Creamy Chicken Stew Recipe

There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of creamy chicken stew. It’s the perfect dish for colder months, offering a rich, hearty, and soothing meal. With tender chicken, vegetables, and a velvety cream-based broth, this stew is ideal for cozy nights in with family or guests. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and herbs.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken thighs (or breasts) dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. If you’re using bone-in chicken thighs, you can leave the skin on for extra flavor, but we recommend removing it to keep the stew lighter and creamier.

   - Advertisement -

2. Brown the Chicken: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Brown the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it develops a nice golden-brown crust. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through at this point, as it will finish cooking in the stew. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

   - Advertisement -

2. Add the Vegetables: Next, add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, and diced potato to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for another 4-5 minutes. This step will help the vegetables start to soften and absorb the flavors from the pot.

3. Add the Herbs: Sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary. If using fresh herbs, chop them finely and add them to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables and release the aromatic oils from the herbs.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Stew Base

1. Add Flour for Thickening: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. This will help thicken the stew as it simmers. Cook the flour for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning. You should notice the vegetables starting to look a little coated.

2. Deglaze the Pot: Slowly pour in the chicken stock, stirring constantly to incorporate the flour. This will help break up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot from the browned chicken and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

3. Add the Cream and Milk: Once the stock has come to a simmer, add the milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine. The combination of these ingredients will give the stew its rich, creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk.

4. Return the Chicken to the Pot: Add the browned chicken back into the pot, along with any juices that may have accumulated. Cover the pot with a lid and let the stew simmer for about 20-25 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked by this point, and the vegetables should be tender.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

1. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, remove it from the pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

2. Add the Frozen Vegetables: Stir in the peas and corn, then let the stew simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the vegetables are heated through and the stew has thickened to your desired consistency. If the stew is too thick, feel free to add a little extra chicken stock or water to reach your preferred consistency.

3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a spoonful of Dijon mustard for added depth of flavor. The mustard adds a subtle tanginess that cuts through the creaminess of the stew, balancing out the richness.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the Stew: Ladle the creamy chicken stew into bowls, making sure each bowl gets a good amount of chicken, vegetables, and broth.

2. Garnish with Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of each bowl to add a burst of color and freshness. You can also serve the stew with fresh, crusty bread or dinner rolls to mop up the creamy broth.

Tips for Perfection:

1. Choose the Right Chicken: Chicken thighs are the best choice for this stew because they stay tender and juicy while cooking. However, if you prefer chicken breasts, those will work too, though they can sometimes dry out if overcooked.

2. Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and milk provides the stew with a luscious, velvety texture. If you want a lighter stew, you can reduce the amount of cream and substitute it with more chicken stock, though the stew may be less rich.

3. Slow Cooker Option: For a hands-off approach, you can make this stew in a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables as instructed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the stock, milk, and cream, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and add the peas and corn about 30 minutes before serving.

4. Adjust Vegetables: Feel free to adjust the vegetables according to what you have on hand. You can use parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes in place of the regular potato. You can also add green beans, mushrooms, or zucchini for variety.

5. Freezing the Stew: This creamy chicken stew can be made ahead and frozen for later. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. To reheat, simply defrost in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit more stock or cream to loosen the stew if necessary.

Possible Variations:

1. Spicy Chicken Stew: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions and garlic. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the broth for extra spice.

2. Herbed Chicken Stew: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or tarragon for different flavor profiles. Fresh herbs will provide a more vibrant, aromatic flavor compared to dried herbs.

3. Chicken and Mushroom Stew: Add sliced mushrooms to the stew for an earthy flavor that complements the chicken and creaminess. You can sauté the mushrooms with the onions and garlic before adding them to the stew.

4. Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version of this stew, you can skip the flour thickening step and instead use cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water, then add it to the stew during the simmering process until the stew reaches your desired thickness.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Bread: Serve the creamy chicken stew with freshly baked crusty bread or soft rolls for dipping. The bread will soak up the delicious creamy broth, making every bite even more satisfying.

• Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes: For a more filling meal, you can serve the stew over a bed of rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Both options complement the stew’s creamy texture and help balance the richness of the dish.

• With a Side Salad: Pair the stew with a light, crisp salad to balance out the richness of the dish. A simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would work perfectly.

Conclusion:

Creamy Chicken Stew is the ultimate comfort food — rich, hearty, and brimming with flavor. This dish is perfect for chilly nights when you need something satisfying and nourishing. With tender chicken, a medley of vegetables, and a velvety cream-based broth, it’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out.