Easy Chicken Stew

Easy Chicken Stew

Introduction:
Warm your heart and soul with this Easy Chicken Stew, a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This one-pot meal is simple to prepare and is perfect for chilly days or busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying.

Inspiration Behind the Recipe:
Chicken stew is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s a versatile dish that allows you to use whatever vegetables and seasonings you have on hand, making it a go-to for many families.

Ingredients Breakdown:

  • For the Stew:
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
    • 1 medium onion, diced
    • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 3 carrots, sliced
    • 2 celery stalks, sliced
    • 3-4 medium potatoes, diced
    • 4 cups chicken broth
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
    • 1 bay leaf
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Step-by-Step Recipe:

  1. Sauté the Chicken:
    In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  2. Cook the Vegetables:
    In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Add Potatoes and Broth:
    Stir in the diced potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Simmer:
    Return the browned chicken to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the stew simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through. If using, stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  5. Season and Serve:
    Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Easy Chicken Stew:

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of the stew.
  2. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like green beans, corn, or bell peppers based on your preferences.
  3. Make It Ahead: Stew often tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.

Variations and Customizations:

  1. Add Heat: Spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
  2. Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness.
  3. Creamy Chicken Stew: For a creamy version, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of cooking.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:

  • Lean Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, making this stew a nutritious option.
  • Vegetable Boost: Packed with vegetables, this stew provides vitamins and minerals essential for a healthy diet.

FAQ:

  1. Can I use frozen chicken?
    Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just increase the cooking time to ensure it’s cooked through.
  2. How do I store leftovers?
    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  3. Can I freeze chicken stew?
    Yes, you can freeze the stew. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Easy Chicken Stew

Easy Chicken Stew

Warm up with this Easy Chicken Stew, a comforting blend of tender chicken and hearty vegetables that’s perfect for chilly nights! Simple to prepare and full of flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 medium onion chopped
  • 2 sticks celery chopped
  • 3 medium carrots peeled & sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 3 cups chicken broth/stock
  • 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 8 ounces mushrooms use white or cremini sliced
  • 2 large Russet potatoes peeled & diced
  • 1.5 pounds uncooked chicken breasts
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Add the oil, butter, onion, celery, carrots, and garlic to a Dutch oven or soup pot. Sauté over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the flour and let it cook for about a minute.
  • Stir in the chicken broth and ensure the flour has dissolved, then add in the cream, Italian seasoning, mushrooms, potatoes, and chicken.
  • Increase the heat to high and bring the stew to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer with the lid slightly open for 25 minutes. You may want to stir it a couple of times to ensure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot as it cooks.
  • Take the chicken out of the pot and cut it up. Add it back in, then season the stew with salt & pepper to taste, and serve.

Notes

  • This isn’t a super thick stew. It’s got quite a soupy texture (especially day 1). For leftovers it definitely thickens up a bit. 
  • I used 3 medium-to-large chicken breasts weighing around 1.5 pounds (anything in that ballpark is fine). Feel free to use chicken thighs. The meat is more likely to stay tender, especially after reheating. 
  • You don’t need to be exact with the potato weight. My two potatoes weighed 1.3 pounds total.

Nutrition

Calories: 375kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 30g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 102mg, Sodium: 619mg, Potassium: 1219mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 5492IU, Vitamin C: 12mg, Calcium: 60mg, Iron: 2mg
Keyword Easy Chicken Stew
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