If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug in every spoonful, it’s Chicken Stew. This hearty classic is the epitome of comfort food, with tender chicken and vegetables cooked to perfection in a rich, flavorful broth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Chicken Stew comes together in just over an hour, making it a perfect weeknight dinner choice.
- Flavor Depth: The combination of sautéed garlic and onion builds a flavor base that takes this stew to the next level.
- Versatile Ingredients: Easily adaptable to what you have on hand, letting you customize without compromising taste.
- Nutritious Comfort: Packed with vegetables, this stew nourishes both body and soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Stew is a delightful mix of simple, core ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays an essential role, either enhancing the dish’s taste or adding marvelous textures and colors.
- Olive Oil: Provides a subtle fruity richness and helps in browning the chicken.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: These stay juicy and flavorful after simmering, making them ideal for stew.
- Garlic and Onion: These aromatics form the foundation of flavor for the stew.
- Carrots and Celery: Add color, texture, and natural sweetness.
- Beef Stock: Gives the stew a rich, deep flavor that’s more pronounced than chicken stock.
- Crushed Tomatoes: They help build a rich, hearty sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a subtle umami punch.
- Baby Potatoes: Cook up creamy and absorb all the lovely flavors of the stew.
- Mushrooms: They bring an earthy depth and meatiness to the dish.
- Green Beans: Provide a fresh crispness to the stew.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on this Chicken Stew! Here are a few ideas on how you can adapt it to suit different tastes, dietary needs, or simply what’s in your pantry.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to introduce a gentle heat to your stew.
- Herb Enrichment: Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley can be added for a pop of fresh flavor.
How to Make Chicken Stew
Step 1: Browning the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large casserole pot over high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Allow the chicken to brown thoroughly, ensuring each piece is lightly golden on all sides.
Step 2: Building the Flavor Base
Add minced garlic and sliced onion to the pot, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. Then, incorporate the celery and carrots, letting them sauté briefly to deepen the flavors.
Step 3: Creating the Stew
Stir in the flour, mixing well to combine and cook out the raw taste. Gradually pour in half of the beef stock while stirring, followed by the remaining stock. The flour will help thicken the stew as it simmers.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Add the crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaves, and remaining salt and pepper to the pot. Stir everything well and bring the stew to a simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Add in the mushrooms and green beans, and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This step lets the vegetables cook through while the sauce continues to thicken.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Stew
- Choose Thighs for Juiciness: Boneless chicken thighs remain moist and tender, perfect for a stew that simmers for an extended period.
- Simmer with the Lid Off: Leave the lid off towards the end to allow the sauce to thicken—key to achieving the right consistency.
- Layer the Flavors: Cooking the vegetables in layers ensures each adds its unique depth, making every bite flavorful.
- Sauté for Fond: Allow vegetables and meat to develop fond in the pot—a magical foundation of flavor for your stew.
How to Serve Chicken Stew
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley over your Chicken Stew not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness that complements the robust flavors.
Side Dishes
Warm, crusty bread is practically mandatory! It’s perfect for sopping up the delicious, thick sauce. Alternatively, serve with a side salad for a lighter option.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic presentation, serve the stew in individual cast-iron pots or bowls. You could also spoon it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for an added touch of indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days and are ideal for quick, hearty lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Chicken Stew gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This slow approach ensures even warming without drying it out.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
While you can use chicken breast, they tend to dry out faster than thighs. If you prefer, add the breasts in the last few minutes of cooking to keep them tender.
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Is it okay to skip the Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, the stew will still be wonderfully flavorful without it, though Worcestershire adds an extra layer of umami that’s tough to mimic.
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What’s the best way to thicken the stew?
Simmering the stew without a lid allows for evaporation, naturally thickening the sauce. Ensure the flour is well-incorporated to avoid lumps.
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How do I make this stew gluten-free?
Swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Adjust the concentration as needed to maintain the stew’s consistency.
Final Thoughts
Cooking up this Chicken Stew is like wrapping yourself in a cozy, culinary blanket. It’s nutritious, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the warmth of a home-cooked meal that brings people together.
Print
Hearty Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Western
Description
This hearty Chicken Stew (Casserole) combines tender boneless chicken thighs with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a rich tomato and broth base, yielding a comforting and flavor-packed dish perfect for any cozy meal. Slow simmered to develop deep flavors, it is complemented by mushrooms, potatoes, and green beans, served with crusty bread and garnished with parsley if desired.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 0.5 tbsp olive oil
- 750g/1.5lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 3cm / 1.25″ pieces
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (1 tbsp)
- 3 carrots, peeled, halved lengthwise, sliced 1cm / 1/3″ thick
- 2 celery stalks, sliced 1cm / 1/3″ thick
- 350g/12 oz baby potatoes, halved
- 200g/6 oz mushrooms, halved (large quartered)
- 150g/5 oz green beans, trimmed and halved
For the Sauce and Seasonings
- 4 tbsp flour
- 3 cups (750ml) beef stock or broth, low sodium
- 400g/14 oz crushed canned tomato
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt and pepper, each
- 1 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 dried bay leaves
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Brown Chicken: Place olive oil in a large heavy-based casserole pot over high heat. When hot, add chicken thighs, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and sliced onion to the pot. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant and slightly translucent.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots and celery. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in half of the beef broth while stirring to release the browned bits from the bottom, then add the remaining broth. Allow to simmer rapidly for 2 minutes to eliminate alcohol smell.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato: Mix in the flour until well incorporated, then stir in crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Add halved potatoes to the mixture.
- Cook Covered: Cover the pot with a lid and simmer gently for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to develop and sauce to thicken.
- Add Mushrooms and Green Beans: Remove lid, add mushrooms and green beans, and simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes until vegetables are tender and sauce thickened.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use boneless chicken thighs for juiciness; if using chicken breast, add it later to prevent drying out.
- Red wine enhances flavor; substitute with unsweetened brown grape juice or omit if preferred.
- Replace beef broth with chicken broth for a lighter taste, though beef broth adds richness.
- Ensure the lid stays off during the final 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken properly.
- This stew pairs excellently with crusty bread or steamed rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (around 300g)
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1231 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 162 mg
