When you’re in the mood for something hearty, comforting, and soul-satisfying, Easy Chicken Stew is the recipe you need! This stew is everything you want in a dish—tender chunks of chicken, a medley of vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that brings everything together in the most delicious way. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly nights or when you need something filling but simple. Trust me, this stew will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
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Why You’ll Love Easy Chicken Stew
Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with this stew:
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a few pantry staples, you can create a meal that’s rich, hearty, and full of flavor.
- Comforting and Hearty: The perfect dish to curl up with on a cold day. It’s filling, satisfying, and oh-so-cozy.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean, more time to enjoy. This stew is made all in one pot!
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or throw in some herbs to make it your own.
Ingredients in Easy Chicken Stew
Let’s break down what you’ll need for this comforting bowl of goodness:
- Chicken Thighs (or Breasts): Tender and juicy, the chicken is the heart of this stew.
- Carrots: Adds a subtle sweetness and color to the stew.
- Potatoes: The perfect addition to make the stew hearty and filling.
- Celery: Gives the stew a fresh, crisp bite.
- Onion: Adds depth and a savory foundation.
- Garlic: A must-have for building a rich flavor.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid gold that brings everything together.
- Bay Leaves: For a fragrant, herbal note.
- Thyme: Adds a savory, earthy touch.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients.
(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive right into the steps to create this comforting stew:
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a little oil. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it on both sides until golden brown. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies begin to soften.
- Add the Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Simmer the Stew: Add the chicken back to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the stew simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything to combine.
- Season and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting goodness of this easy chicken stew!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 300
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
How to Serve Easy Chicken Stew
This stew is perfect on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more special:
- Serve with Bread: Pair it with a crusty loaf of bread or dinner rolls to soak up all that delicious broth.
- Top with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a burst of color and freshness.
- Add a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a light and refreshing contrast to the rich stew.
- Cheese Topping: A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese would be a delicious finishing touch.
Additional Tips
- Make it Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze Leftovers: If you have extra, this stew freezes wonderfully! Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quicker version of this stew.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes! Chicken breasts will work fine, though thighs tend to be more tender and juicy in stews.
Q2: Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
A2: Absolutely! Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, set it on low for 6-7 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
Q3: How can I make this stew thicker?
A3: To thicken the stew, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables?
A4: Yes! You can add peas, corn, or green beans for a more colorful stew.
Q5: Can I make this stew ahead of time?
A5: Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stove.
Q6: How can I make this stew spicier?
A6: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
Q7: Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
A7: Yes, you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this stew.
Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q9: Can I freeze this stew?
A9: Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, simply double the ingredients and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
This Easy Chicken Stew is one of those dishes you’ll make time and time again because it’s simple, hearty, and delicious. Perfect for cozy dinners, and it’s bound to become a favorite in your family. Enjoy every warm and comforting spoonful!
Print
Easy Chicken Stew
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting, hearty stew made with tender chicken, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, all slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Layer the Ingredients:
Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken. - Prepare the Broth Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker. - Cook the Stew:
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. - Add the Peas:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and let them heat through. - Shred the Chicken:
Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and stir it back into the stew. Adjust seasoning if necessary. - Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg