This Chicken Stew is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner or a dish to impress guests, this hearty meal delivers on flavor and warmth. With tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and a savory herb-infused gravy, it’s a one-pot wonder that brings everyone to the table. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed all year round!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs and broth creates a deep, satisfying taste that will warm your soul.
- Hearty Ingredients: Packed with chicken and vegetables, this stew is filling enough to serve as a complete meal.
- Easy Preparation: Most of the ingredients can be prepped quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with crusty bread or rice for a delicious twist.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day! Prepare in advance and reheat for an effortless dinner.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started on your chicken stew, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Slotted spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for browning chicken and simmering the stew evenly.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables without damaging your countertops.
Ingredients
This chicken stew is a rich and hearty mix of tender chicken thighs, vegetables, and a light but flavorful herb-infused gravy.
For the Aromatics:
- 1 yellow onion ($0.28)
- 3 ribs celery ($0.64)
- 4 cloves garlic ($0.32)
- 1/2 lb. carrots ($0.32)
For the Chicken:
- 1.75 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs ($6.52)
For Thickening:
- 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour, divided ($0.02)
For Cooking:
- 2 Tbsp butter ($0.18)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.16)
For Vegetables:
- 1.5 lbs. baby potatoes ($2.89)
For Seasoning:
- 1 tsp dried parsley ($0.10)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme ($0.05)
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary ($0.05)
- 1/2 tsp dried sage ($0.05)
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.02)
For Broth:
- 2 cups chicken broth ($0.26)
- 2 cups vegetable broth ($0.26)
Optional Garnish:
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional) ($0.10)
How to Make Chicken Stew
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by dicing the onion and celery, mincing the garlic, slicing the carrots, and cutting the baby potatoes in half before you begin.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp of the flour over the chicken and toss until evenly coated.
Step 3: Sauté Chicken
Add the butter and olive oil to a large pot over medium heat until sizzling hot.
Step 4: Brown Chicken Pieces
Add the flour-coated chicken to the pot with butter and oil.
– Allow it to brown on all sides without stirring initially.
– Once browned, remove the chicken using a slotted spoon.
Step 5: Cook Aromatics
Add diced onion, celery, garlic, and carrots to the pot.
– Sauté until onions are soft.
– Use moisture from vegetables to scrape up browned bits off the bottom.
Step 6: Thicken Base
Once softened, add remaining 2 Tbsp flour to sautéed vegetables.
– Cook over medium heat for about two minutes until coated again.
Step 7: Combine Ingredients
Return browned chicken to the pot along with potatoes, herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage), pepper, chicken broth, and vegetable broth.
– Stir well to combine.
Step 8: Simmer Stew
Cover pot with lid until boiling.
– Remove lid after boiling and reduce heat to medium-low.
– Simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Step 9: Final Touches
Taste your stew; add salt if needed (adjust based on broth saltiness).
– Optionally add fresh parsley before serving hot.
Enjoy this comforting bowl of Chicken Stew!
How to Serve Chicken Stew
Serving Chicken Stew can elevate the meal experience for you and your guests. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this comforting dish.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty French Baguette – A classic choice, perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Garlic Bread – Adds a flavorful twist to every bowl and complements the herbs in the stew.
Over Rice
- Steamed White Rice – A simple base that absorbs the delicious flavors of the stew.
- Brown Rice – Offers a nutty flavor and extra fiber, making your meal more filling.
With a Salad
- Caesar Salad – A fresh and crisp side that balances the warmth of the stew.
- Mixed Greens Salad – Light greens with a vinaigrette dressing can add brightness to your meal.
Garnished with Herbs
- Fresh Parsley or Thyme – Sprinkle on top just before serving for an added pop of color and flavor.
How to Perfect Chicken Stew
Perfecting your Chicken Stew involves a few key techniques. Follow these tips for a stew that impresses every time.
- Use Quality Chicken – Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for richer flavor and tenderness.
- Brown the Chicken Well – Take your time browning; it adds depth to the stew’s flavor profile.
- Don’t Rush the Vegetables – Sauté them until soft; this enhances their sweetness and overall taste.
- Adjust Seasonings Last – Taste your stew before adding salt; broths can vary in sodium levels.
- Let It Simmer – Allowing it to simmer longer helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
- Add Fresh Herbs Before Serving – This ensures they retain their bright flavor and aroma.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Stew
Pairing sides with your Chicken Stew can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options that complement this hearty dish perfectly.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and buttery, these potatoes are excellent for soaking up gravy.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy and tender, they add a nice texture contrast.
- Cornbread – Sweet and fluffy, cornbread pairs wonderfully with savory stews.
- Steamed Broccoli – Adds color and nutrients, balancing out the meal.
- Quinoa Salad – A light yet filling option that provides additional protein and fiber.
- Buttered Noodles – Simple yet satisfying, they offer a comforting touch to your dinner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making chicken stew, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for.
- Skipping the browning step: Browning the chicken adds flavor. Don’t rush this step; let it develop a good crust before removing it from the pot.
- Overcrowding the pot: If you add too many ingredients at once, the chicken won’t brown properly. Cook in batches if necessary for best results.
- Neglecting to season: Seasoning is key to a delicious stew. Taste as you go and adjust with salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
- Using low-quality broth: The broth is essential for flavoring your stew. Choose high-quality chicken and vegetable broths for the best taste.
- Skipping resting time: Letting your stew sit for a few minutes after cooking allows flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store chicken stew in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chicken Stew
- Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Chicken stew can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chicken Stew
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely. Heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about chicken stew that might help you while preparing or enjoying your dish.
What can I add to my Chicken Stew for more flavor?
You can add spices like paprika or bay leaves, or incorporate additional vegetables like peas or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Can I use other types of meat in Chicken Stew?
Yes! While this recipe uses chicken thighs, you can substitute with chicken breast or even turkey if desired.
How do I thicken Chicken Stew?
If your stew is too thin, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the simmering stew until thickened.
Is Chicken Stew healthy?
Chicken stew is generally healthy as it includes lean protein and plenty of vegetables. You can adjust ingredients for dietary preferences as needed.
How long does Chicken Stew last in the fridge?
Chicken stew will last for about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
This chicken stew is not only rich and hearty but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your taste. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping, this comforting dish will surely become a family favorite!
Chicken Stew
This Chicken Stew is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for any occasion. With tender boneless chicken thighs simmered with fresh vegetables in a rich, herb-infused gravy, this one-pot dish promises warmth and satisfaction. It’s easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Serve it with crusty bread or over rice for a delightful meal that will bring everyone together. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Stewing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion
- 3 ribs celery
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 lb. carrots
- 1.75 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1.5 lbs. baby potatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- A mix of dried herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by dicing the onion and celery, mincing the garlic, slicing the carrots, and halving the baby potatoes.
- Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and coat them with flour.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; sauté the chicken until browned on all sides.
- Remove the chicken and sauté aromatics (onion, celery, garlic, carrots) until soft.
- Stir in remaining flour and cook for two minutes.
- Add the chicken back along with potatoes, herbs, broths; stir well.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat; simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
