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Chicken Stew

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the pot and brown on all sides, which locks in juices and adds depth to the stew.
  4. Add Vegetables and Herbs: Stir in carrots, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot, mixing everything well to start building layers of flavor.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Keywords: chicken stew, comfort food, hearty stew, easy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken stew, cozy meal