Flavorful Chicken Stew Dish

This hearty Chicken Stew has been my go-to comfort meal for years. Tender chicken, diced tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes all simmer together to create a rustic, flavorful dish that warms you from the inside out. The aromatic herbs infuse every spoonful with classic homestyle goodness that feels like a hug in a bowl.

I first made this stew during a particularly cold winter when I needed something substantial but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. My family immediately requested it become part of our regular rotation, and it's been a staple ever since.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breast: diced into even chunks for quick and even cooking while maintaining tenderness
• Chicken broth: provides the rich foundation that helps marry all the flavors together
• Crushed or diced tomatoes: add acidic brightness and create a beautiful base for the stew
• Dried herbs: including parsley thyme basil and oregano work together to create that classic comfort food profile
• Carrots: peeled and chopped offer sweetness and beautiful color contrast
• Yukon potatoes: for their buttery texture that holds up well during simmering
• Salt and pepper: to enhance all other flavors in the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Dice boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1 inch cubes ensuring they're relatively uniform in size. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your dutch oven over medium high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces without overcrowding the pot and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes. This step creates a flavor foundation as the browned bits will infuse the entire stew.

Build the Stew Base:

Once the chicken has developed a golden exterior add the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits contain concentrated flavor that will enrich your stew. Pour in the crushed or diced tomatoes and stir to combine with the broth.

Add Vegetables and Seasonings:

Add the chopped carrots and potatoes to the pot along with the parsley thyme basil oregano and pepper. Stir everything together ensuring the vegetables are submerged in the liquid. Hold off on adding salt until the end as the broth will reduce and concentrate.

Simmer to Perfection:

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and allow everything to simmer for a full hour stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully while tenderizing the chicken and vegetables.

Final Seasoning:

In the last 5 minutes of cooking taste the stew and add salt as needed. The flavors should be well developed with tender vegetables and chicken that pulls apart easily with a fork.

Save

I particularly love the versatility of this stew. My grandmother used to make a similar version but with added celery and a bay leaf, which I sometimes incorporate when I want that nostalgic flavor. The memory of her kitchen filled with the aroma of this simmering stew always brings me comfort.

Storage and Reheating

This chicken stew actually improves with time as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth if the stew has thickened too much. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop over medium low heat.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this stew reaches new heights when ladled over a scoop of fluffy jasmine rice which soaks up the flavorful broth. For a complete meal, pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Crusty bread is essential for mopping up every last bit of the savory liquid. On particularly cold evenings, I like to add a dollop of sour cream on top which melts into the stew creating a richer texture.

Save

Make It Your Own

This recipe serves as a wonderful template that welcomes personalization. For a heartier version, add diced sweet potatoes along with the regular potatoes. Introduce green vegetables like peas or green beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking. If you prefer dark meat, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and add more richness. For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of white wine after browning the chicken, allowing it to reduce slightly before adding the broth.

Recipe FAQs

→ What can I serve with chicken stew?

Chicken stew pairs excellently with a side of fluffy Jasmine rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work well as an alternative. They add a richer flavor and remain tender during cooking.

→ How can I thicken the stew if needed?

You can thicken the stew by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and adding it to the pot, stirring until it thickens.

→ Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare this stew in a slow cooker. Sear the chicken first, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

→ What other vegetables can I add to chicken stew?

You can add vegetables like celery, green beans, or peas to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the stew.

→ Can I freeze leftover chicken stew?

Yes, chicken stew freezes well. Cool it completely, store it in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.