There’s just something magical about a pot of Chicken Stew simmering on the stove: it fills your home with cozy aromas, warms you to your bones, and promises incredible comfort in every spoonful. This Chicken Stew recipe is brimming with hearty vegetables, tender chunks of chicken, and a savory, herb-laced broth — the very definition of a true comfort food classic. Whether you’re feeding the family on a chilly evening or simply craving a nourishing homemade meal, you’ll love how this one-pot wonder manages to be both simple to make and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need a complicated market list for Chicken Stew, but each ingredient has its own special role in building flavor, depth, and irresistible texture! Get your shopping basket ready for these wholesome, colorful ingredients that come together to create something truly memorable.
- Olive oil: Provides rich flavor and helps brown the chicken beautifully for even more savory notes.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs are wonderfully juicy, while breasts keep things a bit lighter—both soak up the stew’s flavors perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer, making sure every bite is deliciously balanced.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and a gentle, savory backbone to the broth.
- Garlic: Infuses the stew with extra depth and a little warmth—don’t skip it!
- Carrots: Offer pops of color, a subtle sweetness, and a classic “stew” texture.
- Celery: Brings mild, earthy undertones and extra crunch to the mix.
- Potatoes: Make the stew hearty and help naturally thicken the broth as they cook.
- Dried thyme: For that signature herbal savoriness every good Chicken Stew needs.
- Dried rosemary: Lends piney, aromatic notes that really elevate each spoonful.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the color and brings a touch of tangy richness to the broth.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Makes up the flavorful base while letting you control the salt level.
- Frozen peas: Add bright green color and a gentle sweetness right at the end.
- Fresh parsley: Sprinkled on top, it gives a fresh burst that makes the whole pot taste lighter and brighter.
How to Make Chicken Stew
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Heat up the olive oil in a big pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season your chicken chunks generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the sizzling oil. Let them sear for about five to six minutes, stirring now and then until the pieces take on a lovely golden color. Browning not only locks in the moisture but builds that first essential layer of savory flavor. Once done, scoop the chicken out and set it aside—it’ll make a comeback soon!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same pot (don’t wash away all those good brown bits at the bottom!), toss in your onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook these veggies for about five minutes until they start to soften, and the kitchen smells absolutely mouthwatering. The aroma at this stage really sets the tone for your Chicken Stew’s depth and heartiness.
Step 3: Build the Broth Base
Sprinkle in the dried thyme and dried rosemary, then stir in the tomato paste, cooking everything together for about a minute. This lets the herbs wake up and the tomato paste caramelize for an extra layer of savory richness—tiny details like these make such a big difference later!
Step 4: Add Potatoes and Simmer
Pile in the cubed potatoes, pour in the chicken broth, and return all that browned chicken (plus its juices) to the pot. Give it a gentle stir and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, dial down the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30 to 35 minutes. This is when your Chicken Stew transforms, as the potatoes become buttery soft and the chicken turns perfectly tender.
Step 5: Finish with Peas and Parsley
Uncover your pot, stir in the frozen peas, and cook for another three minutes—just enough for them to turn bright and sweet. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle your finished stew with plenty of fresh parsley. What you’ve got now is a pot of Chicken Stew ready to comfort any crowd!
How to Serve Chicken Stew
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley is classic, adding color and a gentle herbal finish. For even more pop, a squeeze of lemon or a tiny grating of lemon zest just before serving brings zing without overpowering the cozy flavors of the Chicken Stew.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with a hunk of crusty bread or a fresh baguette to soak up every drop, but fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even simple steamed green beans make delightful sides as well. They turn your Chicken Stew into a full, satisfying meal that leaves no one hungry.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or weeknight fun, ladle the stew into individual mugs or small bowls to create cozy, hand-held portions. Or, serve Chicken Stew in a hollowed bread bowl for something extra special—the soaking-up possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover Chicken Stew cool to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to four days, and the flavors get even better as they mingle overnight! Just be sure to refrigerate within two hours for food safety.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly. Simply portion cooled Chicken Stew into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to three months. For best results, leave a little space in the container for expansion and label with the date. Potatoes may change texture slightly when thawed, but the flavor is still wonderful.
Reheating
Gently reheat Chicken Stew on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. If it has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the consistency. For single servings, microwaving in a covered dish also works perfectly, just be sure to stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken (like thighs or drumsticks) will make your Chicken Stew extra flavorful, though you’ll need to simmer a little longer to be sure the chicken is cooked through. Once ready, you can shred the meat right into the stew and discard the bones before serving.
What vegetables can I add or substitute?
This Chicken Stew is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to add corn, green beans, parsnips, or sweet potatoes—just keep the pieces bite-sized and add them at the same time as the carrots and celery. You’ll have fun making the recipe your own.
How can I thicken Chicken Stew if it’s too brothy?
If you’d like a thicker stew, try mashing a few cooked potato cubes right into the broth with a spoon, then stir well. You can also dissolve a tablespoon of cornstarch in two tablespoons of cold water and stir that in, letting the stew simmer for another couple of minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
Is this Chicken Stew gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this Chicken Stew is 100 percent gluten-free! Just be sure any tomato paste or chicken broth brands you use don’t contain hidden gluten-based additives, and you’re good to go.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! You can easily double all the ingredients to make a big batch. Use a large stockpot or divide between two pots, and just add a few extra minutes to the simmering time if needed. It’s perfect for family get-togethers, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week.
Final Thoughts
Nothing says “welcome home” like a steaming bowl of Chicken Stew. This recipe is a longtime favorite for its simple ingredients, vivid flavors, and the pure comfort it brings to any table. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again whenever you need a hug in a bowl!
