This Creamy Chicken Stew recipe is a comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or cozy weekends, this stew is rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. With its creamy texture and delightful blend of ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you choose to make it on the stove top, in a Crock Pot, or an Instant Pot, this versatile recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: The straightforward steps make it simple for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Rich Flavor: A combination of cream of chicken soup and ranch seasoning creates a deliciously creamy base.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Make this stew on the stove top, in a slow cooker, or with an Instant Pot—your choice!
- Comforting Meal: Hearty ingredients like chicken and potatoes provide warmth and satisfaction.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love it too! This dish is perfect for picky eaters.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Creamy Chicken Stew efficiently, having the right tools can make all the difference.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Crock Pot or slow cooker (optional)
- Instant Pot (optional)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking the stew evenly while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Crock Pot or slow cooker: Perfect for set-it-and-forget-it convenience, making meal prep easy.
- Instant Pot: Reduces cooking time significantly while still achieving that rich flavor.
Ingredients
This Creamy Chicken Stew recipe is simple to make on the Stove Top, Crock Pot, or Instant Pot! Enjoy it over biscuits or topped with dumplings!
For the Stew Base
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 boneless chicken breasts (uncooked & cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt/Pepper
Vegetables
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 large red potatoes (sliced)
- 1 cup baby carrots
- ½ cup celery (diced)
- ¾ cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
Creamy Mixture
- 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup whole milk (don’t substitute low-fat)
- 1 cup sour cream (at room temp)
- 1 oz. ranch seasoning mix
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stew
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the vegetables and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces so everything is ready when you start cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Onions
In your large pot or Dutch oven:
1. Heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the chicken pieces along with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Once the chicken is browned:
1. Add the sliced potatoes, baby carrots, diced celery, and green beans.
2. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Mix in Creamy Ingredients
Next:
1. Pour in the cream of chicken soup and whole milk.
2. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
3. Allow it to simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes.
Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream and Ranch Seasoning
Finally:
1. Stir in the sour cream and ranch seasoning mix.
2. Cook for an additional 10 minutes until heated through.
This creamy chicken stew is ready to serve! Enjoy it over biscuits or topped with dumplings for a truly comforting meal!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stew
Creamy Chicken Stew is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it over a base or as a standalone meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
With Biscuits
- Light and flaky biscuits pair perfectly with the creamy texture of the stew, soaking up the delicious broth for a comforting bite.
Over Rice
- Serve the stew over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to create a hearty meal that balances flavors and textures.
With Dumplings
- Adding soft dumplings on top of the stew adds a delightful twist, making each spoonful even more satisfying and filling.
Accompanied by Crusty Bread
- A slice of crusty bread is ideal for dipping into the creamy goodness, ensuring none of the tasty broth goes to waste.
In a Bread Bowl
- For a fun presentation, serve the stew in a hollowed-out bread bowl, combining both meal and vessel into one delicious dish.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Stew
Creating an outstanding Creamy Chicken Stew takes a few simple tips. These suggestions will help elevate your dish to perfection.
Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and quality chicken enhances flavor and nutrition in your stew.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; adding salt and pepper gradually allows you to control the seasoning to your preference.
Let it Simmer: Allowing the stew to simmer longer helps meld the flavors together, making every bite rich and delicious.
Use Full-Fat Dairy: Stick with whole milk and sour cream for creaminess; low-fat substitutes can compromise texture and taste.
Try Different Veggies: Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or peas for added color and nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Stew
To complement your Creamy Chicken Stew, consider these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal’s overall experience.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic provide a smooth contrast to the stew’s texture.
Steamed Broccoli: A light side that adds color and nutrition; drizzle with lemon for extra flavor.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing offers a refreshing crunch alongside your warm stew.
Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a touch of sweetness that pairs well with savory flavors.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the stew beautifully.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts offer depth and flavor that complements creamy dishes well.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with savory stews while providing additional fiber.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs can serve as an excellent base for soaking up all that creamy goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy Chicken Stew, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using low-fat milk: Low-fat milk can alter the texture and creaminess of your stew. Always use whole milk for the best results.
- Not seasoning enough: Skipping or skimping on salt and pepper can lead to a bland stew. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed while cooking.
- Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Add sturdier veggies like potatoes earlier than softer ones like green beans.
- Ignoring the cooking times: Each method (Stove Top, Crock Pot, Instant Pot) has specific cooking times. Make sure to follow them closely for optimal flavor and texture.
- Skipping the sour cream step: Adding sour cream at room temperature enhances creaminess. Cold sour cream can cause curdling in the hot stew.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Creamy Chicken Stew in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing Creamy Chicken Stew
- You can freeze Creamy Chicken Stew for up to 3 months.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Creamy Chicken Stew
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stew to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Chicken Stew:
What can I serve with Creamy Chicken Stew?
Creamy Chicken Stew pairs beautifully with biscuits or fluffy dumplings, enhancing your meal’s comfort factor.
Can I customize my Creamy Chicken Stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables like peas or corn, or swap chicken for turkey or a vegetarian option.
Is this Creamy Chicken Stew healthy?
While it’s hearty and comforting, you can make it healthier by using lean chicken and adding more vegetables while reducing fat content in dairy ingredients.
How do I thicken my Creamy Chicken Stew?
If you prefer a thicker stew, consider adding a cornstarch slurry or simmering it longer with the lid off until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Stew is not only delightful but also incredibly versatile. You can easily tweak the ingredients based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences. Give this recipe a try — it promises warmth and comfort with every bite!
Creamy Chicken Stew
Creamy Chicken Stew is the ultimate comfort food that warms the soul and satisfies the palate. This hearty dish combines tender chicken and fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy weekends. Whether you use a stovetop, Crock Pot, or Instant Pot, this versatile recipe delivers mouthwatering flavors with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop/Crock Pot/Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 large red potatoes (sliced)
- 1 cup baby carrots
- ½ cup celery (diced)
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
Instructions
- Gather and prep all ingredients.
- In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil. Sauté onions until translucent.
- Add chicken, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; cook until browned.
- Stir in potatoes, carrots, celery, and green beans; mix well.
- Pour in cream of chicken soup and milk; stir and let simmer on low for about 30 minutes.
- Finally, add sour cream and ranch seasoning; cook for an additional 10 minutes until warmed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
