1-First: Gather and Prep Gather your ingredients: Start by rinsing and cutting the chicken into chunks, then dice the onion, chop the carrots, potatoes, and celery into even pieces. This mise en place step, which includes mincing garlic, makes assembly smooth and ensures your slow cooker chicken stew cooks uniformly.

2-Second: Optional Sear If you want extra flavor, heat a bit of oil in a skillet and sear the seasoned chicken for about 2 minutes per side. This step locks in moisture and adds color, but feel free to skip it for a faster option. It’s one of those handy tricks that can elevate your stew without much fuss.

3-Third: Layer in the Slow Cooker Place the vegetables at the bottom, add the chicken on top, and mix in the garlic, herbs, and tomato paste. Pour the broth mixture over everything, including the Worcestershire sauce and seasonings, then tuck in the bay leaves. For oven-baked chicken alternatives, check out similar recipes on the site.

4-Fourth: Cook and Monitor Set your slow cooker to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, stirring midway if needed. About 30 minutes before finishing, taste and adjust seasonings, and add the cornstarch slurry to thicken. This gentle cooking process brings out the best in your ingredients, as noted in nutrition guides from sources like National Chicken Council.

5-Fifth: Finish and Serve Stir in the peas and let it cook a bit longer until the sauce thickens, then remove the bay leaves. Serve warm, perhaps over rice, and enjoy the flavors that have melded together perfectly. Remember, prep tips like mixing the broth ahead save time, making this ideal for meal prep.