A Comforting Chicken Stew Recipe: Simple, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Season
Are you looking for a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal that's perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend? Look no further than this delicious chicken stew recipe! This recipe is easy to follow, uses readily available ingredients, and is packed with flavor. It's also easily adaptable to your preferences – add more veggies, different herbs, or spicier peppers to make it your own!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Feel free to double or halve it depending on your needs.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (you can also use thighs for a richer flavor)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup chopped potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet work well)
- 1 cup chopped carrots (adds extra sweetness and color)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the remaining ingredients: Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, add the potatoes, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, salt, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
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Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Tips and Variations:
- For a thicker stew: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicier kick.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like oregano, sage, or marjoram.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream before serving.
Why This Chicken Stew Recipe is a Winner:
This recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner because it's quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup. It's also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Plus, it's a healthy and nutritious meal packed with protein and vegetables. The rich and savory flavors will leave you wanting more!
So, gather your ingredients and get cooking! Enjoy this comforting and delicious chicken stew. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out!
