the Slow Cooker Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker.
In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until they turn golden and fragrant—usually around three to five minutes. Add the carrots and celery, giving them a light toss. Transfer this aromatic mixture into the slow cooker on top of the chicken.
Pour the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth over everything, then sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give the stew a gentle stir, put on the lid, and set your Crock-Pot to Low. Let it cook for about six to seven hours, or until the chicken is completely tender and the vegetables are cooked to perfection.
Right before serving, taste your stew and adjust any seasonings if needed. For a visual pop and extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh basil over the top.
Serve your Tuscan-style chicken stew with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the rich sauce, or spoon it over a bed of steamed rice.
Wrap up your day with the mouthwatering aroma of this delightful stew. The recipe is wonderful for busy families, comfort seekers, or anyone looking to simplify their weeknights while still enjoying a home-cooked meal. Feel free to adjust the herbs or add beans, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
The Slow Cooker Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker truly shines here, gently fusing all the flavors together for a hearty and nourishing dinner that’s easy to make and even easier to love.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.