Sip, Simmer & Savor
Welcome the flavors of fall with a sparkling pear ginger fizz and a hearty slow-cooker chicken stew, the perfect pairing for a crisp, cozy day.
Pear Ginger Fizz (Mocktail & Cocktail Option)
Mocktail
- 3 oz pear nectar
- 3 oz ginger beer (Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer)
- Squeeze of fresh lime
- Ice
- Pear slice for garnish
Cocktail: Add 1½ oz bourbon or vodka.
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Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
A hearty, comforting slow-cooker chicken stew that's perfect for a cozy fall day. The milk adds just enough creaminess without making the stew heavy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours
Total Time: Approximately 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Slow Cooker: Low or High
Cook Time: 7–8 hours
Total Time: Approximately 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Slow Cooker: Low or High
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
Chicken breasts work well, too. - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
I use considerably more because I prefer a thyme-forward flavor. - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 large potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes (about 1 pound)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ cup whole milk
Heavy cream can also be used for an extra-rich stew. - 1 cup frozen green peas, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken.
Place the chicken on a cutting board and cut into 1-inch pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper. (to taste)
Place the chicken on a cutting board and cut into 1-inch pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper. (to taste)
2. Sear the chicken.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this point; you're simply searing it before it goes into the slow cooker.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this point; you're simply searing it before it goes into the slow cooker.
Slow-cooker tip: If your slow cooker has a removable, stovetop-safe pot, you can sear the chicken directly in the removable pot. Simply return the pot to the slow-cooker base when finished.
3. Add the flour and herbs.
Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker. Add the flour, thyme, rosemary, and salt. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated with the flour and herbs.
Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker. Add the flour, thyme, rosemary, and salt. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated with the flour and herbs.
4. Add the vegetables and broth.
Add the garlic, onion, carrots, and potatoes. Stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf.
Add the garlic, onion, carrots, and potatoes. Stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf.
5. Slow cook.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
6. Add the milk and peas.
When the stew is finished cooking, stir in the frozen peas and milk. Cook on HIGH for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the peas are warmed through.
When the stew is finished cooking, stir in the frozen peas and milk. Cook on HIGH for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the peas are warmed through.
If the stew is too thin, add a small amount of flour to help thicken it. If it's too thick, add a splash of chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Taste and serve.
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed. Serve warm and enjoy!
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed. Serve warm and enjoy!
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Easy to multiply: This recipe can easily be doubled for a larger gathering.
Cozy Fall Tip: For an especially flavorful stew, don't be shy with the thyme. The combination of thyme, rosemary, garlic, and tender potatoes gives this stew that classic cozy fall flavor.