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Why You'll Love This onepot slow cooker chicken and winter squash stew for family dinners
- Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for busy families, as it requires minimal preparation and can be cooked in a slow cooker.
- Delicious and Nutritious: The combination of chicken, winter squash, and vegetables provides a balanced and nutritious meal that's packed with flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your family's tastes by adding or substituting different spices, vegetables, or proteins.
- Perfect for Large Families: This recipe makes a large batch of stew, making it perfect for families with multiple children or for meal prep.
- Slow Cooker Convenience: The slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing you to come home to a ready-to-eat meal.
- Affordable: This recipe is budget-friendly and uses affordable ingredients, making it a great option for families on a budget.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use, making it perfect for busy families.
- Flavorful: The combination of spices and herbs creates a rich and flavorful broth that's sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are chicken breast or thighs, winter squash (such as butternut or acorn squash), onions, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and a blend of spices and herbs. Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in creating a delicious and nutritious stew. The chicken provides lean protein, while the winter squash adds natural sweetness and creamy texture. The onions, garlic, carrots, and celery add flavor and texture, while the diced tomatoes and chicken broth create a rich and savory broth. The blend of spices and herbs, including thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves, adds depth and warmth to the stew.
How to Make onepot slow cooker chicken and winter squash stew for family dinners
Chop the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cut the winter squash into 1-inch cubes. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until they're softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the cubed winter squash to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until it's slightly tender.
Add the seared chicken, softened vegetables, and winter squash to the slow cooker. Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and spices, and stir to combine.
Cook the stew on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Season the stew with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices, and serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and crusty bread.
Tips for Perfect Results
Choose fresh, seasonal ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture in your stew.
Cook the chicken until it's tender, but still juicy and flavorful. Overcooking can make the chicken dry and tough.
Add the aromatics, such as thyme and rosemary, towards the end of cooking time to preserve their flavor and aroma.
Choose a slow cooker that's large enough to hold all the ingredients, but not so large that the stew is too thin.
Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the stew to thicken.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to find the combination that works best for you.
Serve the stew with crusty bread, salad, or roasted vegetables to make it a complete and satisfying meal.
Freeze the stew for up to 3 months and reheat it when you need a quick and easy meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking the Chicken: What goes wrong: Overcooking the chicken can make it dry and tough, ruining the texture of the stew.
Fix: Cook the chicken until it's tender, but still juicy and flavorful. Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
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Not Browning the Chicken: What goes wrong: Not browning the chicken can result in a lack of flavor and texture in the stew.
Fix: Take the time to brown the chicken properly, using a skillet or the sauté function on your slow cooker. This will add depth and richness to the stew.
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Not Using Enough Liquid: What goes wrong: Not using enough liquid can result in a thick, dry stew.
Fix: Use enough liquid to cover the ingredients and cook the stew slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together and the liquid to thicken.
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Not Seasoning Enough: What goes wrong: Not seasoning the stew enough can result in a bland, unappetizing flavor.
Fix: Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go, adding more salt, pepper, and spices as needed to bring out the flavors in the stew.
Variations & Substitutions
Replace the chicken with extra-firm tofu or tempeh, and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms and bell peppers, to make a hearty and satisfying vegetarian stew.
Add diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the stew for an extra kick of heat, or use spicy sausage instead of chicken for a bold and spicy flavor.
Add Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese to the stew for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor, or use chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice for a bright and citrusy taste.
Add diced tomatoes with green chilies, cumin, and chili powder to the stew for a Mexican-inspired flavor, or use chicken broth with a splash of lime juice for a fresh and zesty taste.
Add curry powder, garam masala, and coconut milk to the stew for an Indian-inspired flavor, or use chicken broth with a splash of yogurt for a creamy and tangy taste.
Replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, and use gluten-free chicken broth and spices to make a gluten-free version of the stew.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Store the stew at room temperature for up to 2 hours, or refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
Refrigerate the stew for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat the stew to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Freeze the stew in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it first and pat it dry with paper towels before using. Frozen chicken can release more moisture during cooking, which can affect the texture of the stew.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, to the stew. Just adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.
Can I make this in a Dutch oven?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a Dutch oven on the stovetop or in the oven. Brown the chicken and cook the vegetables in the Dutch oven, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer or bake until the stew is cooked through.
Can I freeze the stew in individual portions?
Yes, you can freeze the stew in individual portions, such as in muffin tins or ice cube trays, for easy reheating and serving.
Can I make this recipe in a Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot. Brown the chicken and cook the vegetables using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10-15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
Can I use low-sodium chicken broth?
Yes, you can use low-sodium chicken broth, but keep in mind that the stew may not be as flavorful. You can always adjust the seasoning to taste.
Can I add noodles or rice to the stew?
Yes, you can add noodles or rice to the stew, but cook them separately according to package instructions and add them to the stew before serving. This will help prevent the starches from becoming mushy and unappetizing.
onepot slow cooker chicken and winter squash stew for family dinners
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 2 medium winter squash (such as butternut or acorn), peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Peel and cube the winter squash, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Step 2: Season the chicken. Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Step 3: Sear the chicken (optional). If desired, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until browned on all sides.
- Step 4: Add ingredients to the slow cooker. Place the chicken, squash, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Step 5: Cook the stew. Pour in the chicken broth and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Step 6: Add cream (optional). If using heavy cream, stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Step 7: Serve and enjoy. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Notes
- You can use other types of winter squash, such as spaghetti squash or hubbard squash.
- If using heavy cream, you can also add it at the beginning of cooking for a richer flavor.
- For a creamier stew, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the chicken broth before cooking.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or potatoes, to the stew if desired.
