Slow Cooker Poor Man Chicken Stew

Prep Time	20 mins
Cooking Time	7–9 hours
Servings	6-8

Ingredients:

3–3.5 lb bone-in chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or a cut-up whole chicken, skin on or off)
2 lb russet or yellow potatoes, peeled and cut into 1.5-inch chunks
1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 1/2–2 teaspoons salt, or to taste (optional but recommended)
1/2–1 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste (optional)
4–6 cups water, enough to just cover the chicken and vegetables (not counted as an ingredient, but essential for broth)

Instructions:

Prepare the Vegetables: Peel the potatoes and cut them into uniform 1½-inch chunks so they maintain their shape throughout the long cooking time. Peel the carrots and slice them into approximately ½-inch rounds.
Layer the Slow Cooker: Arrange the potatoes evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker, then spread the sliced carrots over them. This creates a flavorful vegetable base for the chicken while allowing the ingredients to cook evenly.
Add the Chicken: Place the bone-in chicken pieces on top of the vegetables, arranging them in a single, snug layer whenever possible. Legs, thighs, or a cut-up whole chicken can all be used.
Season the Ingredients: Sprinkle the chicken and vegetables evenly with salt and black pepper. Keep the seasoning simple, as the chicken bones and slow cooking will naturally add plenty of flavor to the broth.
Add the Water: Pour in enough water to just cover the chicken and vegetables, usually about 4–6 cups depending on the size of your slow cooker. Avoid adding excessive liquid, as you want the broth to remain flavorful and concentrated.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 7–9 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked and the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender while still holding their shape.
Check and Adjust the Seasoning: Once the stew is finished, carefully taste the broth and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed. Allow the stew to rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can settle.
Serve: Ladle the hot chicken, vegetables, and flavorful broth into serving bowls. Serve immediately with crusty bread, biscuits, or cornbread for a comforting and satisfying meal.