This chicken stew is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Packed with tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and a light yet flavorful herb-infused gravy, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly night or for a casual get-together, this chicken stew will surely impress everyone at the table with its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this recipe allows you to whip up a delicious meal quickly.
- Hearty Ingredients: The combination of chicken thighs, potatoes, and vegetables creates a filling dish that’s perfect for cold days.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with crusty bread, rice, or on its own for a comforting meal.
- Flavorful Broth: The mixture of chicken and vegetable broth enhances the flavor profile, making each bite delightful.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to make this dish your own.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather the right tools for making chicken stew. Having the right equipment ensures efficient cooking and helps you create the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Provides ample space for browning chicken and simmering all ingredients without overflow.
- Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing browned chicken while leaving behind flavorful drippings in the pot.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables easier and safer.
Ingredients
This chicken stew is a rich and hearty mix of tender chicken thighs, vegetables, and a light but flavorful herb-infused gravy.
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion ($0.28)
- 3 ribs celery ($0.64)
- 4 cloves garlic ($0.32)
- 1/2 lb. carrots ($0.32)
- 1.5 lbs. baby potatoes ($2.89)
Chicken
- 1.75 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs ($6.52)
Broths & Fats
- 2 cups chicken broth ($0.26)
- 2 cups vegetable broth ($0.26)
- 2 Tbsp butter ($0.18)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.16)
Seasonings
- 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour, divided ($0.02)
- 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)
Optional Garnish
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional) ($0.10)
How to Make Chicken Stew
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Dice the onion and celery, mince the garlic, slice the carrots, and cut the baby potatoes in half before you begin.
Step 2: Coat Chicken Thighs
Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp of the flour over the chicken and toss until evenly coated.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add the butter and olive oil to a large pot over medium heat until hot and sizzling. Add the flour-coated chicken to brown on all sides without stirring initially.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
Once browned, remove the chicken with a slotted spoon to a clean bowl. Add onion, celery, garlic, and carrots to sauté until onions are soft while scraping browned bits off the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Add Remaining Flour
Once vegetables are softened, add remaining 2 Tbsp flour to coat again briefly before returning browned chicken back into the pot along with potatoes, herbs, broths, salt (if desired), and pepper.
Step 6: Simmer Stew
Cover with lid; bring to boil then reduce heat to medium-low without lid for about 30 minutes until potatoes are tender and broth thickens; stir occasionally.
Now you have an incredibly hearty dish ready to serve! Enjoy your homemade chicken stew hot from the stove!
How to Serve Chicken Stew
Serving chicken stew is a delightful experience, as it can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it simple or with some added flair, here are some ideas to elevate your meal.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette – Serve slices of warm baguette to soak up the delicious broth.
- Buttered Rolls – Soft, buttery rolls make a perfect companion for dipping.
Over Rice
- Steamed White Rice – A simple base that absorbs the flavors of the stew well.
- Brown Rice – For a healthier option, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
Topped with Herbs
- Fresh Parsley – Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Chives – Finely chopped chives add a mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
With Salad
- Mixed Greens Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the stew.
- Caesar Salad – The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons contrast nicely with the stew’s texture.
How to Perfect Chicken Stew
To achieve the ultimate chicken stew, follow these tips for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs – For richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless ones.
- Sear the Meat Well – Browning the chicken creates depth in flavor through caramelization.
- Add Acidity – A splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end brightens up the dish.
- Simmer Slowly – Allowing your stew to simmer helps develop complex flavors over time.
- Adjust Seasonings Last – Always taste before adding more salt or spices; this prevents over-seasoning.
- Include Seasonal Vegetables – Experiment with different vegetables based on what’s in season for variety.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Stew
Pairing sides with chicken stew can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and rich, they complement the stew perfectly while providing extra comfort.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Their slight bitterness contrasts well with the stew’s richness and adds texture.
- Cornbread – Sweet cornbread is a classic choice that pairs beautifully with hearty stews.
- Steamed Green Beans – Crisp-tender green beans add freshness and color to your meal.
- Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed salad that adds nutty flavors and different textures alongside your stew.
- Crusty Focaccia Bread – This Italian bread is perfect for dipping into savory broth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making chicken stew, small missteps can lead to a less-than-perfect dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
Skipping ingredient prep: Failing to prepare your ingredients beforehand can lead to rushed cooking and unevenly cooked vegetables. Always chop and measure before you start.
Overcrowding the pot: Adding too many chicken pieces at once can prevent proper browning. Cook in batches if necessary for that perfect golden color.
Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season your stew during cooking can result in bland flavors. Taste as you go and adjust with salt and spices.
Ignoring simmer time: Not allowing enough time for the stew to simmer will affect the tenderness of the chicken and vegetables. Be patient; let it cook until everything is tender and infused with flavor.
Using low-quality broth: The broth is a key ingredient in chicken stew, so using low-quality or overly salty broth can ruin the dish. Choose a good quality broth for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store chicken stew in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Chicken Stew
- Freeze chicken stew in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags.
- It will last for about 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Chicken Stew
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about chicken stew that might help you in your cooking journey.
What makes this Chicken Stew special?
This chicken stew is rich, hearty, and full of tender vegetables. The blend of herbs creates a comforting flavor that warms the soul.
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes, feel free to use other cuts like chicken breasts or drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for different cuts.
How do I thicken my Chicken Stew?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.
Is Chicken Stew healthy?
Absolutely! This dish is packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from various vegetables, making it a wholesome meal option.
Final Thoughts
Chicken stew is a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Recipes
Hearty Chicken Stew
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this hearty chicken stew, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with fresh vegetables and a light herb-infused gravy, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table. It’s easy to prepare and versatile, whether you serve it with crusty bread, over rice, or on its own. The flavorful broth brings everything together for a satisfying meal that warms both heart and soul.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion
- 3 ribs celery
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 lb. carrots
- 1.5 lbs. baby potatoes
- 1.75 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- all-purpose flour
- dried parsley
- thyme
- rosemary
- sage
- black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by dicing the onion and celery, mincing the garlic, slicing the carrots, and halving the baby potatoes.
- Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and coat with flour.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil; add chicken and brown on all sides.
- Remove chicken; sauté onion, celery, garlic, and carrots until soft.
- Add remaining flour; return chicken to pot along with potatoes, herbs, broths, salt (optional), and pepper.
- Cover and bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 30 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
