Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew recipe

Weeknights in our house are synonymous with “dinner rush hour.” Between school pickups, after-school activities, and the general chaos of family life, finding time to cook a wholesome and delicious meal can feel like a Herculean task. That’s why my slow cooker is my absolute best friend. And this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew? It’s practically a culinary superhero in disguise. I stumbled upon this recipe when searching for something comforting and flavorful that required minimal effort. Let me tell you, the aroma that wafts through the house as this stew simmers all day is simply divine. The tender chicken, infused with garlic and parmesan, nestled in a rich and creamy broth with hearty vegetables – it’s pure comfort in a bowl. Even my pickiest eater, who usually shies away from stews, devoured this one with gusto. The best part? Prep takes mere minutes in the morning, and by dinnertime, you have a complete, satisfying meal ready to go. This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew is not just easy; it’s genuinely delicious and has become a staple in our weekly rotation. Get ready to experience hands-off cooking at its finest and a flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful and effortless stew:

For the Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew:

• Chicken Thighs: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Chicken thighs are ideal for slow cooking as they remain moist and tender. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but thighs are generally more forgiving and flavorful in a stew.
• Potatoes: 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks – Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well in slow cooking and have a creamy texture. Red potatoes also work well. Avoid Russet potatoes as they can become too mushy.
• Carrots: 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch thick rounds – Carrots add sweetness and color to the stew. Baby carrots can be used for convenience, but slicing whole carrots offers better flavor and texture.
• Celery: 2-3 stalks celery, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces – Celery adds a subtle savory depth to the stew. Make sure to include the leafy tops for extra flavor if available.
• Onion: 1 large yellow onion, chopped – Yellow onions provide a foundational savory flavor. White or sweet onions can also be used.
• Garlic: 6-8 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is crucial for the signature garlic parmesan flavor. Don’t skimp! Adjust the amount to your garlic preference.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Low sodium broth allows you to control the salt level. You can also use regular chicken broth or vegetable broth if preferred.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup heavy cream – Heavy cream is essential for the rich and creamy texture of the stew. For a slightly lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the stew will be less thick and decadent.
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the stew and adds that signature salty, savory, parmesan flavor. Pre-grated can be used, but fresh is superior.
• Dried Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning – Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, providing a balanced herbaceous flavor. You can also use a mix of individual dried herbs if you don’t have Italian seasoning.
• Salt: To taste – Start with about 1 teaspoon and adjust to your preference throughout cooking.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Freshly ground pepper provides a more robust flavor.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon – Olive oil is used for sautéing the onions and garlic at the beginning, adding depth of flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish – Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at the end. Optional but recommended.
• Optional: White Wine: ¼ cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) – White wine adds depth and acidity. If you don’t have wine, you can skip it or add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end.
• Optional: Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste) – Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat if you like a little spice.

Instructions

Follow these simple instructions to create a hands-off, flavorful Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew:

1. Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Sautéing the onions and garlic first deepens their flavor and adds an extra layer of richness to the stew. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
2. Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, place the potatoes, carrots, and celery in the bottom. Layering the vegetables at the bottom helps them cook more evenly as they are denser than the chicken.
3. Add Chicken and Aromatics: Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. If you sautéed the onions and garlic, pour them over the chicken. If not sautéing, simply add the chopped onion and minced garlic directly to the slow cooker on top of the chicken.
4. Season and Add Broth: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper (and red pepper flakes, if using) over the chicken and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the liquid covers most of the ingredients, but it’s okay if some vegetables are slightly above the liquid line.
5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork and the vegetables are tender. Slow cooking on low for a longer period generally results in more tender chicken and better flavor development. If you’re short on time, high heat will work, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
6. Shred Chicken and Stir in Cream and Parmesan: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the stew is creamy and well combined.
7. Simmer and Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, you can remove the lid from the slow cooker and cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, allowing the stew to reduce and thicken slightly. Alternatively, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and cook on high for 5-10 minutes, or until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.
8. Season to Taste and Garnish: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
9. Serve: Ladle the Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew into bowls. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients, brands, portion sizes, and vegetable variations.)

