Love this recipe? Save it to Pinterest before you forget!
Why You'll Love This budget friendly slow cooker chicken stew with winter squash and kale
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: The ingredients used in this recipe are affordable and won't break the bank.
- Healthy and Nutritious: This stew is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a great option for a healthy meal.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes by adding or substituting different ingredients.
- Slow Cooker Friendly: This recipe is perfect for busy days, as it can be cooked in a slow cooker while you're away.
- Comforting and Delicious: The combination of tender chicken, sweet winter squash, and earthy kale is a match made in heaven.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large batch, perfect for meal prep or freezing for later.
- Great for Special Diets: This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be adapted to suit other special diets.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are chicken breast or thighs, winter squash (such as butternut or acorn), kale, onions, garlic, and chicken broth. The chicken provides lean protein, while the winter squash adds natural sweetness and creamy texture. The kale adds a burst of earthy flavor and a boost of vitamins and minerals. The onions and garlic add a depth of flavor, while the chicken broth helps to keep the stew moist and flavorful. When selecting these ingredients, choose fresh and high-quality options to ensure the best flavor and texture. For example, choose a ripe winter squash that's heavy for its size and has a sweet, nutty aroma. For the kale, choose fresh leaves with a deep green color and a slightly bitter taste.
How to Make budget friendly slow cooker chicken stew with winter squash and kale
Chop the onions and garlic, and peel and dice the winter squash. Remove the stems from the kale and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
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 the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the diced winter squash and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the browned chicken, softened onions and garlic, and chopped kale to the slow cooker. Pour the winter squash and chicken broth mixture over the top.
Cook the stew on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips for Perfect Results
Choose fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Cook the chicken until it's tender and juicy, but not overcooked. This will help prevent the stew from becoming dry and tough.
Add the kale to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help preserve its nutrients and texture.
Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other herbs and spices to suit your preferences.
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices to make the stew your own. Some options include diced bell peppers, chopped fresh herbs, or a splash of citrus juice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Not Browning the Chicken: Failing to brown the chicken can result in a stew that's lacking in flavor and texture.
Fix: Take the time to brown the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help create a rich and savory flavor.
-
Overcooking the Stew: Overcooking the stew can result in a dish that's dry and tough.
Fix: Cook the stew on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Check the stew periodically to ensure it's not overcooking.
-
Not Adding the Kale at the Right Time: Adding the kale too early can result in a stew that's bitter and overcooked.
Fix: Add the kale to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help preserve its nutrients and texture.
Variations & Substitutions
Add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the stew for an extra kick of heat.
Replace the chicken with cubed tofu or tempeh, and use a vegan broth instead of chicken broth.
Use gluten-free broth and be sure to check the ingredients of any store-bought broth or spices to ensure they are gluten-free.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Store the stew at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, refrigerate or freeze the stew to prevent bacterial growth.
Store the stew in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stew to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Store the stew in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it from frozen in the microwave or on the stovetop.
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 winter squash?
Yes! You can use different types of winter squash, such as acorn, butternut, or spaghetti squash. Simply adjust the cooking time based on the type of squash you use.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. Just be sure to check the ingredients of any store-bought broth or spices to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I add other ingredients to the stew?
Yes! Feel free to add other ingredients to the stew, such as diced bell peppers, chopped fresh herbs, or a splash of citrus juice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.
Can I make this recipe in a Instant Pot?
Yes! You can make this recipe in an Instant Pot. Simply brown the chicken and cook the stew on high pressure for 10-15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Simply cook the stew, portion it out into individual containers, and refrigerate or freeze for later. Reheat as needed and enjoy!
budget friendly slow cooker chicken stew with winter squash and kale
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 2 medium winter squash (such as butternut or acorn), peeled and cubed
- 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Peel and cube the winter squash, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Remove the stems from the kale and coarsely chop the leaves.
- Step 2: Season the chicken. Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Step 3: Sear the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 4: 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 minute.
- Step 5: Add the squash and kale. Add the cubed winter squash and chopped kale to the skillet. Cook until the squash is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Step 6: Assemble the stew. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and browned chicken to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Step 7: Cook the stew. Cook the stew on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Step 8: Serve and enjoy. Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Storage tip: Cool the stew to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze for later use.
- Make ahead: Prepare the stew up to a day in advance, then cook as directed.
- Substitution: Swap the winter squash for sweet potatoes or carrots if desired.
- Pro tip: Use a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easier.
- Variation: Add other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or zucchini, to the stew for added flavor and nutrition.
- Leftovers: Use leftover stew as a filling for sandwiches or as a topping for baked potatoes.
