Okay, friends, let’s talk comfort food. Remember those Sundays at Grandma’s house, the aroma of something simmering on the stove filling every corner? This chicken stew recipe is *that* feeling, bottled. It’s warmer than a hug, tastier than a lottery win (okay, maybe a *small* lottery win!), and infinitely easier to whip up than you’d think. Think of it like Chicken Noodle Soup‘s sophisticated cousin – heartier, richer, and packed with chunks of tender chicken and vibrant veggies swimming in a creamy, flavorful broth. You know how much I love a good, hearty meal, and this one is an absolute staple in my house. I’ve been making it for years, tweaking it here and there until it reached absolute perfection. The best part? Even the pickiest eaters in my family devour it. So, grab your favorite pot, and let’s get cooking!
What is chicken stew?
Think of Chicken Stew as a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. It’s essentially a one-pot meal starring tender chunks of chicken and a medley of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery, all simmered together in a rich, creamy broth. It’s not quite soup, and not quite a casserole – it’s somewhere beautifully in between! The beauty of chicken stew lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, adjust the seasonings to your liking, and even swap out the chicken for turkey or another protein. I love that it’s such a versatile dish! The name “chicken stew” itself is pretty straightforward, but it evokes images of cozy kitchens and family gatherings, doesn’t it? It’s a dish that’s been passed down through generations, and every family has their own special version. It’s essentially comfort food in its purest form.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Seriously, where do I even begin? This chicken stew recipe is a game-changer, and not just because it tastes amazing. It’s my go-to when I need a quick, easy, and satisfying meal, especially on those hectic weeknights when I barely have time to think, let alone cook.
* **Flavor explosion:** This isn’t your average bland stew. We’re talking deep, savory flavors from the chicken, enhanced by the sweetness of the carrots and the earthiness of the potatoes. The creamy broth ties it all together, creating a symphony of deliciousness that will leave you craving more. I always add a pinch of smoked paprika, because that just kicks everything up a notch!
* Crazy simple:** Seriously, anyone can make this. It’s mostly just chopping veggies and letting everything simmer together. I swear, if I can do it while juggling work, kids, and a slightly chaotic household, you can definitely do it too. This chicken stew recipe is so easy to prepare.
* **Budget-friendly bliss:** Chicken and root vegetables are generally pretty affordable, making this a wallet-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. I often stock up on chicken when it’s on sale and freeze it specifically for making this stew.
* **Versatility is its middle name:** Feel free to swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand. Add some peas, Green Beans, or even sweet potatoes for a different twist. Sometimes I’ll throw in a can of diced tomatoes for extra acidity.
What I love most about this chicken stew recipe is that it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. It is one of my all-time favorite recipes, standing proudly next to my beef bourguignon and classic chili recipes!
How do I make chicken stew?
Quick Overview
Making this chicken stew is as easy as 1-2-3! You’ll start by sautéing some aromatics, then add the chicken and vegetables. After that, just pour in the broth, bring it to a simmer, and let it work its magic. The key is to let everything simmer long enough for the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become melt-in-your-mouth tender. Trust me, the wait is worth it! The whole process takes about an hour, but most of that is hands-off simmering time. The main advantage of this chicken Stew Recipe is that the method is easy. So grab your Dutch oven and let’s make it.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil. 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped.
- 5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces. (Chicken breasts also work, but they aren’t as good). What are my personal choices for tenderness and flavor?
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best, so you can control the salt level)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary.
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (I love Yukon golds because they hold their shape well, but Russets work too)
- One cup frozen peas.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
For the Creamy Finish:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, but highly recommended)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (mixed with 1/4 cup cold water to form a slurry – this prevents rusting).
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.
What are the step-
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a Dutch oven, heat Olive Oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Are onions softened and the onion is translucent? This step is crucial for building flavor, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this point, as they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Browning chicken adds a depth of flavor that you don’t want to miss out on.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more salt later, but you can’t take it away!
Step 4: Simmer
What should I do if I want to make stew? Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Is the chicken cooked through and tender?
Step 5: Add Potatoes
Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. What are the best ways to cook potatoes
Step 6: Thicken and Finish
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the stew and stir well to combine. Bring the stew back to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Stir in the frozen peas and heavy cream (if using). Cook for another minute or two, or until the peas are heated through.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the bay leaf and discard it. What is the best way to serve Chicken Stew hot?
What should I serve it with?
What is a good chicken stew recipe? What are some serving suggestions?For a Cozy Night In: Serve with a warm, crusty loaf of bread for dipping into the delicious broth. Add a simple side salad for a light and refreshing contrast. I love a good sourdough bread.
For a Family Gathering:What are the best side dishes to serve with chicken stew? What is comfort food heaven? What are some good toppings for mashed potatoes? Cream, and chives.For a Potluck:Bring a big batch of chicken stew to your next potluck and watch it disappear! What are some good dinner rolls to make?What are some ideas for a fancy dinner party? Believe it or not, chicken stew can be elevated for a more formal occasion. Serve it in individual ramekins with a puff pastry topping for a sophisticated twist. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary for an elegant touch. My mom always puts a dollop of Sour Cream when she prepares it for a party.
How do I make a perfect chicken stew?
Let’s get down to the nitty gritty. What is the best chicken Stew Recipe?Don’t skip the browning: don’tBrowning chicken and vegetables is essential for developing deep, rich flavor. When food is browned, the Maillard reaction produces hundreds of flavor compounds. Will enhance the overall taste of the stew.Use high-quality chicken broth: The broth is the foundation of the stew, so using a good quality broth is crucial. If you have the time, homemade chicken broth is always the best option.
Don’t overcook the vegetables: Overcooked vegetables will become mushy and lose their flavor. Add the potatoes later in the cooking process, and add the frozen peas at the very end.
Adjust the seasonings to your liking: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder are all great additions.
Make it creamy (or not): The heavy cream adds a richness and creaminess to the stew, but it’s not essential. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can skip it altogether.
Thicken it up: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add more flour slurry. Just be sure to whisk the flour with cold water to prevent lumps.
Let it simmer: Simmering the stew for a longer period of time allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become more tender. I’ve even let it simmer for three hours.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Lucky enough to have leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your chicken stew:
Refrigerator: Store the chicken stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers, as the stew will expand when frozen.
Reheating: To reheat refrigerated chicken stew, simply pour it into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Thaw your chicken stew for a few hours to overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for frozen chicken stew. Then, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave as you would refrigerated stew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my Grandma’s Cozy Chicken Stew recipe! It’s a dish that’s near and dear to my heart, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too. It’s comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make, even on the busiest of weeknights. If you’re looking for more cozy comfort food recipes, be sure to check out my other soups and stews. I have a feeling you’ll love them just as much! I truly hope you enjoy this chicken stew recipe as much as my family and I do. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy cooking!
Chicken Stew Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken thighs
- 1 cup Carrots, chopped
- 1 cup Potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup Celery, chopped
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 2 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the chicken thighs over medium-high heat.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
