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Why You'll Love This slow cooker garlic chicken and sweet potato stew for family suppers
- Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for busy families, as it requires minimal effort and can be prepared in no time.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, spices, or herbs to make the stew your own.
- Nourishing: This stew is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
- Slow Cooker Friendly: The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to come home to a ready-to-eat meal.
- Cost-Effective: This recipe uses affordable ingredients and makes a large batch, perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, chicken, and sweet potatoes creates a rich, savory broth that's sure to please.
- Make-Ahead: This stew can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for families with kids, as it's easy to eat and can be served with a variety of sides.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are chicken breast or thighs, sweet potatoes, garlic, onion, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. The chicken provides lean protein, while the sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and creamy texture. The garlic and onion add a depth of flavor, while the chicken broth and diced tomatoes create a rich, savory broth. When selecting ingredients, choose fresh and high-quality options to ensure the best flavor and texture. For example, use sweet potatoes that are firm and have a smooth skin, and opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
How to Make slow cooker garlic chicken and sweet potato stew for family suppers
Chop the onion and garlic, and slice the sweet potatoes into 1-inch thick rounds. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and cook the chopped onion until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Add the sliced sweet potatoes, browned chicken, cooked onion and garlic, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes to the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Cook the stew on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs and crusty bread on the side. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
Choose fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture. This includes using fresh vegetables, lean protein, and low-sodium broth.
Leave enough space between the ingredients to allow for even cooking and to prevent the stew from becoming too thick. This will also help to prevent the formation of a thick layer of fat on the surface.
Browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker will add a rich, caramelized flavor to the stew. This step is optional but highly recommended.
Adding aromatics such as onion, garlic, and herbs will add a depth of flavor to the stew. Saute the aromatics before adding them to the slow cooker to bring out their natural sweetness.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to find the combination that works best for you. This will add a personal touch to the recipe and make it your own.
Letting the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving will allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender. This will also help to prevent the stew from becoming too hot and burning your tongue.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking the Chicken:
Fix: Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature, and avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent it from becoming dry and tough.
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Not Browning the Chicken:
Fix: Take the time to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. This step adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the stew and helps to create a tender, juicy texture.
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Not Using Enough Liquid:
Fix: Make sure to use enough liquid to cover the ingredients and create a rich, savory broth. This will help to prevent the stew from becoming too thick and dry.
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Not Letting it Rest:
Fix: Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender, making the stew more enjoyable to eat.
Variations & Substitutions
Add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to give the stew a spicy kick. This will add a bold, spicy flavor to the dish and make it more exciting to eat.
Try using beef, pork, or lamb instead of chicken for a different flavor profile. This will add variety to the recipe and make it more interesting to eat.
Add some chopped kale, spinach, or collard greens to the stew for an extra nutritional boost. This will add a burst of freshness and flavor to the dish and make it more healthy to eat.
Try using different spices such as cumin, coriander, or paprika to give the stew a unique flavor. This will add a personal touch to the recipe and make it more interesting to eat.
Storage & Make-Ahead
The stew can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it down to room temperature before refrigerating, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool it down to room temperature before freezing, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. When reheating, make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the formation of ice crystals.
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. This will help to remove excess moisture and prevent the stew from becoming too watery.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can add other vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or zucchini to the stew. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and add them at the right time to prevent overcooking.
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. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. This will add a rich, caramelized flavor to the stew and make it more exciting to eat.
Can I serve this with rice or bread?
Yes, you can serve this stew with rice, bread, or over mashed potatoes. The starch will help to soak up the flavorful broth and make the dish more filling.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free broth and being mindful of the ingredients used. Make sure to check the labels of the ingredients to ensure that they are gluten-free.
slow cooker garlic chicken and sweet potato stew for family suppers
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the slow cooker. In the slow cooker, add the chicken, sweet potatoes, garlic, onion, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Step 2: Cook on low. Cook the stew on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Step 3: Check the chicken. After 6 hours, check the chicken for doneness. It should be cooked through and tender.
- Step 4: Add olive oil. Stir in the olive oil to add moisture and flavor to the stew.
- Step 5: Serve and garnish. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
- Step 6: Store leftovers. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Recipe Notes
- To make this recipe ahead, prepare the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Cook the stew in the morning and let it cook throughout the day.
- You can substitute the sweet potatoes with regular potatoes or carrots if desired.
- For a creamier stew, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking time.
- This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can serve it with crusty bread or over rice or noodles.
