Dive into the warmth of our ultimate Hearty Chicken Stew recipe, a perfect blend of tender chicken, robust vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. This comprehensive guide ensures a deeply satisfying meal, ideal for a cozy Saturday Evening Meal or a convenient weekday dinner. Optimized for SEO with keywords like Stew Recipe Slow Cooker and Hearty Dinner Recipes Crock Pot, this recipe offers versatility, whether you prefer traditional stovetop simmering or an Easy Dinner Slow Cooker approach. Learn how to achieve perfectly cooked chicken and fork-tender vegetables, with tips for thickening, freezing, and customizing your stew to become one of your favorite Low Cooker Chicken Recipes.
Introduction: As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade stew to bring warmth and comfort to your kitchen. Our Hearty Chicken Stew is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary embrace, a symphony of flavors that evokes nostalgic memories and creates new ones. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces nestled amongst a vibrant medley of garden vegetables, all swimming in a gloriously thick and deeply savory broth. This isn’t just any chicken stew; it’s a robust, soul-satisfying creation designed to become a staple in your collection of Delicious Slow Cooker Meals. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner looking for a reliable and rewarding dish, this recipe for Stewed Chicken In Crockpot or on the stovetop promises a fantastic experience, proving that some of the best flavors come from simple, wholesome ingredients cooked with love.
Preparing a truly hearty stew is made even easier with the right kitchen companions. To simplify your vegetable prep, we highly recommend the Cuisinart 8 Cup Food Processor. Its fast chopping and slicing capabilities make it a true meal prep essential, especially for onions, carrots, and celery. For those looking to enjoy this deliciousness beyond a single meal, making it one of your go-to Recipes For Chicken In The Crockpot, effective storage is key. The FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine is perfect for keeping your stew fresh longer and preventing freezer burn, ensuring that every reheat tastes as good as the first. And for those who enjoy complementing their stew with roasted sides or want to add uniquely textured vegetables, the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt is excellent for roasting chickpeas and vegetables perfectly, boasting a large family capacity.
Ingredients
- Proteins:
- 1.5 – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 slices bacon, chopped (optional, for added depth)
- Fats:
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons butter
- Aromatics & Vegetables:
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2-4 medium carrots, chopped/sliced
- 2-3 stalks celery, chopped/sliced
- 2-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-1.5 lbs potatoes (baby, red, or Yukon gold), cubed/quartered
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen green beans (optional)
- Liquids & Thickeners:
- 4-5 cups low-sodium chicken broth/stock
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup dry white wine (optional, for deglazing and flavor)
- Seasonings & Herbs:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat boneless, skinless chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using bacon, chop it into small pieces.
- Brown Chicken & Bacon (Optional): In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. If using bacon, cook until crispy, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add chicken to the hot oil in batches, browning for 2-4 minutes per side until golden. Do not overcrowd the pot. Remove browned chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add 1-2 tablespoons of butter to the pot if needed. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. If using white wine, add it to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, and allow it to reduce by half.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour evenly over the softened vegetables. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste and create a light roux, which will serve as the primary thickener for your Hearty Chicken Stew.
- Add Liquids, Remaining Vegetables & Seasonings: Gradually whisk in 4-5 cups of chicken broth in small splashes, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth consistency and prevent lumps. Add cubed potatoes. Stir in dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the stew will reduce.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a steady simmer. Return the browned chicken (and cooked bacon if using) to the pot. Cover the pot and simmer for 25-35 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the potatoes are fork-tender. The cooking time may vary based on the size of your chicken pieces and potatoes.
- Adjust Consistency & Finish: If the stew is too thin, simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can create a slurry with 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with a small amount of cold water or broth, and stir it gradually into the simmering stew until the desired thickness is achieved. Add frozen peas and green beans (if using) during the final 5-10 minutes of simmering.
- Serve: Remove and discard any bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. This makes for one of the most satisfying Chicken Stews And Casseroles you’ll ever make!
FAQ Section
What kind of chicken is best for stew?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are often recommended for their tenderness and ability to stay juicy during simmering, making them ideal for a Hearty Chicken Stew. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can also be used, though they tend to dry out more easily if overcooked.
How do I thicken chicken stew?
The most common way to thicken chicken stew is by using flour to create a roux with butter or oil at the beginning of the cooking process. You can also use a cornstarch or flour slurry (mixed with cold water or broth) stirred in at the end, or simply simmer the stew uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
Can I freeze chicken stew?
Yes, Hearty Chicken Stew generally freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or enjoying a cozy meal later. Ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing in airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. This is why it’s a great option for Recipes For Chicken In The Crockpot.
Is chicken stew healthy?
Absolutely! Chicken stew can be a very nutritious and healthy meal, especially when packed with a variety of fresh vegetables which are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and low in calories. It’s a great way to get a balanced meal in one pot.
What can I serve with chicken stew?
Crusty bread, fluffy biscuits, dinner rolls, or a simple green salad are popular and delicious accompaniments for chicken stew. For a lighter option, consider a side of roasted asparagus or green beans.
Can I make chicken stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, many recipes for Hearty Chicken Stew can be adapted for a slow cooker, making it an excellent Stew Recipe Slow Cooker option. Typically, you would brown the chicken and sauté aromatics on the stovetop first to build flavor, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and vegetables are soft. It’s a perfect fit for Low Cooker Chicken Recipes and an Easy Dinner Slow Cooker solution for a Saturday Evening Meal.
What other vegetables can I add to chicken stew?
Chicken stew is incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it with additional vegetables like corn, mushrooms, parsnips, bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes. Root vegetables, in particular, hold up well to longer cooking times and add great flavor and texture.
Why do I need to sear the chicken first?
Searing the chicken (and optional bacon) before simmering adds crucial depth of flavor to your Hearty Chicken Stew. The browning creates ‘fond’ (browned bits) on the bottom of the pot, which contributes to a richer, more complex broth when deglazed, significantly enhancing the overall taste of your stew.
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