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Why You'll Love This one pot slow cooker chicken and winter squash stew for busy families
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep time and effort, making it perfect for busy families.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your family's tastes and dietary needs.
- Healthy and Nutritious: This stew is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a great option for a healthy meal.
- Slow Cooker Friendly: This recipe is designed to be made in a slow cooker, making it easy to prepare and cook while you're busy with other things.
- Delicious and Comforting: The combination of chicken, winter squash, and spices creates a rich and comforting flavor that's sure to become a family favorite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses affordable ingredients and makes a large batch, making it a great option for families on a budget.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: This stew is a great option for special occasions like holidays or family gatherings, as it's easy to make in large quantities and is sure to impress.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are chicken breast or thighs, winter squash (such as butternut or acorn squash), onions, garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and a blend of spices. The chicken provides lean protein, while the winter squash adds natural sweetness and creamy texture. The onions and garlic add a depth of flavor, while the chicken broth and diced tomatoes provide moisture and a rich, savory flavor. The spices, including cumin, paprika, and thyme, add a warm, comforting flavor that's perfect for the fall and winter seasons. When selecting these ingredients, be sure to choose fresh, high-quality options to ensure the best flavor and texture.
How to Make one pot slow cooker chicken and winter squash stew for busy families
Chop the onions and garlic, and peel and dice the winter squash. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and cook the chopped onions over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the cumin, paprika, and thyme, and cook for another minute.
In the slow cooker, combine the browned chicken, cooked onions and garlic, diced winter squash, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The stew is done when the chicken is cooked through and the winter squash is tender.
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs and crusty bread on the side. You can also refrigerate or freeze the stew for later use.
Tips for Perfect Results
Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture in your stew.
Take the time to brown the chicken properly, as this will add depth and richness to the stew.
Be careful not to overcook the winter squash, as it can become mushy and unappetizing. Cook it until it's tender, but still retains some texture.
Add the aromatics, such as garlic and onions, towards the end of the cooking time to preserve their flavor and texture.
Choose a slow cooker that's large enough to hold all the ingredients, but not so large that the stew becomes too thin.
Let the stew rest for at least 30 minutes before serving, as this will allow the flavors to meld together and the stew to thicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Not Browning the Chicken: Failing to brown the chicken properly can result in a lack of flavor and texture in the stew.
Fix: Take the time to brown the chicken properly, as this will add depth and richness to the stew.
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Overcooking the Squash: Overcooking the winter squash can result in a mushy, unappetizing texture.
Fix: Cook the squash until it's tender, but still retains some texture. Check on it regularly to avoid overcooking.
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Not Seasoning Enough: Failing to season the stew properly can result in a lack of flavor.
Fix: Season the stew liberally with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.
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Not Letting it Rest: Failing to let the stew rest can result in a lack of flavor and texture.
Fix: Let the stew rest for at least 30 minutes before serving, as this will allow the flavors to meld together and the stew to thicken.
Variations & Substitutions
Add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to give the stew a spicy kick.
Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables, such as eggplant or zucchini, for a vegetarian version of the stew.
Replace the chicken broth with gluten-free broth, and be sure to check the ingredients of the spices and seasonings to ensure they are gluten-free.
Replace the heavy cream or half-and-half with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut cream or almond milk.
Storage & Make-Ahead
The stew can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, it's best to refrigerate or freeze the stew to prevent bacterial growth.
The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool the stew 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. Be sure to cool the stew to room temperature before freezing, and 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 different types of squash?
Yes! You can use different types of winter squash, such as acorn or butternut squash, in place of the butternut squash. Simply adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of squash you use.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and spices. Be sure to check the ingredients of the spices and seasonings to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I add other ingredients to the stew?
Yes! You can add other ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or carrots, to the stew to suit your tastes. Simply adjust the cooking time based on the ingredients you add.
How do I reheat the stew?
You can reheat the stew in the microwave or on the stovetop. Simply heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Can I serve this at a party or gathering?
Yes! This recipe makes a large batch of stew, making it perfect for parties or gatherings. Simply serve it hot, garnished with fresh herbs and crusty bread on the side.
one pot slow cooker chicken and winter squash stew for busy families
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and peel and cube the butternut squash. Slice the carrots and chop the fresh parsley.
- Step 2: Sear the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Soften the onion and garlic. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the squash and carrots. Add the cubed butternut squash and sliced carrots to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Add the chicken, broth, and spices. Add the browned chicken, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Step 6: Cook the stew. Cook the stew on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Step 7: Serve and enjoy. Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 8: Store leftovers. Store 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 of time, prepare the ingredients and cook the stew up to 24 hours in advance. Reheat the stew before serving.
- You can substitute other types of winter squash, such as acorn or spaghetti squash, for the butternut squash.
- To make this recipe more substantial, serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or zucchini, to the stew for added flavor and nutrition.