Servings: 6-8 servings

Approximate Calories Per Serving: 400-500 calories

Per Serving (Approximate):

• Protein: 35-45 grams
• Fat: 20-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew is a good source of protein and provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fat. It’s also packed with vegetables, offering vitamins and fiber. To make it lighter:

• Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream (the stew will be less creamy).
• Reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.
• Increase the proportion of vegetables to chicken.
• Serve with a side salad to increase fiber and nutrient intake.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes chopping vegetables, mincing garlic, optional sautéing)
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker
• Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes (mostly hands-off slow cooking time)

This recipe is incredibly convenient due to the long slow cooking time, which is mostly hands-off. Active prep time is minimal, making it ideal for busy days. You can further streamline prep by:

• Using pre-chopped vegetables (though freshly cut vegetables generally have better flavor and texture).
• Using pre-minced garlic (freshly minced is still preferred for best flavor).
• Skipping the optional sautéing step (though sautéing enhances flavor).

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew

This hearty stew is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments to create a more rounded dining experience:

Serving Suggestions:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread, sourdough, or baguette slices for dipping into the delicious creamy broth. Garlic bread would be an especially flavorful pairing.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a fresh and contrasting element to the richness of the stew. Consider a Caesar salad, mixed greens salad, or spinach salad.
• Biscuits or Dumplings: For an even more comforting meal, serve with homemade biscuits or drop dumplings cooked in the stew during the last hour of cooking.
• Polenta or Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the stew over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for an extra layer of comfort and carbohydrate richness.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve over cooked rice or quinoa as a lighter alternative to bread or potatoes, especially if you are looking to make it gluten-free.

Garnishes:

• Fresh Herbs: Extra fresh parsley, chopped chives, or thyme sprigs add a pop of color and freshness.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese enhances the parmesan flavor and adds a salty touch.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat for those who enjoy a little spice.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness.
• Croutons: Crispy croutons add texture and crunch.

Drinks:

• White Wine: A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay pairs well with the creamy garlic parmesan flavors.
• Light-bodied Red Wine: A light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais can also complement the stew.
• Iced Tea or Lemonade: For non-alcoholic options, iced tea or lemonade are refreshing choices.
• Warm Broth: Serving a small cup of warm chicken broth alongside can enhance the comforting and warming nature of the meal.

Additional Tips for Delicious Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew

1. Brown Chicken for Extra Flavor (Optional): For even deeper flavor, you can brown the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. Sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step is optional but adds an extra layer of richness and complexity.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Ensure your slow cooker is large enough to comfortably hold all the ingredients. Overcrowding can hinder even cooking. If necessary, use a larger slow cooker or reduce the recipe quantities.
3. Adjust Vegetable Quantities: Feel free to adjust the quantities of vegetables based on your preferences. Add more potatoes for a heartier stew, or increase the carrots and celery for a sweeter and more vegetable-forward version. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms, peas (add during the last 30 minutes of cooking), or green beans (add during the last hour).
4. Use Quality Parmesan Cheese: Using good quality Parmesan cheese will significantly impact the flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan from a block is always superior to pre-grated Parmesan in a can.
5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the stew towards the end of the cooking time and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The flavors will meld and intensify as it cooks, so seasoning at the end is crucial for a perfectly balanced taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken thighs?

A: It is generally recommended to use thawed chicken thighs for slow cooking for food safety and texture reasons. However, if you are pressed for time, you can cook frozen chicken thighs in the slow cooker, but you will need to increase the cooking time significantly, by about 2-3 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high, and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Always check for doneness thoroughly.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve overnight. You can prepare the stew completely and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?

A: Yes, leftovers of this stew freeze well. Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Be aware that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after freezing and thawing, becoming a bit softer.

Q4: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. For the Parmesan cheese, you can use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to impart a cheesy flavor. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different from the original recipe.

Q5: What if my stew is too thin?

A: If your stew is thinner than you prefer, there are several ways to thicken it. You can remove the lid from the slow cooker during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking and allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can create a cornstarch slurry (1-2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it into the stew during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking on high to thicken it. You can also mash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker to release starch and thicken the stew naturally.

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew is a truly delightful and effortless meal solution for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. The creamy, garlicky, parmesan-infused broth, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables create a comforting and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Set it and forget it, and come home to a delicious, home-cooked meal ready to enjoy! Happy slow cooking!

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