Greetings, fellow slow cooker enthusiasts!
As a lover of slow-cooked recipes, I’m always on the hunt for new and delicious recipes to add to my repertoire.
Lucky for me (and you!), I recently stumbled upon a game-changing recipe for Slow Cooker Maple Chicken Stew.
Not only is this cheap dinner recipe easy to make, but it’s also insanely tasty!
Perfect for those hectic weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
The best part? This hearty stew is loaded with chicken, veggies, and a mouth-watering maple sauce that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Perfect dinner to prepare for your partner or friends.
What I love most about this dish is how the flavors meld together in the slow cooker, resulting in a truly delicious taste experience.
It’s the perfect comfort food to warm you up on a chilly day, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Whether you’re a slow-cooker fanatic like me or simply looking for an exciting new dinner idea, this recipe for slow-cooker maple chicken stew is a must-try.
So, without further ado, let’s get cooking and dive into this delectable dish!
Ingredients for the Best Stew Ever!
Let’s get started on how to prepare the most delicious meal you’ll ever taste!
With this recipe, you’ll be able to transform simple ingredients into a hearty, flavorful, and healthy meal. (Get ready to blow your taste buds away!)
First up, let’s talk about the ingredients. Here is the list:
Chicken
Let’s start with the star of the show – the chicken! I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe.
They’re tender, juicy, and perfect for slow cooking. But hey, if you’re a white meat lover, go ahead and use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead!
Vegetables
(What’s a stew without some veggies, right?) For this recipe, I suggest using a mix of carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes.
But feel free to add your own twist and throw in your favorite veggies! Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Herbs and Spices
Now, let’s talk about flavor.
To really make our stew sing, we need a blend of herbs and spices.
My go-to combo includes thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and black pepper. But if you’re feeling adventurous, mix it up and add your favorite spices!
Other Ingredients
Finally, let’s add a touch of sweetness to our savory stew. We need the secret ingredient – real maple syrup!
Don’t skimp on this one, as it adds a unique depth of flavor.
You’ll also need chicken broth and some cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
With these ingredients ready to go, we’re all set to start cooking our delicious stew!
Ideal to prepare for your loved ones and friends.
Let’s Get Cookin’!
Are you ready to dive into a delicious, hearty meal that will make your taste buds dance?
It’s time to put on your cooking apron, grab your slow cooker, and let’s get to work!
But don’t worry, this dinner recipe is super easy to make, and the result is worth the wait.
You’ll be enjoying a warm and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Prepping the Ingredients
- Grab your veggies and chop them up into bite-sized pieces. Make sure they’re all similar in size so they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
- Season your chicken with salt and pepper.
Cooking the Stew in a Slow Cooker
- Add your chopped veggies to the slow cooker, then place your chicken on top.
- Whisk together the chicken broth, real maple syrup, and seasonings in a separate bowl to create a delicious sauce.
- Pour this mouth-watering sauce over the chicken and veggies in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Finishing Touches
- Once the stew is finished cooking, remove the chicken and shred it up with two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring everything well.
- Whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry, and stir it into the slow cooker.
- Cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to perfection.
- Sprinkle some fresh parsley or thyme over your slow-cooker maple chicken stew.
And serve it up with some crusty bread or rice for a mouth-watering and wholesome meal.
There you have it, folks! A simple yet satisfying slow cooker maple chicken stew that’s sure to warm your heart and soul.
Tips and Tricks that you should definitely try
Alright, folks! You’ve got the recipe for slow-cooker maple chicken stew, but now it’s time to take it up a notch.
Who’s ready for some epic tips and tricks to make your stew game unbeatable?
Buckle up, because here are some easy and fun ways to elevate your slow cooker maple chicken stew.
Great for those who are looking to prepare a protein-packed meal to fuel their workouts!
- Make it Gluten-Free: Are you or someone in your family gluten-free? (No problemo!)
You can easily make this stew gluten-free by using a gluten-free chicken broth and making sure your cornstarch is labeled as gluten-free.
This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious meal together without any worries.
- Make it Low-Carb: Are you trying to watch your carb intake but still want to indulge in some Slow Cooker Maple Chicken Stew?
(Be reassured, my friends!)
You can simply omit the potatoes and use low-carb veggies like mushrooms, green beans, or zucchini instead.
This way, you can still get all the yummy flavors without any of the guilt.
- How to Meal Prep with the Recipe?: Are you always on the go but still want to eat delicious and healthy food?
(Then meal prep is your best friend!) This recipe is perfect for meal prep, as it makes a large batch that can be portioned out and eaten throughout the week.
Simply divide the stew into individual meal-prepping containers and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to eat.
I love to meal prep with this recipe because it’s so versatile. You can serve it over rice, with a side of bread, or even on its own for a low-carb meal.
And let’s be real, there’s nothing more satisfying than having a healthy and delicious meal ready to go when you’re short on time
So, there you have it folks!
Thanks for joining me in this slow-cooker maple chicken stew adventure!
It’s been a blast sharing this recipe with you, and I hope you’re as excited to try it out as I am.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Is it really that good?” (Well, it absolutely is!)
With its perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors, this stew is a total crowd-pleaser.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to fit your dietary needs.
And the best part? You don’t have to take my word for it. (give it a try for yourself!)
Whether you’re a beginner in meal prepping or a seasoned prepper, this recipe is for you.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can have a satisfying meal ready in no time.
You’ll feel like a total chef when you pull out that slow cooker filled with this tasty goodness.
Till next time. Happy cooking and happy chilling.
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FAQ
Do I need to brown off the chicken before it goes in the slow cooker?
Browning the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker is not necessary, but it can help enhance the flavor and texture of the meat.
Browning creates a crispy exterior that locks in moisture and gives the chicken a golden brown color.
However, if you are short on time or want to simplify the cooking process, you can skip this step and still enjoy a delicious and tender chicken dish.
Do you need to put liquid in the slow cooker when cooking chicken?
Yes, it’s important to add liquid when cooking chicken in the slow cooker.
The liquid helps to keep the chicken moist and prevents it from drying out during the cooking process.
You can use water, chicken broth, or any other flavorful liquid such as wine or beer to add depth of flavor to the dish.
The amount of liquid needed depends on the recipe and the size of the slow cooker, but as a general rule, you should aim for at least 1/2 cup of liquid per pound of chicken.
Can you use marinade in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can use marinade in a slow cooker to add flavor and tenderize the chicken.
However, it’s important to make sure that the marinade is fully cooked and reaches a safe temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
If you plan to use a marinade in the slow cooker, make sure to cook the chicken in the marinade and discard any leftover marinade after cooking.
How long is chicken safe in a slow cooker?
Cooked chicken can be safely stored in the slow cooker for up to two hours on the “warm” setting or four hours on the “low” or “high” setting.
After that time, it’s important to either consume or refrigerate the chicken to prevent bacterial growth and foodborne illness.
To ensure that your chicken is safe to eat, use a food thermometer to check that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Is it healthy to cook chicken in a slow cooker?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker is a healthy and convenient way to prepare a delicious and nutritious meal.
Slow cooking allows the chicken to cook slowly and evenly, which helps to retain its nutrients and flavor.
Additionally, using a slow cooker can help reduce the amount of added fat and calories in the dish, as there’s no need to use oil or butter to cook the chicken.
Just make sure to use lean cuts of chicken and add plenty of vegetables and herbs to make it a well-rounded meal.