Best Chicken Stew Recipe

Chicken stew is a classic dish that warms the heart and fills the stomach. With tender pieces of chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, it’s a go-to comfort food for chilly nights and family gatherings. This recipe takes traditional chicken stew to the next level, incorporating robust flavors and a variety of textures. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this chicken stew is sure to please.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken: If using chicken thighs, trim any excess fat and cut them into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly and make them easier to eat.
2. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of thyme and rosemary. This initial seasoning will enhance the flavor of the chicken.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Brown the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pot; you may need to do this in batches. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
3. Remove the Chicken: Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. This step allows the chicken to retain its juices while you sauté the vegetables.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
2. Add Carrots and Celery: Stir in the sliced carrots and diced celery. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4: Build the Stew

1. Return the Chicken: Add the browned chicken back into the pot, along with any juices that accumulated on the plate.
2. Add Potatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Ensure that the ingredients are well combined.
3. Season the Stew: Add the bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, remaining thyme, rosemary, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer the Stew

1. Reduce Heat: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the stew simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Check for Doneness: After about 45 minutes, check if the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. The potatoes should be fork-tender.
3. Add Frozen Peas: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas. They will cook quickly and retain their vibrant color.

Step 6: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

1. Make a Slurry: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
2. Add Slurry to Stew: Stir the slurry into the stew, and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.

Step 7: Final Adjustments and Serve

1. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
2. Remove Bay Leaves: Don’t forget to take out the bay leaves before serving; they are not meant to be eaten.
3. Garnish: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
4. Serve: Enjoy your hearty chicken stew with crusty bread, over rice, or on its own!

Tips for Success

• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Organic chicken and locally sourced vegetables can make a significant difference.
• Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and spices for a few hours before cooking.
• Make Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans, corn, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Herb Variations: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish; consider adding fresh thyme or rosemary at the end of cooking for an aromatic finish.

Variations and Customizations

• Herb-Infused Broth: Infuse your broth with herbs like thyme, parsley, or dill for an aromatic twist.
• Creamy Chicken Stew: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk in the last few minutes of cooking for a creamy version.
• Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the stew while it simmers.

Conclusion

This Best Chicken Stew recipe is a versatile, heartwarming dish that can easily be adapted to your taste preferences. With its combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth, it’s a perfect choice for any occasion.

So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a comforting, homemade chicken stew that will warm your heart and satisfy your hunger. Enjoy the process of cooking and the delicious results that await you at the dinner table!

Yield: 6

Best Chicken Stew Recipe

Print

Chicken stew is a classic dish that warms the heart and fills the stomach. With tender pieces of chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, it’s a go-to comfort food for chilly nights and family gatherings. This recipe takes traditional chicken stew to the next level, incorporating robust flavors and a variety of textures. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this chicken stew is sure to please.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or russet)
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add Broth and Seasonings:

• Return the browned chicken to the pot.
• Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Simmer:

• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the stew simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken should be tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.

5. Add Peas:

• In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the green peas to the pot.

6. Thicken (Optional):

• If you prefer a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch mixture during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to thicken.

7. Serve:

• Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Make Ahead: This stew can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Freezing: Leftover stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.