There’s something truly magical about a bubbling pot of chicken stew on a chilly day. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, filled with tender chicken, vibrant root vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. I remember one winter evening, my family gathered around the dinner table, the aroma of my chicken stew wafting through the air. We laughed and shared stories, the stew warming not just our bellies but our hearts too. This hearty chicken stew is my go-to recipe for bringing everyone together, and trust me, it’s just as comforting to make as it is to eat. You’ll love how it fills your home with delightful scents and your soul with warmth!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious chicken stew! Make sure to gather the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
These ingredients come together to create a stew that’s not only hearty but full of flavor. Trust me, you’ll want the best quality chicken and fresh veggies to make this dish shine! Enjoy the process of chopping and prepping; it’s all part of the fun!
How to Prepare Chicken Stew
Making this chicken stew is a straightforward process, but oh, the flavors that develop are simply divine! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a hearty dish ready to warm your soul in no time.
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. While the oil is heating up, season your 2 lbs of chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the pot, skin side down. Brown the chicken on all sides, which should take about 8-10 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor! After it’s beautifully browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, toss in 1 cup of diced onion, 2 cups of diced carrots, and 1 cup of diced celery. Sauté these veggies until they’re softened, about 5-7 minutes. The colors and smells will start to fill your kitchen! Now, stir in 4 minced cloves of garlic, along with 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried rosemary. Let it cook for an additional minute to release all those aromatic flavors.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return the browned chicken to the pot and pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Don’t forget to add 2 bay leaves for that extra depth of flavor! Bring everything to a boil, and then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently for 45 minutes. This slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Final Touches
Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot, and taste your stew to adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Finally, stir in 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, and watch everyone gather around for a comforting bowl of goodness!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, this chicken stew not only warms your heart but also provides a wholesome meal. Each serving (about 1 bowl) has an estimated 350 calories, 15g of fat, and a hearty 30g of protein. You’ll also get around 20g of carbohydrates and 3g of fiber. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use and how you prepare your stew. It’s a delicious and nourishing option for any meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and filling – it’s a meal that satisfies you completely.
- Easy to prepare – even on busy days, you can whip this up without a fuss.
- Perfect for family gatherings – everyone will want to dig in!
- Versatile with variations – switch up the veggies or herbs to suit your taste.
- Comforting on cold days – there’s nothing like a warm bowl of chicken stew to chase away the chill.
Tips for Success
To ensure your chicken stew turns out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips! First, always brown your chicken well; that caramelization adds depth of flavor. If you want a thicker stew, consider adding a slurry made from cornstarch and water toward the end of cooking. Just stir it in and let it bubble away for a few minutes to thicken up beautifully. For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of tomato paste when sautéing the vegetables. And don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning as you go; sometimes a little extra salt or a squeeze of lemon can elevate the dish to new heights. Enjoy the process and make it your own!
Variations of Chicken Stew
One of the best things about chicken stew is its versatility! You can easily customize it to fit your taste or what you have on hand. For a heartier stew, try adding diced potatoes or sweet potatoes; they’ll soak up the flavors beautifully and add a lovely texture. You can also play around with herbs—rosemary and thyme are classic, but fresh dill or parsley can give it a fresh twist. Don’t hesitate to incorporate other vegetables like green beans, peas, or even corn for a pop of color and sweetness. Each variation can take your stew in a new direction, making it a dish you’ll never tire of!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover chicken stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you find the stew has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. You can also microwave it, but be sure to stir halfway through for even heating. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
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Chicken Stew: 4 Steps to Cozy Home Comfort
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty chicken stew featuring tender chicken, root vegetables, and a rich broth.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, and rosemary, cooking for an additional minute.
- Return chicken to the pot and add chicken broth and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Remove chicken, shred the meat, and discard bones and skin.
- Add shredded chicken back to the pot, adjust seasoning, and stir in fresh parsley.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
- Variations can include adding potatoes or different herbs.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken stew, hearty stew, comfort food, chicken recipe
