chicken stew
A heartwarming chicken stew is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, earthy root vegetables, and fragrant herbs in a luscious, savory broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or nourishing family meals.
This recipe balances wholesome ingredients with rich flavors, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a day of indulgent cravings, this stew is bound to impress.
Wholesome Ingredients for Chicken Stew
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Delivers juicy, tender bites, ideal for stewing.
- Onion, carrots, and celery – The aromatic trifecta for a flavorful base.
- Potatoes and sweet potatoes – Bring comforting texture and a hint of sweetness.
- Red bell pepper – Adds a subtle, sweet undertone to balance the savory notes.
- Chicken broth or stock – A rich, flavorful liquid to tie the dish together.
- Dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage) – Elevate the dish with aromatic complexity.
- Green beans or peas – Brightens the stew with color and a fresh, tender crunch.
- Heavy cream – Gives the broth a velvety, luxurious finish.
Steps to Create the Perfect Chicken Stew
- Sear and set aside the chicken – Achieve a golden crust for added depth of flavor.
- Sauté the vegetables – Build a rich aromatic base by cooking onion, carrots, and celery with herbs.
- Combine and simmer – Add potatoes, broth, and seared chicken, allowing flavors to meld while the ingredients soften.
- Finish with cream and greens – Stir in cream and vegetables, then thicken the stew as desired for a luscious consistency.
Tips for a Comforting Chicken Stew
For an added layer of flavor, consider browning the flour before sprinkling it into the pot. To make the dish more robust, you can substitute white wine with dry sherry or a splash of apple cider. For a lighter option, skip the cream and opt for coconut milk or extra broth instead.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Chicken stew stores beautifully. Allow leftovers to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore consistency. For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serve this delightful chicken stew with a warm slice of crusty bread or over fluffy rice to soak up every drop of the savory broth. Enjoy!
Chicken Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces (approximately 8 thighs)
- ½ red bell pepper minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 2 carrots diced
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour divided
- 1 ½ cups diced potatoes peeled if using russets or baking potatoes
- 1 ½ cups diced sweet potatoes peeled
- ¼ cup white wine
- 2 ribs celery diced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon ground sage
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cups chicken broth or chicken stock
- 1 cup green beans cut into 1-inch pieces, or frozen peas (thawed)
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sear the diced chicken pieces until browned, though not fully cooked. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil until the onion softens slightly, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of flour, followed by the dried thyme, rosemary, sage, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, minced red bell pepper, white wine, chicken broth, and the browned chicken to the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 30 minutes.
- Uncover the pot and mix in the green beans (or thawed peas) and heavy cream. If desired, thicken the stew by combining the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour with 1 cup of water or broth in a sealed mason jar. Shake thoroughly to remove any lumps, then gradually stir this mixture into the simmering stew until your desired consistency is achieved.
- Continue simmering uncovered for another 10 minutes before serving.