Name: budgetfriendly slow cooker chicken and winter squash stew
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings

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As the weather starts to cool down, I find myself craving warm, comforting meals that are easy to make and can simmer away on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. One of my favorite recipes for this time of year is my budget-friendly slow cooker chicken and winter squash stew. I created this recipe on a chilly autumn afternoon, when I was rummaging through my pantry and fridge, trying to come up with a meal that would use up some of the ingredients I had on hand. I had a few pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, some onions, garlic, and a beautiful winter squash that I had picked up at the farmer's market. I threw all of these ingredients into my slow cooker, added some chicken broth and spices, and let it cook all day. The result was a delicious, comforting stew that was perfect for a cozy night in. I love this recipe because it's so versatile and can be made with a variety of different ingredients. You can use different types of winter squash, such as butternut or acorn squash, and add in other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers. You can also customize the spice blend to suit your taste, adding in more or less of any particular spice. And the best part is that it's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few minutes of prep time in the morning and then simmering away all day in the slow cooker. The smell of this stew wafting from the slow cooker is just incredible, and it's a great way to warm up on a chilly day. I like to serve it with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, and it's also delicious with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal to warm up on a cold day or just a delicious and easy recipe to add to your rotation, I highly recommend giving this budget-friendly slow cooker chicken and winter squash stew a try.

Why You'll Love This budgetfriendly slow cooker chicken and winter squash stew

Easy to Make: This recipe requires just a few minutes of prep time and then simmers away all day in the slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Customizable: You can customize the spice blend and add in your favorite vegetables to make this recipe your own.
Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses affordable ingredients and makes a large batch of stew, making it a great option for families or for meal prep.
Comforting and Delicious: The combination of chicken, winter squash, and spices in this recipe creates a comforting and delicious meal that's perfect for chilly days.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance, making it a great option for meal prep or for busy weeknights.
Slow Cooker Friendly: This recipe is perfect for slow cookers, as it simmers away all day and creates a tender and flavorful stew.
Versatile: You can serve this stew with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables, making it a great option for different meals and occasions.
Healthy: This recipe is a healthy and nutritious option, as it's made with lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains.

Ingredient Breakdown

Ingredients for budgetfriendly slow cooker chicken and winter squash stew

The key ingredients in this recipe are chicken breasts, winter squash, onions, garlic, chicken broth, and spices. The chicken breasts provide lean protein, while the winter squash adds natural sweetness and creamy texture. The onions and garlic add depth of flavor, while the chicken broth and spices bring everything together. You can customize the spice blend to suit your taste, adding in more or less of any particular spice. Some other ingredients you can add to this recipe include carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, and other vegetables, as well as different types of protein like sausage or bacon.

How to Make budgetfriendly slow cooker chicken and winter squash stew

Prepare the Ingredients:

Chop the onions and garlic, and peel and chop the winter squash. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Sear the Chicken:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Sear the chicken breasts until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Add the Aromatics:

Add the chopped onions and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the Squash and Broth:

Add the chopped winter squash and chicken broth to the skillet, and stir to combine.

Assemble the Stew:

Add the seared chicken, squash mixture, and spices to the slow cooker, and stir to combine.

Cook the Stew:

Cook the stew on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the squash is tender.

Tips for Perfect Results

Use the Right Squash:

Choose a winter squash that's sweet and flavorful, such as butternut or acorn squash. Avoid using summer squash, as it will become too soft and mushy during cooking.

Don't Overcook the Chicken:

Cook the chicken until it's just cooked through, about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Overcooking the chicken will make it dry and tough.

Add Aromatics for Depth:

Add aromatics like onions and garlic to the skillet before adding the squash and broth. This will add depth and complexity to the stew.

Use the Right Broth:

Use a high-quality chicken broth that's low in sodium and rich in flavor. You can also use homemade broth or stock for added depth and complexity.

Experiment with Spices:

Experiment with different spices and seasonings to find the combination that works best for you. Some options include cumin, paprika, and chili powder.

Serve with Crusty Bread:

Serve the stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Make it a Meal Prep:

Make a large batch of the stew and portion it out into individual containers for a quick and easy meal prep option.

Freeze for Later:

Freeze the stew for up to 3 months and thaw as needed. This is a great option for busy weeks or for meal prep.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooking the chicken will make it dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it's just cooked through, about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Fix: Check the chicken periodically during cooking and remove it from the slow cooker when it's cooked through.
Not Using the Right Squash: Using the wrong type of squash can result in a stew that's too soft or too hard. Choose a winter squash that's sweet and flavorful, such as butternut or acorn squash.
Fix: Experiment with different types of squash to find the one that works best for you.
Not Adding Aromatics: Not adding aromatics like onions and garlic can result in a stew that's lacking in depth and complexity. Add aromatics to the skillet before adding the squash and broth.
Fix: Add aromatics to the skillet before adding the squash and broth, and cook until the onions are translucent.
Not Using the Right Broth: Using a low-quality broth can result in a stew that's lacking in flavor. Use a high-quality chicken broth that's low in sodium and rich in flavor.
Fix: Use a high-quality chicken broth or make your own broth from scratch.

Variations & Substitutions

Add Some Heat:

Add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the stew for an extra kick of heat.

Use Different Protein:

Use different types of protein like sausage or bacon to add more flavor to the stew.

Add Some Greens:

Add some chopped kale or spinach to the stew for an extra boost of nutrients.

Use Different Squash:

Experiment with different types of winter squash, such as acorn or delicata squash, to find the one that works best for you.

Add Some Cream:

Add some heavy cream or coconut cream to the stew for a creamy and rich texture.

Use Different Spices:

Experiment with different spices, such as cumin or paprika, to add more flavor to the stew.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Room Temp:

Store the stew at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, refrigerate or freeze the stew to prevent bacterial growth.

Refrigerator:

Store the stew in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat the stew to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Freezer:

Store the stew in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator and reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

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 freeze this recipe?

Yes! You can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. Thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator and reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

What type of squash should I use?

You can use any type of winter squash for this recipe, such as butternut or acorn squash. Choose a squash that's sweet and flavorful, and avoid using summer squash as it will become too soft and mushy during cooking.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! You can add other vegetables to this recipe, such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some vegetables may take longer to cook than others.

Can I use different types of protein?

Yes! You can use different types of protein, such as sausage or bacon, to add more flavor to the stew. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some proteins may take longer to cook than others.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for slow cookers, as it simmers away all day and creates a tender and flavorful stew. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as slow cookers can cook at a lower temperature than stovetops or ovens.