This healthy slow cooker chicken stew is the perfect answer for a comforting and nutritious meal without a lot of fuss.
Imagine tender boneless chicken thighs simmering in a rich, savory tomato sauce all day, ready to greet you with its delicious aroma when you walk through the door. It’s an incredibly easy, low-calorie crockpot recipe that fits perfectly into busy weeknight schedules.
This recipe is designed to be straightforward and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for families looking for a heart-healthy dinner. It brings together simple ingredients to create a deeply flavorful stew that feels both cozy and light, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and convenient.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This healthy slow cooker chicken stew is a comforting and nutritious meal that requires minimal effort. Tender boneless chicken thighs simmer in a rich, savory tomato sauce, making it an easy, low-calorie crockpot recipe perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a straightforward and satisfying dish, ideal for families looking for a heart-healthy dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Vegetables: Start by chopping your onion, peeling and chopping the carrots, and slicing the celery stalks. Aim for roughly similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
2. Add Chicken and Vegetables to Slow Cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, evenly distribute the chopped onion, carrots, and celery over the chicken.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients and Seasonings: In a medium bowl, whisk together the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), low-sodium chicken broth, and tomato paste. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Pour Sauce Over Ingredients: Carefully pour the tomato mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Ensure everything is mostly submerged in the liquid.
5. Cook Until Tender: Cover your slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 7-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 4-6 hours. The stew is ready when the chicken is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork, and the vegetables are soft.
6. Shred Chicken and Add Peas: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peas are heated through.
7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Give the stew a taste and add salt as needed. Remember, you can always add more salt, but you can’t take it away.
8. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the warm stew into bowls. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours
- Category: main dish
- Method: slow cooker
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Keywords: chicken stew, slow cooker, healthy, comfort food, easy, weeknight meal, low calorie, tomato based, chicken thighs, crockpot
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this healthy slow cooker chicken stew because it takes the stress out of dinner. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for anyone with a busy schedule, from working parents to students. This recipe is designed for ease and convenience, allowing you to toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a warm, ready-to-eat meal. It’s a fantastic option for a cozy dinner during cooler months, offering a comforting warmth without being heavy. The low-calorie nature of this stew also makes it a smart choice for those mindful of their diet, proving that healthy food can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters tend to enjoy, thanks to the tender chicken and savory tomato base.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for this slow cooker chicken stew is simple and straightforward. Most items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the wholesome nature of its components, ensuring a delicious and healthy meal every time.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts can also be used if preferred, though they may be slightly less moist. When selecting canned tomatoes, opt for good quality brands, as they form the base of your sauce. Low-sodium chicken broth helps control the overall salt content, allowing you to season to your preference. Feel free to use fresh herbs like oregano and thyme if you have them on hand; just remember that fresh herbs are typically stronger, so you might need a bit more than the dried equivalent.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
One of the best features of this slow cooker chicken stew is its minimal active preparation time, making it ideal for busy days.
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 4-6 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low Total time: Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes, depending on your slow cooker setting.
The majority of the time is hands-off cooking, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully without constant supervision.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating this healthy slow cooker chicken stew is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect, comforting meal.
- Prepare Your Vegetables: Start by chopping your onion, peeling and chopping the carrots, and slicing the celery stalks. Aim for roughly similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. This step is a great visual cue for getting organized.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables to Slow Cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, evenly distribute the chopped onion, carrots, and celery over the chicken.
- Combine Wet Ingredients and Seasonings: In a medium bowl, whisk together the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), low-sodium chicken broth, and tomato paste. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Pour Sauce Over Ingredients: Carefully pour the tomato mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Ensure everything is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Cook Until Tender: Cover your slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 7-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 4-6 hours. The stew is ready when the chicken is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork, and the vegetables are soft.
- Shred Chicken and Add Peas: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peas are heated through.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Give the stew a taste and add salt as needed. Remember, you can always add more salt, but you can’t take it away.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the warm stew into bowls. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This healthy slow cooker chicken stew is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can cut the chicken thighs into smaller, bite-sized pieces before cooking, which can make it easier for little ones to eat. You might also consider adding a touch of sweetness with a pinch of sugar or a splash of maple syrup to the tomato sauce if your children are sensitive to acidity.
To add more vegetables, consider stirring in chopped zucchini or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking. For a heartier meal, you could include a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas when you add the peas. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce mixture.
This stew is fantastic served over a variety of bases. Brown rice, quinoa, or even whole wheat pasta are excellent choices for a complete meal. For a lighter option, serve it with a side of crusty whole-grain bread for dipping, or a simple green salad. It’s also delicious on its own, especially if you’re looking for a low-carb meal. For a party or buffet, keep the stew warm in the slow cooker and provide small bowls and spoons, allowing guests to serve themselves. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese can also be a lovely optional topping for those who enjoy dairy.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even with a simple slow cooker recipe, there are a few common mistakes that can impact the final result. Being aware of these can help you achieve a perfect stew every time.
One frequent slip-up is overfilling the slow cooker. Most slow cookers perform best when filled between half and two-thirds full. Filling it too much can lead to uneven cooking, and the stew might not reach a safe temperature quickly enough. Conversely, too little food can cause it to cook too fast or dry out. Stick to the recommended quantities to avoid this.
Another mistake is lifting the lid too often during the cooking process. Every time you open the slow cooker lid, a significant amount of heat escapes, and it can take 15-20 minutes for the temperature to recover. This prolongs the cooking time and can affect the tenderness of the chicken and vegetables. Resist the urge to peek until the recommended cooking time is nearly complete.
Not seasoning adequately is another common issue. While the recipe calls for salt to taste at the end, some people forget to add it or don’t add enough. Salt is crucial for enhancing all the other flavors in the stew. Taste and adjust at the end, adding small amounts until it tastes just right.
Finally, using chicken breasts instead of thighs without adjusting the cooking time can lead to dry, tough chicken. While chicken breasts can be used, they are leaner and tend to dry out more quickly. If using breasts, consider reducing the cooking time slightly or shredding them a bit earlier to prevent overcooking.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
This healthy slow cooker chicken stew is fantastic for meal prepping and storing, as its flavors often deepen overnight.
To store any leftovers, allow the stew to cool completely first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this stew freezes beautifully. Portion the cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace if using containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, you can gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
