Lemony Chicken Stew is a bowlful of sunshine you can eat with a spoon. This zesty, aromatic classic is brimming with juicy chicken, tender veggies, and baby potatoes, all gently simmered in a lemon-infused broth that brightens every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels as cozy on a chilly night as it does fresh and vibrant in warmer months, combining everyday ingredients for maximum flavor and comfort. Whether you’re craving something hearty but not heavy, or you want a family pleaser worthy of second helpings, Lemony Chicken Stew absolutely delivers.

Lemony Chicken Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Lemony Chicken Stew comes from a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a unique role in building layers of flavor and color. Grab these simple staples and you’re well on your way to something truly special.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps develop a golden sear on the chicken that sets the foundation for flavor.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Thighs stay juicy and tender even after simmering, making them perfect for stew.
Onion: Forms a sweet, aromatic base once sautéed, adding a lovely depth to the broth.
Garlic: Brings a gentle warmth and appetizing aroma that pairs beautifully with citrus notes.
Carrots: Offer a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
Celery: Delivers freshness and classic stew flavor, balancing the richness of the chicken.
Baby potatoes: Their creamy texture thickens the stew naturally and absorbs flavors beautifully.
Chicken broth: The backbone of the soup, lending body and savory depth.
Juice and zest of 1 lemon: The star ingredient—adds tang, brightness, and that signature zing!
Dried thyme: Offers delicate earthiness that complements the citrus.
Dried oregano: Brings a Mediterranean hint that ties all the savory flavors together.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for perfect seasoning—taste as you go!
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle just before serving adds color and grassy freshness.

How to Make Lemony Chicken Stew

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken thigh chunks in a single layer. Let them sear without moving for a few minutes on each side, until golden and lightly crisp on the edges. This step locks in their juices and builds a deliciously savory base for your Lemony Chicken Stew.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Remove the browned chicken and set it aside. In the same pot (don’t wipe it out—you want those browned bits!), toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until everything is soft and fragrant. This is where the stew stars to smell irresistible!

Step 3: Add the Veggies

Add the carrots, celery, and baby potatoes right into the pot. Stir them gently to coat with the oniony goodness. Not only do these vegetables add heartiness, they’re perfect for soaking up the zesty broth that’s coming next.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the juice and zest of one lemon, dried thyme, and oregano. Stir until well combined, scraping the bottom to loosen any caramelized bits. The lemon’s fragrance will shine through here—it’s what makes Lemony Chicken Stew so special!

Step 5: Simmer Until Perfect

Bring your stew up to a gentle boil, then immediately lower the heat and cover. Let it simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring now and then, until the chicken is cooked through and veggies are perfectly tender. Taste and season with salt and pepper—don’t be shy, but let that lemon sing!

Step 6: Add Freshness and Serve

Right before serving, scatter in the chopped fresh parsley. Its brightness ties everything together and adds a pretty pop of color. Grab some bowls and serve up your warming, zesty creation!

How to Serve Lemony Chicken Stew

Garnishes

A shower of finely chopped parsley right before serving brings an herby freshness that’s irresistible. For extra flair, add a sprinkle of lemon zest or a light dusting of cracked black pepper on top—these little touches make your Lemony Chicken Stew look and taste just a touch more special.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with warm, crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of broth. If you want something heartier, serve with cooked rice or fluffy quinoa—the grains will soak up that lemony goodness. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette brings brightness and balance to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling the stew into wide bowls and topping with a slice of toasted sourdough rubbed with garlic. For a rustic dinner party vibe, serve in small cast iron pots or individual soup crocks. If you have leftovers, use them as a filling for savory pies—Lemony Chicken Stew transforms beautifully when baked beneath a golden pastry lid.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the stew cool to room temperature, then spoon it into an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 4 days, flavors deepening as it sits. When you’re ready to enjoy, just give it a gentle stir to bring everything together again.

Freezing

Lemony Chicken Stew freezes like a dream! Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm it gently on the stove straight from frozen, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Reheating

Reheat stew on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout. If the consistency has thickened in the fridge, add a bit of extra chicken broth or even a splash of water. Microwave reheating works too—just use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer—but be mindful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more quickly than thighs. The result will still be delicious and flavorful!

How do I make my Lemony Chicken Stew even more citrusy?

If you love extra zing, simply add more lemon juice or a bit more zest at the very end of cooking. You can also serve with lemon wedges on the side, so everyone can adjust the brightness to their taste.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Absolutely! Lemony Chicken Stew is flexible—try adding chopped green beans, peas, or baby spinach in the last 10 minutes of simmering. It’s a wonderful way to use up what you have and sneak in extra nutrition.

Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! To adapt, brown the chicken and aromatics first on the stovetop, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours, checking the chicken and veggies for doneness.

What can I do if my stew turns out too thin?

If you’d like a thicker stew, simply mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot to naturally thicken the broth. You can also simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes if you want to reduce the liquid a bit.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about how a handful of simple ingredients can turn into such a soul-warming, cheerful meal. Give this Lemony Chicken Stew a try—it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine. Whether for family dinner or a comforting solo lunch, let this zesty, hearty stew bring a little extra sunshine to your table.

Lemony Chicken Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Lemony Chicken Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and zesty lemon come together in a deliciously satisfying stew.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Stew:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 cup baby potatoes, halved
4 cups chicken broth
juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Brown the chicken chunks on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add vegetables: Add carrots, celery, and baby potatoes, then return the chicken to the pot.
Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, and oregano. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 30-35 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.