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Why You'll Love This slow cooker chicken and spinach stew with garlic for winter family dinners
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time.
- Hearty and Comforting: The combination of chicken, spinach, and garlic creates a rich, satisfying flavor that's perfect for cold winter nights.
- Customizable: You can easily add or substitute ingredients to suit your family's tastes, making this recipe a great starting point for a variety of meals.
- Slow Cooker Friendly: This recipe is perfect for busy families, as it can be cooked in a slow cooker while you're out and about.
- Nutritious: The spinach and garlic in this recipe provide a boost of vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthy option for your family.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance, making it a great option for meal prep or special occasions.
- Freezer Friendly: This recipe can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it a great option for stocking your freezer with healthy, comforting meals.
- Cost-Effective: The ingredients in this recipe are relatively inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly option for families.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are chicken breast or thighs, fresh spinach, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and olive oil. The chicken provides protein and texture, while the spinach adds a burst of nutrients and flavor. The garlic is essential for adding depth and richness to the dish, while the diced tomatoes and chicken broth create a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Finally, the olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and onions, adding a touch of richness and flavor to the dish. When selecting these ingredients, be sure to choose fresh, high-quality options to ensure the best flavor and texture.
How to Make slow cooker chicken and spinach stew with garlic for winter family dinners
Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Rinse the spinach and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the chopped onion and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and browned chicken to the slow cooker. Stir to combine, then add the fresh spinach on top.
Cook the stew on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When the chicken is cooked through and the spinach is wilted, the stew is ready to serve.
Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or crusty bread.
Tips for Perfect Results
Fresh spinach has a more vibrant flavor and texture than frozen spinach, making it the better choice for this recipe.
Cook the chicken until it's just done, then remove it from the heat to prevent overcooking and drying out.
Taste the stew as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to taste.
If you like a little heat in your stew, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to give it a spicy kick.
While chicken is a great choice for this recipe, you can also use beef, pork, or lamb for a different flavor profile.
Serve the stew with some crusty bread or over rice or pasta for a filling and satisfying meal.
This recipe freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or stocking your freezer with healthy meals.
Onions, carrots, and celery are all great additions to this recipe, adding depth and flavor to the stew.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking the Chicken:
Fix: Cook the chicken until it's just done, then remove it from the heat to prevent overcooking and drying out.
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Not Adjusting the Seasoning:
Fix: Taste the stew as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to taste.
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Not Using Fresh Spinach:
Fix: Fresh spinach has a more vibrant flavor and texture than frozen spinach, making it the better choice for this recipe.
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Not Cooking the Stew Long Enough:
Fix: Cook the stew for at least 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high to ensure the flavors have melded together and the chicken is cooked through.
Variations & Substitutions
Replace the chicken with beef and add some sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, comforting stew.
Replace the chicken with pork and add some diced vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, for a filling and flavorful stew.
Replace the chicken with lamb and add some fresh spinach for a rich and savory stew.
Replace the chicken with some sautéed tofu or tempeh and add some extra vegetables for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian stew.
Add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to give the stew a spicy kick.
Add some heavy cream or coconut cream to give the stew a rich and creamy texture.
Storage & Make-Ahead
The stew can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it's best to refrigerate or freeze it to prevent bacterial growth.
The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to cool it 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 to room temperature before freezing, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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 freeze this recipe?
Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before freezing, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with this recipe?
This recipe is great served with some crusty bread or over rice or pasta. You can also serve it with some roasted vegetables or a side salad for a filling and satisfying meal.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for a slow cooker. Simply brown the chicken and cook the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Can I make this recipe in a Instant Pot?
Yes! This recipe can be made in an Instant Pot. Simply brown the chicken and cook the vegetables in the Instant Pot, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10-15 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. Just be sure to check the ingredients of the chicken broth and diced tomatoes to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! This recipe can be made vegan by replacing the chicken with some sautéed tofu or tempeh and using a vegan-friendly chicken broth. You can also add some extra vegetables for a filling and flavorful vegan stew.
slow cooker chicken and spinach stew with garlic for winter family dinners
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the slow cooker. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme. Place the chicken at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add the aromatics. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped carrots on top of the chicken.
- Step 3: Add the potatoes and diced tomatoes. Add the chopped potatoes and canned diced tomatoes on top of the onion mixture.
- Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure that all the ingredients are covered.
- Step 5: Cook on low. Cook the stew on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
- Step 6: Add the spinach. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach leaves. Let them wilt into the stew.
- Step 7: Serve and enjoy. Serve the stew hot, garnished with additional thyme if desired.
Recipe Notes
- You can use frozen spinach if fresh is not available. Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding to the stew.
- For a creamier stew, you can add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking time.
- You can also add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to the stew if you like.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently before serving.
