Cozy Homestyle Chicken Stew Recipe: Heartwarming Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty chicken stew that warms every corner of your kitchen.

Cold evenings demand something rich and satisfying.

This classic recipe blends tender chicken, robust vegetables, and aromatic herbs into a soul-nourishing meal.

Chunks of perfectly seasoned meat mingle with carrots, potatoes, and celery in a velvety broth.

Each spoonful carries the promise of home-cooked goodness and culinary tradition.

Simmered slowly to develop deep, complex flavors, this stew transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

One taste will transport you to a cozy, welcoming table filled with warmth and deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients Breakdown For Chicken Stew

• Chicken: The star of the stew, choose boneless skinless pieces for easy eating and maximum flavor absorption. Fresh, high-quality chicken ensures tender, succulent results.

• Onions, Garlic: Creates a flavor foundation that adds depth and richness to the stew. Select firm, fragrant onions and plump garlic cloves for maximum taste.
• Carrots, Celery: Provide sweet and earthy undertones while adding nutritional value. Pick crisp, vibrant vegetables for the best texture and flavor.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Creates the liquid base that helps develop complex flavors and tender chicken. Use low-sodium broth for better control of saltiness.
• Olive Oil: Helps sear chicken and sauté vegetables, adding a subtle fruity note to the dish.

• Thyme, Rosemary, Smoked Paprika: Delivers aromatic complexity and warm, smoky undertones. Fresh herbs provide more intense flavor compared to dried versions.
• Bay Leaf: Imparts a subtle herbal essence and rounds out the stew's flavor profile.

• Potatoes: Adds heartiness and helps naturally thicken the stew. Choose waxy varieties that hold their shape during cooking.
• Tomato Paste: Provides rich, concentrated tomato flavor and helps deepen the stew's color.
• Flour or Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent that creates a silky, smooth texture.

Tools And Supplies For Chicken Stew

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for searing chicken and building the stew, with heavy bottom for even heat distribution.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables like onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.
• Chef's knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and herb cutting.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing flour or cornstarch slurry to thicken stew.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Tongs: Great for handling and turning chicken pieces during searing.

How To Make Chicken Stew

• Brown the Protein

Heat a large pot over medium-high and sizzle chicken pieces until golden. Season generously and transfer to a plate.

• Awaken the Aromatics

Slide onions, garlic, carrots, and celery into the same pot. Dance them around until they soften and release their magical flavors.

• Create the Liquid Base

Stir in tomato paste, then pour chicken broth. Sprinkle herbs like thyme and rosemary. Nestle potatoes and return chicken to the pot.

• Slow Cook the Magic

Lower heat and let everything bubble gently. Allow the stew to transform for about 30 minutes, letting ingredients mingle and develop deep, rich flavors.

• Optional Thickening Trick

Want a heartier texture? Whisk flour with water and swirl into the stew. Let it simmer until the liquid hugs the ingredients.

• Final Flourish

Toss in peas and green beans. Warm them through for a few minutes. Pluck out the bay leaf and shower with fresh parsley.

• Serve with Love

Ladle into warm bowls. Pair with crusty bread for soaking up every delicious drop.

Helpful Ideas And Tweaks For Chicken Stew

• Perfect Chicken Stew Cooking Tips & Variations
• Meat Selection Magic: Choose bone-in chicken thighs for deeper flavor and more tender meat, or swap with boneless skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• Vegetable Swap Strategy: Replace green beans with zucchini or spinach for different nutritional profiles and flavor variety, keeping the overall vegetable volume consistent.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower chunks or turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a hearty texture.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with different herb combinations like adding smoked paprika, oregano, or a dash of red pepper flakes to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead Master Plan: This stew tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to develop and meld together perfectly.

How To Serve Chicken Stew With Style

• Hearty Bread Companion: Slice up a warm, crusty baguette or artisan sourdough to soak up the rich, flavorful stew broth. The bread adds a delightful texture and helps mop up every last delicious drop.
• Creamy Comfort Topping: Dollop a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top to add a cool, tangy contrast to the warm stew. The creamy element balances the robust flavors and provides a luxurious finish.
• Green Freshness Boost: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions over the stew just before serving. These bright herbs add a pop of color and a fresh, light taste that cuts through the stew's richness.
• Cozy Side Pairing: Serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to create a well-rounded meal. The crisp salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty chicken stew.

Chicken Stew Prep And Storage Tips

• Refrigerator Placement: Store cooled chicken stew in airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Place containers in the coldest section to maintain optimal temperature and flavor.
• Portion Power: Divide stew into individual serving sizes before refrigerating, making reheating quick and convenient for busy weeknights or lunch meals.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Freeze stew in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, the stew remains delicious for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Wisdom: Thaw frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator, then gently warm in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent scorching.

Hearty Chicken Stew Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty chicken stew from Italian kitchens delivers comfort on chilly evenings. Rich layers of herbs, vegetables, and tender chicken create a soul-warming meal perfect for gathering loved ones around the table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 kg (2 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 500 g (1 lb) potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or red potatoes work best)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces (optional)
• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour or cornstarch
• 2 tbsps water
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Searing: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high temperature. Season chicken with salt and pepper, creating a golden crust. Remove and set aside.
2. Aromatic Base: In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, extracting their natural flavors.
3. Flavor Development: Add tomato paste, then pour chicken broth and water. Introduce thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Nestle potatoes into the liquid, then return chicken to the pot.
4. Simmering Process: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to become tender.
5. Thickening: Create a smooth slurry by whisking flour or cornstarch with water. Stir into the stew to achieve desired consistency.
6. Final Touch: Add peas and green beans during the last few minutes of cooking. Remove bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley.
7. Serving: Plate the stew and serve alongside crusty bread, creating a hearty and comforting meal.

Notes

• Sear with Precision: Create a deep golden crust on chicken by ensuring the pot is hot and not overcrowded, which prevents steaming and promotes rich flavor development.
• Vegetable Layering Strategy: Cut vegetables uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stew, preventing some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Thickening Technique: Mix cornstarch or flour with cold water before adding to prevent lumps, gradually incorporating the slurry to achieve desired consistency without compromising the stew’s smooth texture.
• Herb Optimization: Use fresh herbs when possible for more vibrant flavor, but if using dried herbs, add them earlier in cooking to allow full flavor infusion and intensity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg