No WATER in Chicken stew???

Question

I am going to make chicken stew in my slow cooker tomorrow...i noticed all the stew recipes i came across had no water in them. Only chicken broth...it doesn't seem right....is there supposed to be?

do u guys think it would be ok to put in some bouillion to thicken it up??

Answer 1

Hi JayDee! You know - most people don't even notice the strangeness of this, so I found your question really intriguing. The key, really, (in this fast-food, instant-food world) is to brown the chicken in a pan, before adding it to the slow cooker. This will a) brown it, so it looks more appetizing, and b) add a LOT more flavor to your stew. (so if you want to just add water, you can, and no one will be the wiser.) It's just that everything is made to be practically "instant" anymore, that those extra flavor steps are left out, to be replaced by the easier "one-less-step" recipe. And trust me - browning is WAY better than a can of chicken stock, any day!
Ok - and bullion will not thicken it up - for that you need a slurry of cornstarch or flour mixed with water (or milk) - that is the best way to thicken it.
Have fun and happy holidays!

Answer 2

That's completely fine! The chicken broth is in place of the water. Think about it...how much taste does water have? Now, how much taste does the chicken broth have? The broth adds in tons of flavor, and doubles as the liquid in the recipe, so you don't have to waste anything by using just plain water.

Adding a liquid will not thicken anything up, in fact, it will just make it more watery. If you want to thicken, you need to add in either cornstarch or flour. Add a tablespoon or two of either to a little water or milk so that it's a pourable. Add that to your stew. Believe me when I tell you this, it won't look right, and you'll think you didn't add enough, but as it cooks, the stew will get thicker...trust me.

Answer 3

In the old days, we used water in place of the ubiquitous chicken broth. Chicken broth wasn't commonly found at the supermarket. So we added cold tap water, salt and pepper and other seasonings instead of relying on canned chicken broth or bouillon cubes.

Answer 4

Yes I use my slow cooker a lot too, it is correct. Because all the veggies you add give off some water too. Go ahead and enjoy your recipe

Answer 5

Chicken broth is in place of water.

Answer 6

Water has no flavor. Chicken broth has far more flavor. Why would the water be more appropriate???????????

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