Homemade Chicken Stew

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and comforting with rich homemade flavor.
• Packed with tender chicken and wholesome vegetables.
• Perfect for cold days or cozy family dinners.
• Simple ingredients that are easy to find.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers.
• Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• chicken thighs or chicken breasts
• olive oil
• onion, chopped
• garlic, minced
• carrots, sliced
• celery, sliced
• potatoes, diced
• chicken broth
• tomato paste
• dried thyme
• bay leaves
• salt
• black pepper
• peas
• cornstarch or flour (for thickening)
• fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned.
5. Mix in the carrots, celery, and diced potatoes.
6. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about one minute.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme and bay leaves.
8. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 25 minutes.
9. Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks.
10. Return the shredded chicken to the stew.
11. Stir in the peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
12. If a thicker stew is desired, mix cornstarch or flour with a small amount of water and stir it into the stew.
13. Simmer for a few more minutes until the stew thickens.
14. Remove the bay leaves and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Add mushrooms for extra depth and texture.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes.
• Include corn or green beans for additional vegetables.
• Add a splash of cream for a richer stew.
• Use fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, warm the stew in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a small amount of broth or water if the stew becomes too thick.

You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

The stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What cut of chicken works best for stew?

Chicken thighs are often preferred because they remain tender and flavorful during simmering.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can add shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

How do I make the stew thicker?

You can add a cornstarch slurry or allow the stew to simmer longer to reduce the liquid.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for about 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.

What vegetables work well in chicken stew?

Carrots, potatoes, celery, peas, corn, and green beans all work well.

Can I make this stew gluten-free?

Yes, use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the stew.

Can I add noodles or rice?

Yes, cooked noodles or rice can be added for a heartier meal.

How do I add more flavor to the broth?

Fresh herbs, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice can enhance the flavor.

Can I prepare the stew ahead of time?

Yes, the flavor often improves after sitting for a day in the refrigerator.

What can I serve with chicken stew?

Crusty bread, biscuits, or a simple green salad pair very well.

Conclusion

Homemade Chicken Stew is a classic comfort dish that brings warmth and nourishment to the table. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings. Easy to prepare and full of comforting flavors, this stew is a timeless recipe worth keeping in your kitchen.

Homemade Chicken Stew

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Homemade Chicken Stew is a hearty comfort dish made with tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, and vegetables simmered in a rich and flavorful broth. This satisfying stew is perfect for cozy dinners and family meals.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken thighs or chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup peas
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or flour
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned.
5. Mix in the carrots, celery, and diced potatoes.
6. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme and bay leaves.
8. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 25 minutes.
9. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks.
10. Return the shredded chicken to the stew.
11. Stir in the peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
12. If a thicker stew is desired, mix cornstarch or flour with a little water and stir it into the stew.
13. Simmer for a few minutes until the stew thickens.
14. Remove the bay leaves and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Chicken thighs stay more tender during simmering but chicken breasts also work well.
• Mushrooms or corn can be added for extra vegetables.
• A splash of cream can be stirred in for a richer stew.
• Use cornstarch instead of flour to keep the stew gluten-free.
• The stew can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg