Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience? This Creamy Chicken Farro Stew is not just another recipe—it's a warm hug in a bowl that promises to tantalize your taste buds and comfort your soul. Imagine tender chicken, hearty farro, and a luxurious creamy broth that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive dish to wow your guests, this crock pot wonder is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup farro
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, chop the onion, and dice the carrots. Mince the garlic cloves and set everything aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds flavor to the chicken.
- Transfer the browned chicken to the crock pot. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and diced carrots. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the carrots are slightly tender.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Then, transfer the onion, carrot, and garlic mixture to the crock pot with the chicken.
- In the crock pot, add 1 cup of farro and 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking will allow the flavors to meld and the farro to become tender.
- After 6 hours, check the consistency of the stew. If it is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream to the stew, mixing well to incorporate it. This will give the stew a rich and creamy texture.
- Season the stew with additional salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can also add fresh thyme for extra flavor.
- Once everything is well combined, let the stew cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low to heat through the cream.
- When ready to serve, ladle the creamy chicken farro stew into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme. Enjoy your hearty and comforting meal!
Tips
- Brown the chicken first: This extra step adds incredible depth of flavor to your stew. Don't skip the initial sautéing!
- Choose quality ingredients: Use fresh chicken breast and, if possible, high-quality chicken broth for the richest taste.
- Timing is key: The 6-hour slow cook allows flavors to develop fully, so be patient and let the crock pot work its magic.
- Cream addition trick: Add heavy cream towards the end of cooking to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: The fresh thyme isn't just a garnish—it adds a bright, aromatic finish to the stew.
- Consistency control: If the stew gets too thick, don't hesitate to add a little extra chicken broth to reach your desired texture.
- Make ahead friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, so it's perfect for meal prep or leftovers!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
