There is something wonderfully heartwarming about sinking your spoon into the Best Crockpot Sweet Potato Chicken Stew Recipe for Cozy Dinners Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken thighs with sweet, earthy sweet potatoes and a symphony of vegetables and spices, all slow-cooked to perfection for hours. It delivers a bowl full of comfort, warmth, and tantalizing flavors that make chilly evenings melt away. Whether you’re craving something soothing after a long day or wanting to impress your family with a fuss-free yet impressive meal, this stew checks all the boxes for a dinner you’ll fall in love with again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients just right is what makes this stew a knockout. Each component plays a key role, bringing layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color to the bowl. From the sweetness of the potatoes to the subtle smokiness of paprika and the freshness of parsley, these essentials are simple yet remarkably effective in creating a deeply satisfying dish.
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs: Choose thighs for that irresistibly tender, juicy meat that won’t dry out during slow cooking.
- 3 cups sweet potatoes: Peeled and cut into chunks, these add a natural sweetness and pleasing softness.
- 1 medium onion: Diced to release its sweetness and depth as it cooks down gently with the other ingredients.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse the stew with a subtle but essential aromatic punch.
- 2 cups carrots: Sliced for a bit of natural crunch and an earthy, comforting flavor.
- 2 stalks celery: Chopped to add a mild bitterness and a nice textural contrast.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful base that ties all ingredients together without overpowering them.
- 1 can diced tomatoes: Adds a touch of acidity, balancing the sweetness and enriching the stew’s body.
- 1 tbsp ground cumin: Brings warm, earthy notes that layer beautifully with the other spices.
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika: Offers a gentle smokiness that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- 1 tsp thyme: Fresh or dried, for a subtle herbal fragrance that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 2 leaves bay leaves: Added whole to subtly enhance the aroma and depth during the slow cook.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that awaken all the other ingredients.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley: Chopped and added at the end for a bright, fresh lift and a pop of color.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Just a squeeze before serving to cut through the richness and brighten the flavors.
How to Make Best Crockpot Sweet Potato Chicken Stew Recipe for Cozy Dinners Recipe
Step 1: Assemble the Ingredients in Your Crockpot
Start by tucking in the boneless chicken thighs, sweet potato chunks, diced onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic right into the crockpot. This is your base, so layer it carefully to ensure every chew is packed with flavor and texture.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Pour the diced tomatoes and low-sodium chicken broth evenly over the ingredients. These liquids not only keep everything moist during the long cooking process but also blend all the flavors into a rich, comforting stew.
Step 3: Season Generously and Add Bay Leaves
Sprinkle the cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper generously over the crockpot contents. Tuck the bay leaves right into the mix, then give everything a gentle stir to distribute the spices without breaking up the veggies or chicken too much.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and set it to Low for 6 to 7 hours, allowing time for the chicken to become shreddable and the sweet potatoes fork-tender. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, but nothing beats that slow-cooked depth of flavor.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken and Combine
Once the cooking time is up, remove the lid and fish out the chicken thighs. Use two forks to shred the meat, then return it to the stew. Stir everything together gently to mix the tender chicken chunks throughout the colorful, savory broth.
Step 6: Finish with Freshness
For the final touch, scatter chopped fresh parsley on top and squeeze a tablespoon of lemon juice over the stew. This brightens every spoonful and balances the heartiness perfectly.
How to Serve Best Crockpot Sweet Potato Chicken Stew Recipe for Cozy Dinners Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a lovely green contrast and a refreshing herbal note, while a lemon wedge on the side invites each diner to add a little extra zing to their bowl. You might also sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or a drizzle of good olive oil if you want a gourmet touch.
Side Dishes
Serve the stew alongside crusty bread or warm cornbread to sop up every last drop of that delicious broth. A light green salad with tangy vinaigrette can also complement the richness and bring balance to your cozy dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, ladle the stew into rustic bowls and top with an extra sprig of parsley. You can also serve it in small bread bowls for a fun and hearty twist. Add a sprinkle of grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream to personalize it even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover stew to airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days and the flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags and store for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. Add a little extra broth or water if the stew has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs are preferred because they stay tender and juicy during slow cooking. Chicken breasts might dry out if cooked too long.
What can I substitute for fresh parsley?
If fresh parsley isn’t available, dried parsley works, though add it earlier during cooking for best flavor, or try fresh cilantro for a different but tasty twist.
Is this stew spicy?
This recipe has warm, smoky spices without heat; if you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything in the crockpot insert and refrigerate overnight, then cook first thing in the morning or when you get home.
What should I do if the stew is too thick?
Simply stir in some extra chicken broth or water and heat gently until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
The Best Crockpot Sweet Potato Chicken Stew Recipe for Cozy Dinners Recipe is truly a treasure to have in your dinner repertoire. It’s fuss-free, nourishing, and delivers that soul-satisfying warmth only a cozy stew can bring. So gather your ingredients, fire up that crockpot, and get ready to enjoy a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly night. You’ll be so glad you did!
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Extra Almond-y Almond Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Best Crockpot Sweet Potato Chicken Stew is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cozy dinners. Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked with sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, and savory spices create a rich and flavorful stew that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to eat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (about 14.5 oz)
Spices & Herbs
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp thyme, fresh or dried
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, fresh squeezed (added before serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients including chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and spices.
- Layer in Crockpot: Place chicken thighs, sweet potato chunks, diced onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic into the crockpot. Pour the diced tomatoes and chicken broth evenly over the top.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle ground cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper generously over the contents. Insert the bay leaves into the mixture and gently stir to distribute the spices without disturbing the layering too much.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or on High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender enough to shred easily and the sweet potatoes are soft and aromatic.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the lid, take out the chicken thighs, and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in chopped fresh parsley and squeeze in the lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Serve the stew hot for a cozy meal.
Notes
- Using boneless chicken thighs ensures tender and juicy meat that shreds easily after slow cooking.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- For a thicker stew, you can mash a few sweet potato chunks before serving or let the stew cook uncovered for 30 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Fresh herbs add brightness, but dried thyme works well if fresh is unavailable.
- Lemon juice should be added just before serving to maintain its fresh, zesty flavor.
