Elevate your comfort food cravings with this Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew, a visually stunning and soul-nourishing dish that transforms classic flavors into an artistic culinary experience. Prepared with a refined, elegant touch, this stew is the ultimate in comfort made elevated, inviting you to savor the cozy warmth and irresistible aroma in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew
Immerse yourself in the comforting embrace of this Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew, where the rich, decadent flavors of bacon, cheddar, and tender chicken mingle in a luscious, velvety broth. This dish is a masterful fusion of gourmet sophistication and the heartwarming nostalgia of classic comfort food, promising to delight your senses and soothe your soul. With its elegant presentation and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe empowers you to create a visually stunning and deliciously indulgent meal that will have your family and guests raving.
Ingredients
Gather the finest, high-quality ingredients to craft this Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew, including juicy chicken, smoky bacon, creamy cheddar, and a carefully curated blend of aromatic vegetables and seasonings. Each component works in harmony to deliver a truly gourmet experience.
- 1.5 lbs – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 6 slices – Thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 cup – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion – Diced
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 2 cups – Chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) – Diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp – Tomato paste
- 1 tsp – Dried thyme
- 1 tsp – Dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp – Smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper – To taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Protein: Turkey bacon or plant-based protein, such as soy chicken or mushrooms, for a lighter alternative.
- Cheese: Gruyère, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for a different cheese flavor profile.
How to Make Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew
Effortlessly assemble the stew in your slow cooker, layering the chicken, bacon, vegetables, and seasonings to create a visually stunning and aromatic dish. Allow the flavors to meld and the ingredients to slow-cook to perfection, filling your home with the tempting scent of comfort made elegant.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by carefully preparing your ingredients, dicing the vegetables, and ensuring all components are ready to seamlessly come together in the slow cooker.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
In your slow cooker, layer the cubed chicken, diced bacon, diced onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
As the stew nears completion, gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and infuse the broth with its rich, decadent flavor. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a final touch of refinement.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
For an extra layer of elegance, consider adding a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to elevate the presentation and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Cooking Time Adjustments: Experiment with the cooking time and temperature to suit your schedule and preferences, ensuring a cozy, wholesome meal that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
- Ingredient Additions: Incorporate tender potatoes, hearty mushrooms, or fragrant herbs to create your own unique and inspiring culinary creation.
- Potato Stew Variation: Add cubed Yukon Gold potatoes to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients for a heartier, more substantial stew.
- Creamy Stew Variation: Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of the cooking time for a luxuriously creamy texture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage: Store the leftover Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Gently reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Make-Ahead: This stew is the perfect dish to make ahead of time, as the flavors only improve as it rests. Prepare the stew a day or two in advance, then simply reheat and serve when ready.
Nutrition Information
Embrace the comfort and joy of this Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew, crafted with wholesome, high-quality ingredients that nourish both your body and your soul. Each serving offers a satisfying balance of lean protein, heart-healthy fats, and nutrient-dense vegetables, making this dish a deliciously indulgent yet nutritious addition to your culinary repertoire.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 378 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 16 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 790 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe, imparting a rich, juicy texture to the stew. The cooking time may need to be slightly adjusted, but the end result will be equally delicious.
How can I make this stew gluten-free?
To make this Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free chicken broth and ensure that any other ingredients, such as the tomato paste, are also certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so this simple swap will make the entire dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I add potatoes or other vegetables to the stew?
Definitely! This stew is very versatile, and you can easily customize it by adding diced potatoes, carrots, celery, or even mushrooms. Simply toss the additional vegetables in with the other ingredients at the beginning of the cooking process. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
How long can I store the leftover stew in the fridge?
The leftover Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This makes it a great meal-prep option or a convenient lunch or dinner for the days following your initial serving.
Can I freeze this Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew?
Absolutely! This stew freezes beautifully. Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for chilly evenings. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and rich cheddar cheese creates a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breasts, diced
1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups potatoes, diced
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 cup celery, chopped
1 onion, diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. In a slow cooker, combine the diced chicken, cooked bacon, potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion.
2.
3. 2. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
4.
5. 3. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6.
7. 4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
8.
9. 5. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
10.
11. 6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes before serving.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to customize the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Slow Cooker & Instant Pot
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg