Get ready to indulge in a warm, hearty bowl of comfort with our Slow Cooker Chicken and Stout Stew! This Irish-inspired dish is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich stout broth alongside vibrant vegetables, each bite is a delightful experience that will leave you craving more. Best of all, this recipe requires minimal effort—just set it and forget it! Dive into this article to discover how to create a deliciously satisfying stew that your family will love!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Irish
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 cup stout beer
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the onion, slice the carrots, and dice the potatoes. Set them aside in separate bowls for easy access during cooking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Next, add the sliced carrots to the skillet and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they do not stick to the pan.
- Now, add the diced potatoes to the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- While the vegetables are cooking, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and thyme. Ensure they are evenly coated.
- In the same skillet, push the vegetables to one side and add the seasoned chicken thighs. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step adds depth of flavor to the stew.
- Once the chicken is browned, pour in the stout beer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate any brown bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are covered. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the stew to cook for 6 hours, letting the flavors develop and the chicken become tender.
- After 6 hours, check the seasoning of the stew. Add more salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash a few pieces of potato against the side of the slow cooker to thicken the broth.
- Once seasoned to your liking, serve the stew hot in bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your hearty Irish meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on the day of cooking, consider prepping your ingredients the night before. Chop the vegetables and season the chicken so everything is ready to go when you need it.
- Searing the Chicken: Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the chicken thighs in the skillet before adding them to the slow cooker enhances the flavor of the stew by adding depth and richness.
- Choosing the Right Stout: For the best flavor, opt for a quality stout beer. A classic Irish stout like Guinness works wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with your favorite local brews.
- Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, simply mash a few pieces of potato against the side of the slow cooker towards the end of cooking. This will naturally thicken the broth without needing additional ingredients.
- Garnish for Flavor: Before serving, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this stew with crusty bread or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
