Herb-Infused Chicken Stew
A slow-simmered stew where chicken thighs absorb aromatic herbs and vegetables, creating a deeply flavorful, spoon-worthy meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, medium diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium diced onion
- 2 diced carrots
- 2 stalks diced celery
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs dry, season with salt and pepper, then heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks to the skillet; cook for 5 minutes until softened, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup diced tomatoes into the skillet, scraping up browned bits, then pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Step 4: Add 1 tbsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 2 bay leaves, and a pinch of salt; stir to combine, cover, and cook on low for 6 hours until chicken is tender.
- Step 5: Discard bay leaves, stir in 1/4 cup fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Infused Chicken Stew take to make?
Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Herb-Infused Chicken Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Chicken Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Herb-Infused Chicken Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Herb-Infused Chicken Stew?
American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.