If you’re seeking a belly-warming, soul-satisfying dinner that never fails to comfort, you absolutely have to try this Chicken Stew. This classic American dish is brimming with juicy chicken, tender root vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all simmered together until they become something far more than the sum of their parts. Whether you’re gathered around the table on a chilly evening or just craving a hearty family meal, the flavors and simplicity of this chicken stew are sure to bring everyone back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With Chicken Stew, wholesome, straightforward ingredients come together in the best possible way. Each item is carefully chosen—some provide savory depth, others tender texture, and a few bring vibrant color—so don’t be tempted to skip any of them!
- Chicken Thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for rich flavor and juicy, tender pieces that hold up beautifully throughout simmering.
- Olive Oil: A couple tablespoons of olive oil helps brown the chicken and soften the vegetables, adding a subtle richness right from the start.
- Onion: One large chopped onion creates an aromatic base and sweet undertones that pull all the flavors together.
- Garlic: Three cloves of fresh garlic add a mellow pungency and depth—don’t skimp on it!
- Carrots: Sliced carrots lend natural sweetness and a pop of color to every bowl.
- Celery: Chopped celery gives classic stew flavor and a pleasant, gentle crunch.
- Potatoes: Diced, peeled potatoes break down just enough to make the stew extra hearty without turning mushy.
- Salt: This basic seasoning is essential to brightening all the fresh flavors as they simmer together.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and elevates the stew with a bit of warmth.
- Dried Thyme: Just a teaspoon gives a subtle earthiness that’s signature to cozy Chicken Stew.
- Paprika: For a whisper of smoky sweetness and a gorgeous golden color.
- Bay Leaf: Simmering a bay leaf in the broth infuses a gentle herbal backbone—don’t forget to remove it before serving!
- Chicken Broth: Use a good, flavorful broth as the base—homemade or store-bought both work, so long as it’s one you love.
- All-Purpose Flour (optional): If you like a thicker stew, whisk some flour with water for a quick and easy thickener.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley stirred in at the end brings brightness and a touch of freshness to balance the richness.
How to Make Chicken Stew
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating your olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken thigh chunks and cook them in batches, turning until each piece is beautifully golden brown on all sides. Browning the chicken infuses the oil with flavor and helps lock in moisture, which means every spoonful of your Chicken Stew will be tender and packed with taste. Once browned, remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot (don’t you dare clean out those golden brown bits!), add your onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Let them sweat together for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re just softened and fragrant. This step creates a flavorful base, with the veggies soaking up all those delicious chicken drippings for an extra boost of flavor in your stew.
Step 3: Simmer Everything Together
Return the browned chicken to the pot along with the diced potatoes. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, dried thyme, paprika, and toss in the bay leaf. Pour the chicken broth over everything and stir gently. Bring the whole pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let your Chicken Stew simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, giving all those flavors time to meld and the chicken and vegetables plenty of time to get perfectly tender.
Step 4: Optional Thickening
If you like your Chicken Stew on the thicker side, this is the moment to whisk a tablespoon of all-purpose flour with a bit of water until smooth, then stir it into the bubbling pot. Let it simmer, uncovered, for another five minutes. This little step gives the broth a comforting, velvety body that’s just right for soaking up with bread.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Fish out and discard the bay leaf. Stir in a generous shower of fresh parsley for an aromatic pop of color. Taste and season more if needed, then serve the Chicken Stew warm, ladled into deep bowls. Trust me, the aroma alone will have everyone racing to the table.
How to Serve Chicken Stew
Garnishes
A final touch of fresh parsley is both classic and colorful, but you can also add a swirl of olive oil, a sprinkle of coarse salt, or a few grinds of black pepper on top of each bowl for extra flair. For a touch of luxury, try a dollop of crème fraîche or a scattering of crispy fried onions just before serving.
Side Dishes
Chicken Stew is hearty on its own but absolutely sings when paired with the right companion. Serve it alongside warm, crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls—perfect for dunking. Fluffy rice or mashed potatoes also make excellent bases, or go lighter with a simple green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stew.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or simply want to make dinner a little extra special, try serving Chicken Stew in hollowed-out bread bowls or rustic stoneware mugs. Set up a mini “stew bar” with bowls of toppings like grated cheese, chopped scallions, or extra veggies so everyone can personalize their portion. This turns a cozy meal into a fun, interactive dining experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Stew is one of those magical meals that tastes even better the next day. Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will deepen and meld as it sits—perfect for easy lunches!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later (or double the batch!), Chicken Stew freezes beautifully. Simply spoon your cooled stew into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a bit of headspace for expansion. Stew will keep well for up to three months in the freezer, ready to rescue you on a busy night.
Reheating
To reheat, simply transfer your Chicken Stew to a pot and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. If the stew seems a little thick after chilling, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up. For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely, stirring once or twice during heating for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. Keep in mind that thighs tend to stay juicier during simmering, but breasts will still yield a delicious, tender Chicken Stew—just avoid overcooking so the chicken doesn’t dry out.
How can I make this Chicken Stew gluten free?
It’s simple: either skip the flour entirely or use a gluten-free flour blend or a little cornstarch mixed with water if you prefer a thicker stew. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe comfort food for a variety of diets.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Chicken Stew is incredibly versatile. Try stirring in frozen peas, sweet corn, green beans, or chopped spinach in the last five minutes of cooking. This not only adds nutrition but also creates even more color and variety in each spoonful.
What’s the best way to thicken stew without flour?
If you want a thick Chicken Stew without using flour, you can mash a few potato chunks directly in the pot, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (just mix a little cornstarch with cold water, then add to the hot stew). Both methods will give the broth a rich, hearty texture.
How do I prevent my vegetables from turning mushy?
Be sure to cut your vegetables into uniform pieces, and watch the simmering time closely. 30 to 35 minutes is just right for the potatoes, carrots, and celery to turn tender without losing their form. If you’re adding quicker-cooking vegetables like peas, add them in the last 5 minutes for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one dish guaranteed to bring everyone running to the kitchen, it’s this Chicken Stew. Every bowl is brimming with comfort, flavor, and a little bit of love. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your home—I encourage you to make it soon and share the warmth!
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Chicken Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Chicken Stew is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken thighs simmered with vegetables in a flavorful broth, this stew is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken Stew:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the chicken pieces, then set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add ingredients: Return chicken to the pot, add potatoes, seasonings, and chicken broth. Simmer until chicken is cooked and vegetables are tender.
- Thicken (optional): Whisk flour with water and stir into the stew, simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Finish and serve: Remove bay leaf, stir in parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use chicken breast instead of thighs.
- For extra flavor, add frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
