Chicken Stew
A warm and hearty Chicken Stew made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and rich broth. This comforting one-pot meal combines aromatic herbs and simple ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying dish perfect for chilly days.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: American/Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 1.5 to 2 pounds chicken pieces (bone-in or boneless thighs)
Vegetables
- 3 carrots, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 to 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
Liquids and Broth
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon paprika or cayenne pepper for a hint of spice
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (for browning)
- Prep Your Ingredients: Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and pat the chicken dry to promote even cooking and better browning.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden, locking in juices and developing deep flavor. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the pot. Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chicken is tender and flavors meld.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove herb stems if used. Serve the chicken stew hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves.
Notes
- Brown your chicken first for a rich, caramelized flavor.
- Don’t rush the simmer; slow cooking melds flavors and tenderizes meat.
- Add delicate vegetables later to avoid overcooking.
- Use fresh herbs to brighten the stew and add vibrant flavor.
- For thicker stew, mash some cooked potatoes into the broth.
- Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on low heat, adding broth or water if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken stew, comfort food, hearty stew, chicken recipe, one-pot meal, cozy dinner