Slow Cooker Apple Bacon Chicken Stew for Easy Weeknight Dinners Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the smoky profile of the stew, you can add a small amount of smoked paprika to the poultry seasoning blend. This adds a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the apples. If you want a more rustic appearance, keep the skin on the red potatoes, as it adds color and fiber to the dish. Always taste the broth before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt or pepper if necessary to ensure the flavors are perfectly balanced for your palate.

For a deeper flavor, consider searing the chicken pieces in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This caramelization adds a rich, savory layer to the stew that develops during the long, slow cook. If the stew seems too thin at the end, you can remove a small portion of the liquid and whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch before returning it to the pot to simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

Variations

• Savory Herb Variation: Add two cloves of minced garlic and a sprig of fresh rosemary to the slow cooker at the beginning. These aromatics deepen the savory profile and pair perfectly with the chicken and potatoes.
• Spicy Apple Stew: Incorporate a half-teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes into the poultry seasoning. This adds a gentle heat that cuts through the sweetness of the apples, providing a balanced, spicy finish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until steaming hot throughout.

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Do not leave the stew at room temperature for longer than this period to ensure food safety. Place the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

It is best to consume the leftovers within three days to ensure the best quality and texture. When reheating, ensure the stew is heated until it is steaming hot throughout to maintain food safety standards.

You can prepare the chicken, apples, and potatoes the night before and store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When ready to cook, simply add the prepped ingredients to the slow cooker, sprinkle with the seasoning, and pour in the broth.

This method saves significant time in the morning. Note that the apples may darken slightly, but this will not affect the final taste of the stew after it has been cooked thoroughly in the slow cooker.

Serving ideas

Serve this stew hot in deep bowls to capture all the flavorful broth. Accompany the dish with a piece of crusty bread or a side of steamed green beans to complete the meal. The contrast between the soft potatoes and the crunchy, salty bacon garnish makes for a sophisticated dining experience.

Ensure each serving includes a generous portion of chicken, apples, and potatoes, topped with a fresh sprinkle of parsley for a bright, professional finish that looks beautiful in the bowl.

For a more substantial meal, consider serving the stew over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice, which can absorb the savory broth. If you prefer a lighter side, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a crisp, acidic counterpoint to the richness of the stew.

No matter how you serve it, the combination of flavors is best enjoyed immediately while the bacon remains crispy and the stew is steaming, ensuring the most enjoyable texture and heat in every bite.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Apple Bacon Chicken Stew for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Prep 15 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 20 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 medium apples, chopped
• 3 cups red potatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp poultry seasoning
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
• fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

1. Place the bite-sized chicken pieces into the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the chopped apples and halved red potatoes evenly over the chicken pieces.
2. Sprinkle the poultry seasoning over the chicken, apples, and potatoes. Pour the chicken broth carefully into the slow cooker until the ingredients are well moistened.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), garnish the stew with crispy bacon and fresh parsley before serving.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

12 g

Sodium

750 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.