Chicken Stew Recipe

Okay, let’s be real. We all have those days when only a big bowl of something warm and comforting will do, right? What is your favorite chicken stew recipe? Is it like a warm hug in the bowl, and it reminds me of being at my grandma’s house on chilly autumn days? Isn’t it similar to Chicken Noodle Soup? What is a throw What’s the best chicken stew you’ve ever had? Why do people ask for seconds?

What is chicken stew?

Think of chicken stew as the heartier, more flavorful cousin to Chicken Soup. What’s a one-pot meal? What are the best vegetables to eat with carrots, celery, and potatoes? Is it a fussy dish? The beauty of chicken stew lies in its simplicity – it’s rustic, comforting, and perfect for a cozy dinner. My grandma always said it was a meal for “filling bellies and warming hearts,” and I couldn’t agree more.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to love chicken stew?

Flavor Explosion:What is the best combination of spices and slow-cooked chicken? I always add a pinch of rosemary and thyme to my stew. It elevates it to another level.
Easy Peasy:What are some of the easiest recipes to make after a long day? What are some of the best home cooked meals you’ve ever had?
Budget FriendlyWhat are some good ways to stretch your grocery budget with chicken stew? It uses inexpensive ingredients, and you can easily adapt it to use up whatever vegetables you have.
Versatile:How can I customize this recipe to my liking? Add different vegetables, use different herbs and spices, or even throw in a can of diced tomatoes. Is there a little extra tang? I sometimes add a splash of cream at the end for extra richness – don’t tell Grandma!

What I love about this chicken stew compared to other similar recipes is how forgiving it is. What is the best way to cook chicken? Is it still good? If you are looking for something similar but quicker, try a simple cream of Chicken Soup. It lacks the complexity but still delivers warmth. Is this the kind of comfort food that gets me through the colder months?

How do I make chicken stew?

Quick Overview

What is the easiest Chicken Stew Recipe? What’s the best way to cook chicken? Simmer everything until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. What is it like to be a What is the secret to a good stew? What will the aroma of your kitchen smell like?

Ingredients

For the Main Stew:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces. Chicken thigh is key here! What are some of the best grilled vegetables you’ve ever had?
2 tablespoons olive oil. 1 tablespoon of water.
1 large onion, chopped.
2 carrots, peeled and chopped.
2 celery stalks, chopped.
4 cloves of garlic, minced. 1 clove
How much chicken broth should I use?
1 teaspoon dried thyme is a good
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary.
1 bay leaf. Don’t forget to remove it before serving!
1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped. These hold their shape beautifully.
1 cup frozen peas. Add these towards the end to keep them bright green.
Salt and pepper to taste.

Optional Thickening

2 tablespoons cornstarch. 2
2 tablespoons cold water is enough for 2 people.

How do I follow

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

In a Dutch Oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in batches until browned on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pot, or the chicken will not brown properly. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a delicious base for stew. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Broth and Spices

If the chicken broth is too thick, pour it in and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. What’s the best way to make thyme and rosemary a main dish?

Step 4: Add Chicken and Potatoes

Return the chicken to the pot. Add the potatoes. Bring the stew back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Is it necessary to cook the chicken until it is cooked through and the potatoes are tender? I always check the chicken with a fork to make sure it’s cooked through. Is it possible to fall apart easily?

Step 5: Add Peas and Thicken (Optional)

Stir in the frozen peas. If you want a thicker stew, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in an ice cold bowl. How do you stir the stew mixture into the pot and pour over the top?

Step 6: Season and Serve

Remove the bay leaf. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy! I love to garnish mine with fresh parsley.

What should I serve it with?

What is a good chicken stew recipe?

Crusty Bread:I’m a sucker for sourdough.
Side Salad:A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds to the richness of the stew.
Biscuits: Warm, flaky biscuits are always a welcome addition to any stew.

My family has always served this with warm, homemade rolls – it’s a tradition I’ve carried on. It’s also fantastic with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. Honestly, you can’t go wrong!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Stew

Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years for making the perfect **chicken stew**:

Don’t skip the searing: Searing the chicken adds so much flavor to the stew. It’s worth the extra effort.
Use chicken thighs: They stay much juicier and more tender than chicken breasts in a stew.
Don’t overcook the potatoes: No one likes mushy potatoes! Check them frequently while the stew is simmering.
Adjust the seasoning: Taste the stew frequently and adjust the seasoning as needed. Salt and pepper are your friends!
Add a splash of acid: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar at the end can brighten up the flavors of the stew.
Make it your own: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and spices. That’s the beauty of cooking, right?

I once tried adding a bit of curry powder to the stew, and it was surprisingly delicious! Play around with the flavors and find what you love. You can also substitute sweet potatoes for white potatoes for a touch of sweetness. I once accidentally added two bay leaves instead of one, and while it was a bit stronger, it was still incredibly flavorful! The key is to not be afraid to experiment and learn from your mistakes. Most of the time, it’ll turn out even better than you expected.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to store and reheat your leftover **chicken stew**:

Refrigerator: Store the cooled stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

I like to make a big batch of this stew on the weekend so I can have easy lunches and dinners throughout the week. I always let it cool completely before storing it, and I find that it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. If you freeze it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best results. Don’t add the glaze to the entire batch if you intend to freeze some, add it to individual servings just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free chicken broth and omit the cornstarch thickening (or use a gluten-free alternative like arrowroot starch). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

You can, but I highly recommend chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture. Chicken breasts tend to dry out in stews, while chicken thighs stay juicy and tender. If you do use chicken breasts, be sure to cut them into larger pieces and don’t overcook them.

Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Of course! Feel free to add any vegetables you like. Some great additions include green beans, corn, mushrooms, or parsnips. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I make this stew vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or chickpeas for protein.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Sear the chicken as directed in the recipe, then transfer it to a slow cooker along with the vegetables, broth, and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this **chicken stew recipe** a try. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings people together. It’s the kind of dish that makes your house smell amazing and fills your heart with warmth. If you loved this, you might also enjoy my creamy potato soup recipe or my hearty beef stew. Both are family favorites and just as comforting. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know if you tried it, and what variations you made. I love hearing from you all!

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