Semur-Inspired Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with Australian Spices

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty slow-cooked chicken stew infused with warm Australian-inspired spices and rich tomato sauce. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 380 minutes pairs (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, vegetable oil, large, thinly sliced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown 6 bone-in chicken thighs on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground star anise, and 1/4 tsp chili flakes, toasting the spices for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 cup (240ml) water. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the tomato and spice mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup (10g) chopped fresh coriander before serving with steamed rice or crusty bread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Semur-Inspired Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with Australian Spices take to make?

Total time is about 380 minutes (20 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 Semur-Inspired Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with Australian Spices?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Semur-Inspired Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with Australian Spices?

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 Semur-Inspired Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with Australian Spices for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Semur-Inspired Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with Australian Spices?

Australian chicken 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.

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