Low Carb Crock Pot Chicken and Vegetable Stew: a Hearty, Guilt-Free Delight!
Get Cozy with Low Carb Crock Pot Chicken and Vegetable Stew!
Oh my gosh, have you ever come home after a long day and just wanted something warm and hearty waiting for you? that’s where my low carb crock pot chicken and vegetable stew swoops in like a superhero! this dish is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly night, but without the guilt.
It’s packed with vibrant veggies and tender chicken, and trust me, the flavors dance on your taste buds!
Originating from classic english comfort food, this stew is a staple for chilly nights. i mean, who doesn't love a meal that feels like a warm hug? it’s surprisingly easy too; you’ll find it’s perfect for everyone from kitchen rookies to seasoned pros.
Prep takes just about 15 minutes , and you can let your slow cooker work its magic anywhere from 6 to 8 hours .
Plus, it yields enough to serve the whole fam about 6 hearty portions !
Now, let’s talk about the benefits! not only is this stew low in carbs (hello, keto dinner ideas easy beef !), but it's also loaded with protein and good for-you veggies.
How about impressing your pals at the next game night? this dish says, “i care,” without you having to pull an all-nighter in the kitchen.
Don’t you just love recipes that make you look like a culinary rockstar?
What makes this stew special? well, it’s the blend of aromatic herbs and seasonal veggies that brings everything to life.
You can easily tweak it, too; toss in your favorite veggies or switch the chicken for turkey if you’re feeling adventurous.
What’s fun is that you could even whip up a keto steak bowl variation if you wanted something a bit different!
Craving something hearty yet healthy? This stew fits right in with clean eating recipes family friendly . I’ve served it alongside a crisp salad and a dollop of Greek yogurt, and let me tell you, it hits all the right notes!
So grab your slow cooker, and let's dive into the ingredients. You’ll be amazed at how straightforward this is! Remember, delicious doesn't have to be complicated. Let's get cookin'!
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Alright, let’s get down to it! here’s what you need for that low carb crock pot chicken and vegetable stew .
This stew is perfect for those chilly nights when you want comfort food without the guilt.
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680g )
Go for organic if you can find it; it makes a difference!2 cups (300g) chopped cauliflower florets
Fresh or frozen whatever you got works!1 cup (150g) diced celery
Maybe you’ve got it leftover from that PB&J? Perfect!1 cup (150g) diced carrots (optional; adjust for low carb )
Feel free to swap for diced zucchini if that's your jam!1 cup (150g) diced bell peppers (any color)
Grab whatever’s on sale at the store variety is the spice of life!1 medium onion, diced
The aromatic superstar of the show!4 cloves garlic, minced
Can’t go wrong with garlic; trust me!4 cups (950ml) low-sodium chicken broth
Always check for low sodium to keep those numbers down!1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
Just watch for sugar if you’re keeping it low carb!1 teaspoon (5g) dried thyme
1 teaspoon (5g) dried rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
A little fresh green makes everything pop!
Seasoning Notes
Every good stew needs its secret sauce... err, spices! you can’t go wrong with the thyme and rosemary combo. they bring out beautiful flavors in your low carb goodness.
If you want an extra kick, a dash of cayenne could spice things up! running low on something? dried basil or oregano can sub for thyme just sprinkle a bit and taste it!
Equipment Needed
Now, onto what you need! You’ll want to keep it simple:
Crock pot (slow cooker) : This is your trusty sidekick for all those Keto Dinner Ideas Easy Beef and more!
Chopping knife and cutting board : Essential, obviously don’t try to use a steak knife!
Measuring cups and spoons : This is not a free for-all; we need precision here!
Stirring spoon : For when you gotta check on those flavors.
Ladle : To serve it up nice for the family.
You might not have a fancy ladle, and that’s alright! a big spoon works just as fine. this is about keeping things easy like cooking without stress, just like those keto friendly crockpot meals you read about.
So, whether you’re whipping up this stew for the family or just for yourself, remember: cooking’s about having fun and enjoying the process.
With just a few simple ingredients and tools, you'll create something that screams comfort and hugs. happy cooking, my friends! you’re gonna crush it!
Cooking Method
Prep Steps
Alright, let’s kick things off with a little prep work. you know what they say, “measure twice, cut once.” so, get that essential mise en place going! chop your veggies and dice your chicken.
This step makes everything smoother later on, and hey, it saves time since you won’t be fumbling around in the kitchen when it's cooking time.
Now, here’s a little organizational tip: group your ingredients by category. keep your veggies together, and your spices in another spot.
Trust me, this will save you a lot of guesswork and keeps things visually neat!
Finally, a safety reminder when handling raw chicken, wash your hands and any surfaces it touches. No one wants a side of salmonella with their stew!
step-by-step Process
Let’s get down to the juicy part, shall we? Here’s how you whip up this low carb crock pot chicken and vegetable stew in no time.
Prepare Ingredients : Chop those veggies and dice the chicken into bite sized pieces.
Combine Ingredients : Toss all the chopped chicken and veggies into your slow cooker. It should look like a colorful rainbow!
