Nothing beats a comforting, soul-warming bowl of stew, especially when it’s packed with tender chicken and a medley of vegetables that all simmer together into something magical. Picture this: tender chicken thighs slowly braising in a savory broth, with carrots, potatoes, and celery adding the perfect balance of texture and flavor. It’s a hug in a bowl, trust me you’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile:
You can enjoy this hearty stew for any occasion. It’s a great family dinner or a cozy meal for yourself when the weather calls for something warm and nourishing.
Budget-Friendly:
With simple, everyday ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank. The whole family can enjoy it without stressing about your grocery bill.
Quick and Easy:
While the stew simmers to perfection, you’ll have plenty of time to relax. It’s easy to throw together, and once it’s on the stove, the magic happens with minimal effort from you.
Customizable:
Feel free to throw in any extra veggies you have on hand! Green beans, peas, or even corn can be added to make this stew uniquely yours.
Crowd-Pleasing:
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this stew: it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Thighs:
These are the star of the show. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are perfect for this stew they give you that rich, savory flavor and become melt-in-your-mouth tender as they cook.
Carrots:
Sliced into perfect rounds, they bring a slight sweetness and a wonderful color that brightens the whole dish.
Potatoes:
Perfectly chunked potatoes add heartiness and substance to this stew, soaking up the broth and becoming soft and flavorful.
Celery:
Fresh celery gives a slight crunch and a hint of savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken and vegetables.
Onion:
Chopped onions offer a warm, aromatic base for the stew. As they cook, they soften and sweeten, adding depth to the broth.
Garlic:
A little garlic goes a long way! It enhances the savory flavor of the stew and gives it that irresistible aroma.
Chicken Broth:
The base of our stew, this is where all the flavors meld together into a comforting, savory broth that’ll have you coming back for more.
Bay Leaves:
A couple of bay leaves add a subtle, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire stew.
Thyme:
Fresh or dried thyme adds a fragrant herbal note that pairs wonderfully with the chicken and vegetables.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment:
Start by preheating your stove to medium heat. This ensures even cooking and gives your stew that perfect, tender consistency.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, add a little oil and sauté your onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
Add the Chicken:
Now, add your chicken thighs into the pot and sear them on both sides for 2-3 minutes until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. This step locks in all that juicy flavor!
Pour in the Broth:
Once the chicken is seared, pour in your chicken broth, and stir in the bay leaves and thyme. Give everything a good mix to combine the flavors.
Simmer the Stew:
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for 40-45 minutes. During this time, the chicken will become tender and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
Add Potatoes:
Once the chicken is tender, add your chunked potatoes to the pot. Continue simmering for another 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and the stew has thickened up slightly.
Final Touches:
Remove the pot from heat and discard the bay leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm in bowls, and don’t forget to garnish with a little fresh parsley for a pop of color!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
How to Serve Hearty Chicken & Vegetable Stew
This stew pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh, green salad. It’s hearty enough to stand alone, but a warm loaf of bread for dipping never hurts!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- You can add a splash of cream at the end for a richer broth.
- Feel free to swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, but thighs give the stew a much richer flavor.
- If you like your stew a little thicker, mash some of the potatoes in the stew with a potato masher to add creaminess.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can. Chicken breasts will cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
2. Can I freeze this stew?
Absolutely! This stew freezes really well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
3. What can I add for extra flavor?
Fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary can be added towards the end for an extra burst of flavor.
4. Can I use different vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add parsnips, green beans, or corn for a fun twist.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
6. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! After sautéing the veggies and searing the chicken, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
7. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This stew actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together.
8. Is this recipe spicy?
No, this is a mild, comforting stew. But feel free to add some red pepper flakes for a little heat if you like.
9. Can I add noodles to this stew?
Yes! You can add some cooked noodles right before serving for a heartier dish.
10. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
Conclusion
There you have it your new go-to recipe for a warm, cozy meal that’ll make your kitchen smell like a hug. Hearty Chicken & Vegetable Stew is perfect for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something extra comforting. Once you try it, I know you’ll be making it again and again. So, what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Print
Hearty Chicken & Vegetable Stew
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This comforting chicken and vegetable stew is packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or to warm up on a chilly day.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 potato, peeled and diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
- 1 cup (150 g) corn kernels (optional)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté chicken and vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Cook the aromatics: In the same pot, add the onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the vegetables and broth: Add the carrots, celery, potato, zucchini, chicken broth, water, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Finish the stew: Add the cooked chicken, peas, and corn (if using). Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, until heated through.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- This stew can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the vegetables once they are tender.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version of this stew.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg