Name: Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew with Spinach
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American

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As the weather starts to cool down, I find myself craving warm, comforting meals that are not only delicious but also nutritious. That's why I created this slow cooker chicken and sweet potato stew with spinach for healthy suppers. This recipe is a staple in my household, and I just can't get enough of it. The combination of tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and fresh spinach is a match made in heaven. I remember the first time I made this stew, it was a chilly autumn evening, and I was looking for a recipe that would warm my heart and soul. I had all the ingredients on hand, and I decided to throw them into my slow cooker. The result was a flavorful, comforting stew that my family and I devoured in no time. What I love about this recipe is that it's incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort. Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. The slow cooker does all the work, and you'll come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal. Plus, it's perfect for busy weeknights or weekends when you want to spend more time with your loved ones.

Why You'll Love This slow cooker chicken and sweet potato stew with spinach for healthy suppers

Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Slow Cooker Friendly: The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekends.
Nutritious: This stew is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.
Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
Comforting: This stew is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening or a special occasion.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or planning ahead.
Freezer Friendly: This stew can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it a great option for meal prep or future meals.
Delicious: The combination of chicken, sweet potatoes, and spinach is a flavorful and satisfying combination that's sure to please.

Ingredient Breakdown

Ingredients for slow cooker chicken and sweet potato stew with spinach for healthy suppers

The key ingredients in this recipe are chicken breast or thighs, sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, spinach, and your choice of spices. The chicken provides lean protein, while the sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and creamy texture. The onion and garlic add depth of flavor, while the chicken broth and diced tomatoes create a rich and savory broth. The spinach adds a burst of freshness and nutrients, making this stew a well-rounded and healthy meal option. When selecting your ingredients, choose fresh and high-quality options to ensure the best flavor and texture.

How to Make slow cooker chicken and sweet potato stew with spinach for healthy suppers

Prepare the Ingredients:

Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Sear the Chicken:

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Sear the chicken until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Soften the Onion:

Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the Garlic and Sweet Potatoes:

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften.

Assemble the Stew:

Add the browned chicken, cooked onion and sweet potatoes, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and spices to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

Cook the Stew:

Cook the stew on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and the sweet potatoes should be cooked through.

Add the Spinach:

Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Results

Use Fresh Ingredients:

Using fresh and high-quality ingredients will ensure the best flavor and texture in your stew.

Don't Overcook the Chicken:

Cooking the chicken until it's just tender will ensure it stays juicy and flavorful.

Add the Spinach at the End:

Adding the spinach at the end of cooking time will preserve its nutrients and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Experiment with Spices:

Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to find the combination that works best for you.

Use a Slow Cooker Liner:

Using a slow cooker liner will make cleanup a breeze and prevent the stew from sticking to the slow cooker.

Let it Rest:

Letting the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving will allow the flavors to meld together and the stew to thicken.

Serve with Crusty Bread:

Serving the stew with crusty bread will add a nice texture and help to soak up the flavorful broth.

Make it a Meal Prep:

This stew is perfect for meal prep, as it can be cooked in bulk and refrigerated or frozen for later use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken:
Fix: Cook the chicken until it's just tender, then remove it from the heat to prevent overcooking.
Not Browning the Chicken:
Fix: Take the time to brown the chicken, as this will add flavor and texture to the stew.
Not Using Fresh Ingredients:
Fix: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture in your stew.
Not Letting it Rest:
Fix: Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the stew to thicken.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegan Version:

Replace the chicken with cubed tofu or tempeh, and use a vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Gluten-Free:

Use gluten-free broth and be sure to check the ingredients of the spices and seasonings to ensure they are gluten-free.

Spicy Version:

Add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to give the stew a spicy kick.

Mediterranean Version:

Add feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes to give the stew a Mediterranean twist.

Low-Carb Version:

Replace the sweet potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini to reduce the carb content of the stew.

High-Protein Version:

Add more chicken or other protein sources like beans or lentils to increase the protein content of the stew.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Room Temp:

The stew can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, it's best to refrigerate or freeze the stew to prevent bacterial growth.

Refrigerator:

The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Freezer:

The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool to room temperature before freezing, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. When reheating, add a little water or broth to prevent the stew from becoming too thick.

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 frozen spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible. Fresh spinach is preferred for the best flavor and texture.

Can I make this in a Dutch oven?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a Dutch oven on the stovetop or in the oven. Brown the chicken and cook the vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer until the stew is hot and the flavors have melded together.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the ingredients of the spices and seasonings to ensure they are gluten-free. If you're using a store-bought broth, be sure to choose a gluten-free option.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can add other vegetables to the stew, such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you add.

Can I make this in a Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot. Brown the chicken and cook the vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10-15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.