Classic Chicken Stew with Vegetables

A Classic Chicken Stew with Vegetables is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful broth, and a variety of vegetables. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, especially when you need something wholesome and filling. This dish is easy to make and packs in plenty of nutrients, thanks to the mix of lean chicken and fiber-packed vegetables.

Here’s how to make a Classic Chicken Stew with Vegetables:

Classic Chicken Stew with Vegetables Recipe

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for a richer flavor)
1 lb (450g) chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
4 cups chicken broth (or stock)
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for a creamy version)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Sear the Chicken:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and season with a little salt and pepper. Sear until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. It’s okay if it’s not cooked through yet, as it will finish cooking in the stew. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or butter). Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions are translucent.
If using, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of flour and cook for another minute to help thicken the stew. This step is optional, but it helps to give the stew a richer, thicker texture.

3. Add the Broth and Seasonings:

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (this adds flavor).
Add the bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, until the vegetables are nearly tender.

4. Add the Chicken and Potatoes:

Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot along with the diced potatoes. Stir everything together.
Simmer for another 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes and chicken are fully cooked and tender.

5. Add Corn and Peas:

Add the corn kernels and peas to the stew, stirring to combine. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.

6. Optional Creamy Version:

If you want a creamy stew, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half at this point. Let the stew simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cream is well incorporated and the stew is thickened.

7. Garnish and Serve:

Remove the pot from the heat and discard the bay leaf.
Garnish the stew with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serve the stew hot with some crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

Tips:

Chicken Options: You can use either chicken thighs (which are more flavorful and tender) or chicken breasts (leaner). Bone-in chicken can be used as well, just make sure to remove the bones after the chicken has cooked.
Thickening the Stew: If you want a thicker stew, you can make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and adding it to the stew in the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will help thicken the broth without the need for flour.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Green beans, parsnips, or butternut squash are great additions.
Freezing: This stew freezes wonderfully! Just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Why This Chicken Stew is a Winner:

Hearty and Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the veggies, this stew is satisfying and full of vitamins.
Comfort Food: Perfect for cozy nights or chilly weather, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Customizable: You can add any extra veggies or herbs to make it your own. You could even spice it up with a bit of paprika or cayenne pepper if you like heat!
One-pot Meal: Easy to make and clean up afterward — everything cooks in one pot, which makes for minimal effort and maximum flavor!

This Classic Chicken Stew with Vegetables is guaranteed to be a family favorite. It’s filling, flavorful, and full of comforting ingredients that are perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy!

Let me know if you want to add or change anything in the recipe!