A Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew is a comforting, nutritious dish that’s perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and a rich broth, this stew is easy to make and will leave everyone satisfied. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze!
Here’s a hearty recipe you can try:
Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew Recipe
Ingredients:
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For the Stew:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless (thighs are more flavorful, but you can use breasts if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or russet work well)
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup frozen or fresh peas
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for a creamy stew, optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
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For Thickening (optional):
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, or
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for a thicker stew)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this point because it will continue cooking in the stew.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Broth and Potatoes:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the potatoes, dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf (if using).
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow the stew to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart.
4. Add the Chicken and Remaining Vegetables:
- Add the shredded chicken back to the pot.
- Stir in the zucchini, peas, and corn, and cook for another 10 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
5. Optional Thickening:
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, or stir in 1/4 cup of flour. Gradually add it to the stew, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Finish and Serve:
- If you’re using heavy cream, stir it in at the end to make the stew creamy and rich. Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper, if necessary.
- Remove the bay leaf (if using).
- Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Why This Stew Is Hearty & Delicious:
- Tender Chicken: Shredded chicken adds both protein and richness to the stew.
- Colorful Veggies: Carrots, celery, zucchini, peas, and corn bring tons of vitamins and fiber, making it a balanced meal.
- Creamy Texture: The heavy cream (optional) gives the stew a comforting, smooth finish.
- One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in one pot, making both prep and cleanup easy.
Tips & Variations:
- Use Leftover Chicken: This stew is great for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand.
- More Veggies: Add in other vegetables like green beans, parsnips, or sweet potatoes for a twist.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like sage or oregano for a unique flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Vegan Option: You can substitute the chicken with plant-based protein (like tofu or tempeh) and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian/vegan version.
This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prepping, or a quick, nutritious meal that everyone will love. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite veggies or herbs! Would you want to try a different protein in it, or keep it classic with chicken?