First Step: PREPARE THE INGREDIENTS

1. Chop the Vegetables: Begin by chopping the carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion. You want these vegetables to be cut into uniform sizes so that they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
2. Mince the Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves finely to release all their flavor. Garlic is essential for building a deep flavor base for the stew.
3. Season the Chicken: If using bone-in chicken thighs, pat them dry with a paper towel and season them with salt, pepper, and paprika. This seasoning helps to add flavor to the chicken from the start.
4. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped vegetables, garlic, and herbs into the slow cooker. Add the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables, ensuring they’re spread out evenly.

Second Step: COOK THE STEW

1. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Add the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and additional salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine the ingredients without disturbing the chicken too much.
2. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The low setting will allow the chicken to become extra tender and flavorful, while the high setting will cook the stew in less time, though the chicken may not be as tender.
3. Let It Simmer: During the cooking time, the chicken will release its juices, infusing the broth with rich flavor. The vegetables will soften, and the flavors will meld together, creating a hearty, delicious stew.

Third Step: FINAL TOUCHES

1. Shred the Chicken: Once the stew is done cooking, remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker. Let them cool slightly, then shred the meat using two forks. Discard the bones and skin (if you’re using bone-in thighs). Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the stew.
2. Add Frozen Peas: Add the frozen peas to the stew in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir them into the stew, allowing them to cook through while keeping their vibrant green color.
3. Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir this mixture into the stew and let it cook for an additional 20 minutes to thicken.

Fourth Step: SERVE AND ENJOY

1. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as necessary.
2. Garnish: Ladle the chicken stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Serve with Bread: Serve the stew with crusty bread on the side for dipping, or with a simple salad to complete the meal.