Mix in Liquids : Pour in 4 cups (950ml) of low-sodium chicken broth and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of Worcestershire sauce. This adds that delicious umami kick!
Season the Stew : Sprinkle 1 teaspoon (5g) each of thyme and rosemary, with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook : Cover it up and set that slow cooker on low for 6- 8 hours or crank it up to high for 3- 4 hours .
Check Doneness : Ensure the chicken has hit that magic temp of at least 165° F ( 74° C) and the veggies are all tender.
Serve : Grab a ladle, scoop it into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley for that Instagram worthy finish!
Pro Tips
Now, here’s where I add a little magic to your cooking experience.
Searing the chicken before adding it to the crock pot can really bring out those flavors! It’s like giving your stew a deep hug of flavor, if you will.
Also, keep in mind that everyone’s palate is different. If you love herbs and spices, throw in some fresh ones during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It really elevates the dish!
As for common mistakes, don’t skip on the seasoning ! a little salt and pepper go a long way in enhancing flavors.
And if you’re anything like me, you might forget to prep your ingredients don't fall into that trap!
Finally, if you find yourself in a busy week, make-ahead options are golden. prep your veggies and chicken the night before and store them in the fridge.
When it’s time to cook, just toss them in the crock pot and let it do its thing!
There you have it! this low carb crock pot chicken and vegetable stew isn't just keto dinner ideas easy beef it’s comfort food that rewards you for minimal effort.
Grab your crock pot and dive into guilt free deliciousness! happy cooking!
Recipe Notes for Low Carb Crock Pot Chicken and Vegetable Stew
Serving Suggestions
Okay, let’s talk plating and presentation! sure, it's a stew, but we wanna make it look pretty, right? grab a nice wide bowl and spoon in that hearty chicken and veggie goodness.
Top it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of color. if you’re feeling fancy, add a spoonful of sour cream or greek yogurt on top.
It’s like the cherry on top of a sundae!
For a side, i love serving this stew with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. the crunch pairs perfectly with the tender stew.
And don't forget a cold glass of sparkling water with a lemon wedge so refreshing. you could even pop open a nice sauvignon blanc if you want to treat yourself.
Storage Tips
Now, if you’ve cooked a big batch (which you totally should!), you’ll want to think about storage. this stew can chill in the fridge for about 3-4 days .
Just put it in an airtight container and you’re golden.
Feeling adventurous? you can freeze it too! let it cool first, then transfer it to a freezer safe bag squeeze out the air to avoid freezer burn.
It’ll hold up well for 2-3 months in there. when you're ready to dig in again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until it's piping hot.
Simple as that!
Variations
Okay, here’s where it gets fun. don’t be afraid to get creative. if you’re on a keto journey, try swapping out the carrots for zucchini or even mushrooms to keep it low carb.
You can also kick it up a notch with some red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
And during summer months? Toss in some fresh, seasonal veggies like zucchini or summer squash . It’s a tasty way to change it up!
Nutrition Basics
Let’s break down what’s in this delicious stew. each serving is around 250 calories , packed with 30 grams of protein and only 10 grams of carbs .
It’s a nutrition win! it’s perfect for those on the lookout for clean eating recipes family friendly . you’re getting all the health benefits of veggies without all those carbs.
And remember, this recipe is not just about being low carb ; it's also a great source of lean protein and packed with vitamins and minerals.
Who says healthy eating can't be comforting?
In conclusion, whether you’re whipping up these low carb crock pot recipes for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this chicken and vegetable stew is a winner.
Go ahead, give it a shot! you might just find yourself serving it up time and time again. happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some easy low carb crock pot recipes for beginners?
Simple low carb crock pot recipes often include meats like chicken or beef paired with non-starchy vegetables. Consider starting with recipes like this Low Carb Crock Pot Chicken and Vegetable Stew or a similar pork stew. The slow cooking process makes it hard to overcook, so it's perfect for novice cooks!
Can I use frozen vegetables in my low carb crock pot recipes?
Absolutely! In fact, using frozen vegetables can save you time on prep work. Just toss them into the crock pot without thawing, and they will cook down nicely, adding flavour and nutrition to your stew while keeping things low carb.
How long does it take to cook low carb crock pot chicken and vegetable stew?
This delectable stew takes about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crock pot. For best results, it’s recommended to set it on low while you enjoy your day just think of it as setting and forgetting, like a good pub visit!
Are there any good low carb substitutes for common stew ingredients?
For a lower carb count, you can substitute starchy vegetables like potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini. Also, feel free to replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts or turkey if you prefer! The key is to keep the hearty flavour while staying within your carb goals.
How should I store leftovers from my low carb crock pot stew?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing portions for later use. Just reheat thoroughly before diving back into this comforting dish, and you'll feel like you've transported to your favourite British kitchen!
Can I thicken my low carb crock pot stew?
Yes, you can thicken your stew by mixing a bit of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, if you want to keep it completely low carb, use a few pureed cooked vegetables to add body without the extra carbs.
Low Carb Crock Pot Chicken And Vegetable Stew A
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 3g |
