Slow Cooker Stout & Chicken Stew

I like Chicken

• Ready In: 4 hrs 45 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 6  tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour, divided
• 1  teaspoon salt, divided, plus more to taste
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper, plus more to taste
• 2 1⁄2 lbs  boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
• 4  teaspoons  extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 3  pieces bacon, chopped
• 1 2⁄3 cups  guinness beer (14-ounce can) or 1 2⁄3 cups  other stout beer (14-ounce can)
• 1  lb  whole  baby carrots or 1  large carrot, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 (8 ounce) package  cremini or button mushrooms, halved if large
• 2  cups  chopped onions
• 4  garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1  cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2  cups frozen baby peas, thawed

Directions

1. 1. Combine 6 tablespoons flour with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a shallow bowl. Dredge chicken thighs in the mixture to coat completely; transfer to a plate.
2. 2. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the chicken and cook until well browned, 2 to 4 minutes per side; transfer to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Reduce heat to medium and repeat with the remaining 2 teaspoons oil and chicken thighs. Arrange the chicken in an even layer in the slow cooker.
3. 3. Add bacon to the pan and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup flour over the bacon and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes more. Add stout and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour the mixture over the chicken. Add carrots, mushrooms, onion, garlic and thyme, spreading in an even layer over the chicken. Pour broth over the top.
4. 4. Cover and cook until the chicken is falling-apart tender, 4 hours on High or 7 to 8 hours on Low.
5. 5. Stir in peas, cover and cook until the peas are heated through, 5 to 10 minutes more. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper.
6. To Make Ahead: Trim chicken, chop bacon; prep onion and garlic; defrost peas. Refrigerate in separate containers. Equipment: 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.