Cozy Hearty Chicken Stew Recipe for Chilly Evenings

When cold winds howl and comfort calls, this hearty chicken stew recipe promises pure warmth in every spoonful.

Tender chunks of chicken nestle among vibrant vegetables in a rich, savory broth.

Each bite delivers deep, satisfying flavors that speak to traditional home cooking.

Aromatic herbs and carefully selected ingredients create a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Simmered slowly with love and attention, this stew turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Gather around the table and let this soul-warming dish chase away the winter chill.

Prepare to be transported by a recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an unforgettable meal.

Chicken Stew Comfort in Every Bite

• Simplify Meal Prep: Chop all ingredients quickly and efficiently, making this chicken stew a straightforward cooking adventure for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Create Comforting Warmth: Packed with tender chicken and hearty vegetables, this stew delivers a soul-satisfying meal that wraps you in delicious comfort.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra herbs or different vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated adjustments.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes and simple cooking technique mean less cleanup and more enjoyment, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or lazy weekend cooking.

Chicken Stew Ingredient List

• Chicken: Tender meat cut into bite-sized pieces for a hearty and satisfying stew.

• Onion, Celery, Carrots, Potatoes: Fresh vegetables that provide depth of flavor and nutritional value to the stew.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds a rich and savory taste to the dish.

• Flour: Helps thicken the stew and provides a smooth, coating texture.
• Pepper: Adds a mild spicy kick and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb used as a garnish for added color and light herbaceous taste.

• Butter, Oil: Provide a rich base for cooking and help develop a golden brown color.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base that adds moisture and depth to the stew.

How to Make Classic Chicken Stew

Step 1: Prepare Veggie Base

Chop your vegetables with care.

Slice onions into small pieces.

Cut celery into delicate bits.

Mince garlic until fine.

Slice carrots into thin rounds.

Quarter potatoes into rustic chunks.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Trim chicken and slice into bite-sized cubes.

Dust chicken with a light coating of flour, ensuring each piece gets an even sprinkle.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Vessel

Warm a large pot over medium heat.

Add a blend of butter and oil, creating a sizzling base for your stew.

Step 4: Golden Chicken Transformation

Gently place floured chicken into the hot pot.

Allow pieces to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust without constant stirring.

Once perfectly seared, transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 5: Sauté Vegetable Medley

Tumble chopped vegetables into the same pot.

Stir and cook until onions become translucent and soft.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up delicious browned bits from the pot’s bottom.

Step 6: Create Flavor Foundation

Sprinkle remaining flour over the vegetables.

Stir continuously for two minutes, developing a rich, nutty aroma.

Step 7: Build Stew Layers

Return chicken to the pot.

• Prepared potatoes
• Dried herbs
• Fresh ground pepper
• Chicken broth
• Vegetable broth

Bring mixture to a robust boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Let stew bubble softly for 30 minutes until potatoes become tender and liquid thickens.

Step 8: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve piping hot in deep bowls, inviting comfort and warmth.

Tips for Chicken Stew Lovers

• Use all-purpose flour for coating chicken to create a perfect golden-brown crust that helps thicken the stew.
• Don't stir chicken constantly while browning; let it develop a rich caramelized exterior for deeper flavor.
• Scrape up browned bits from the pot bottom when cooking vegetables to incorporate intense, concentrated tastes into the stew.
• Simmer stew uncovered to help reduce and naturally thicken the sauce, creating a heartier texture without additional thickeners.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color that elevates the entire dish.

Variations for Classic Chicken Stew

• Vegetarian Comfort Pot: Replace chicken with firm tofu or white beans, using vegetable broth for a plant-based version that maintains the hearty stew texture.
• Mediterranean Herb Transformation: Swap traditional herbs with oregano, rosemary, and thyme, adding kalamata olives and diced zucchini for a Greek-inspired profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, reducing carbohydrates while keeping the rich, warming stew experience.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Use cornstarch instead of wheat flour for coating chicken and thickening, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this comforting meal.

Serving Chicken Stew Ideas

• Cozy Bread Companion: Serve this hearty chicken stew with crusty sourdough or rustic French bread to soak up the delicious broth and add a delightful crunch.
• Creamy Comfort Topping: Dollop a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top to create a cool, tangy contrast with the warm, rich stew.
• Veggie Side Kick: Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots to balance the meal's heartiness.
• Wine Pairing Pleasure: Complement the stew's robust flavors with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir for an elevated dining experience.

Storing Chicken Stew for Later

• Store leftover chicken stew in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the stew completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for 2-3 months for best quality and flavor.
• Thaw frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the stew seems too thick. Always ensure the stew reaches 165°F before serving to guarantee food safety.

FAQs

• Why should I coat the chicken in flour before browning?

Coating chicken in flour helps create a golden-brown exterior and thickens the stew sauce, adding rich flavor and creating a crispy texture.

• Can I use different herbs in this chicken stew?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests basic herbs, you can experiment with thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to personalize the flavor profile and match your taste preferences.

• How do I know when the chicken is properly browned?

The chicken should have a golden-brown color and develop a slightly crispy exterior. Don’t stir too much during browning to allow proper caramelization and develop deep flavor.

• What's the purpose of using both butter and oil in the pot?

Butter adds rich flavor while oil prevents butter from burning, creating a perfect cooking medium with higher heat tolerance and enhanced taste for the stew.

Hearty Chicken Stew Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Warm, comforting Chicken Stew brings rustic French countryside flavors straight to your kitchen. Rich layers of tender chicken, earthy vegetables, and aromatic herbs promise a soul-satisfying meal you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.75 pounds (794 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs

Vegetables:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) baby potatoes
• 1/2 pound (227 grams) carrots
• 3 ribs celery
• 1 yellow onion
• 4 cloves garlic

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables by finely dicing onion and celery, mincing garlic, slicing carrots, and halving potatoes into uniform pieces.
2. Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and thoroughly coat with flour, ensuring even coverage.
3. Warm a large pot over medium heat, adding butter and oil until the mixture begins to sizzle and shimmer.
4. Carefully place floured chicken pieces into the hot pot, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust without excessive stirring. Remove browned chicken and set aside.
5. In the same pot, sauté onions, celery, garlic, and carrots, scraping up caramelized bits from the bottom to enhance flavor depth.
6. Sprinkle remaining flour over vegetables, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and create a thickening base.
7. Reintroduce browned chicken to the pot, then add potatoes, herbs, pepper, and broths. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes at 180°F until potatoes become tender and liquid reduces.
8. Adjust seasoning with salt, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve piping hot directly from the pot.

Notes

• Flour Coating Technique Shake chicken pieces in a sealed bag with flour for even, light coating that helps create a golden crust and thickens the stew.
• Vegetable Prep Tip Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stew.
• Flavor Boost Option Add a splash of white wine or a dash of dried thyme to enhance the depth of flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the hearty feel of the classic stew.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg