Chicken Stew
This comforting Chicken Stew features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and savory herbs simmered in a rich broth. Perfect for cozy nights, it balances simple ingredients and rich flavors to create a hearty, family-friendly meal that warms both body and soul.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
Vegetables
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
Liquids & Fats
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash, peel, and chop the vegetables into bite-size pieces. Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add onions, garlic, and celery. Cook until they soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the pot and brown on all sides, which locks in juices and adds depth to the stew.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Stir in carrots, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot, mixing everything well to start building layers of flavor.
- Pour in Broth and Simmer: Add chicken broth until the ingredients are just covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 45 minutes, until chicken is tender and vegetables soften.
- Final Seasoning: Remove bay leaves, taste the stew, and adjust salt and pepper. If needed, add fresh herbs for brightness before serving.
Notes
- Quality Chicken: Opt for bone-in skin-on thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Don’t Rush Browning: Taking time to brown the chicken deeply enhances the stew’s overall richness.
- Cut Vegetables Uniformly: Even-sized pieces cook evenly and improve presentation.
- Low and Slow Simmer: Gentle cooking concentrates flavors and keeps meat tender.
- Customize Liquid: Use a splash of white wine or a dash of lemon juice for extra acidity and brightness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken stew, comfort food, hearty stew, easy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken stew, cozy meal