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Tender Slow Cooker Spring Chicken Stew with Caramelized Vegetables

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A comforting and hearty slow cooker chicken stew featuring caramelized spring vegetables like carrots, leeks, and pearl onions, perfect for a no-fuss, seasonal meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on spring chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks preferred)
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into thick rounds
  • 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced and rinsed
  • 1 cup pearl onions, peeled
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for caramelizing veggies)
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prep the vegetables: peel and slice carrots into thick rounds, clean and slice leeks, and peel pearl onions by blanching in boiling water for 1 minute then shocking in ice water.
  2. Caramelize the vegetables: heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add carrots and cook for 5 minutes until they start to brown. Add leeks and pearl onions and cook for 8 to 10 more minutes until golden and caramelized.
  3. Prepare the chicken: pat chicken pieces dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Optionally brown chicken in the skillet about 3 minutes per side.
  4. Layer ingredients in the slow cooker: place caramelized vegetables in the bottom, nestle chicken pieces on top, then add minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
  5. Add liquids and seasoning: pour in chicken broth and white wine if using. Season with remaining salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Cook on low for about 6 hours until chicken is tender and falling off the bone. Alternatively, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours for less tender results.
  7. Remove herbs and bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if needed. If broth is too thin, thicken with a cornstarch slurry and cook on high for 10-15 minutes.
  8. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or lemon zest.

Notes

Caramelizing vegetables before slow cooking adds sweetness and depth. Pat chicken dry to encourage browning and seal in juices. Cooking on low for 6 hours yields the best tenderness. If pearl onions become mushy, layer them on top next time. Optional to brown chicken for extra flavor. Can substitute white wine with extra broth or apple cider vinegar. For stovetop cooking, simmer in a heavy pot for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken stew, spring chicken stew, caramelized vegetables, easy chicken stew, comfort food, seasonal recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/tender-slow-cooker-spring-chicken-stew-recipe-easy-homemade-meal-with-caramelized-vegetables/