This Chicken Stew is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. With tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and a delicious herb-infused gravy, it warms the soul and satisfies the appetite. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or as a delightful meal any time of the year, this stew stands out with its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: This chicken stew is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a satisfying meal for everyone.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you’ll have this delicious dish on the table in no time.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables or herbs based on your preference and availability.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for meal planning.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The mild flavors appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone enjoys their meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making your chicken stew, gather the necessary tools that will make the cooking process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for browning the chicken and simmering all the ingredients together for maximum flavor.
- Slotted spoon: Helps to remove chicken without losing any delicious juices from the pot.
- Knife & cutting board: Necessary for chopping vegetables efficiently, ensuring even cooking.
Ingredients
This chicken stew is a rich and hearty mix of tender chicken thighs, vegetables, and a light but flavorful herb-infused gravy.
- 1 yellow onion ($0.28)
- 3 ribs celery ($0.64)
- 4 cloves garlic ($0.32)
- 1/2 lb. carrots ($0.32)
- 1.75 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs ($6.52)
- 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour, divided ($0.02)
- 2 Tbsp butter ($0.18)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.16)
- 1.5 lbs. baby potatoes ($2.89)
- 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)
- 2 cups chicken broth ($0.26)
- 2 cups vegetable broth ($0.26)
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional) ($0.10)
How to Make Chicken Stew
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by dicing the onion and celery, mincing the garlic, slicing the carrots, and halving the baby potatoes.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp of flour over the chicken and toss until coated evenly.
Step 3: Sauté Chicken
Add butter and olive oil to a large pot over medium heat until hot and sizzling. Then add the flour-coated chicken to brown on all sides without stirring initially.
Step 4: Cook Vegetables
Once browned, remove the chicken with a slotted spoon to a clean bowl. In the same pot, add onion, celery, garlic, and carrots; sauté until onions are soft while scraping any browned bits off the bottom.
Step 5: Add Remaining Flour
Once vegetables are slightly softened, add remaining 2 Tbsp flour to coat again over medium heat for about two minutes.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Return browned chicken to the pot along with potatoes, herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage), pepper, chicken broth, and vegetable broth; stir well to combine.
Step 7: Simmer Stew
Put a lid on the pot; bring to a boil before removing lid and lowering heat to medium-low for about 30 minutes until potatoes are tender and broth thickens.
Step 8: Final Seasoning
Taste your stew for saltiness (adjust if necessary) before serving hot with an optional sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
Enjoy this delicious Chicken Stew that is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!
How to Serve Chicken Stew
Serving chicken stew is a delightful experience that can warm up any meal. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, you can enhance the dining experience by pairing it with complementary sides or garnishes.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness.
- Thyme sprigs – Use whole stalks for a rustic look and herbaceous aroma.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough bread – Perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
- Garlic bread – Adds a savory twist that complements the stew’s flavors.
Add a Side Salad
- Caesar salad – The creaminess contrasts nicely with the stew.
- Mixed greens – A light salad balances the richness of the chicken stew.
Serve in Individual Bowls
- Personal servings – Presenting chicken stew in individual bowls makes for an elegant touch at dinner parties.
How to Perfect Chicken Stew
Perfecting chicken stew involves attention to detail and a few key techniques. Follow these tips to elevate your dish.
- Use high-quality chicken – Fresh, boneless thighs provide better flavor and tenderness.
- Brown the chicken well – This builds depth of flavor through caramelization.
- Don’t rush the simmering process – Allowing the stew to simmer enhances the infusion of flavors.
- Adjust seasoning gradually – Taste as you go to ensure balanced flavors throughout.
- Experiment with vegetables – Adding seasonal veggies can bring new life to your chicken stew.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Stew
Chicken stew pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its warmth and flavor. Here are some great options:
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes complement the stew’s texture beautifully.
- Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice absorbs broth, making every bite flavorful.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutritional value to your meal.
- Cornbread – Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to savory chicken stew.
- Steamed Green Beans – Crisp-tender green beans add a refreshing crunch alongside the dish.
- Biscuits – Flaky biscuits are perfect for sopping up the delicious broth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making chicken stew can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can turn a comforting dish into a disappointment. Here are some key points to keep in mind.
Skipping the Browning: Failing to brown the chicken can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Take the time to sear the chicken until it’s golden before adding other ingredients.
Overcrowding the Pot: Adding too many ingredients at once can lead to steaming instead of sautéing. Cook in batches if necessary to allow for proper browning and flavor development.
Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoning your stew can make it bland. Taste as you go and adjust with herbs and spices according to your preference.
Ignoring Cooking Times: Not allowing enough time for simmering can result in tough meat and undercooked vegetables. Follow recommended cooking times for tender results.
Using Low-Quality Broth: The broth is crucial for flavor. Choose high-quality chicken and vegetable broths to enhance the overall taste of your chicken stew.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store chicken stew in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Chicken Stew
- Freeze in individual portions or a large container.
- It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Chicken Stew
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place stew in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place stew in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions often asked about making chicken stew.
What is Chicken Stew?
Chicken stew is a hearty dish made with tender chicken pieces, vegetables, and rich broth, perfect for a cozy meal.
Can I customize my Chicken Stew?
Yes! You can add different vegetables like peas or corn, or even substitute chicken thighs with breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
How do I thicken Chicken Stew?
To thicken your stew, you can add a slurry made of flour mixed with water or simply let it simmer longer without the lid to reduce liquid.
Is Chicken Stew healthy?
Chicken stew can be very healthy as it contains lean protein from the chicken and plenty of vegetables. Adjust ingredients based on your dietary needs for optimum health benefits.
Final Thoughts
This chicken stew recipe is not only rich and flavorful but also versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or herbs. Enjoy this warm, comforting dish any night of the week!
Chicken Stew
Warm up with this delicious Chicken Stew, a classic dish that brings together tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful herb-infused gravy. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this hearty stew offers a satisfying meal everyone will love. Its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a go-to recipe for any time of the year. With straightforward steps, you can easily prepare this comforting dish in your own kitchen. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh herbs and alongside crusty bread for a truly delightful dining experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion
- 3 ribs celery
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 lb. carrots
- 1.75 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour (divided)
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs. baby potatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp dried sage
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Dice the onion and celery, mince the garlic, slice the carrots, and halve the baby potatoes.
- Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and coat with 2 Tbsp flour.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil; brown the flour-coated chicken on all sides.
- Remove chicken; sauté onions, celery, garlic, and carrots in the same pot until soft.
- Add remaining flour and cook for two minutes before returning chicken to the pot.
- Stir in potatoes, herbs, broths; bring to boil then simmer for about 30 minutes until tender.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary before serving hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
