Chicken Stew

Chicken stew is the ultimate comfort food, offering warmth and nourishment in every spoonful. It’s a dish that’s both hearty and wholesome, making it perfect for chilly days, family gatherings, or simply when you crave a comforting bowl of goodness. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating your own delicious homemade chicken stew, filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and flavorful broth. Get ready to savor the comforting aroma and rich flavors of this classic dish.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Stew:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup water (for the flour slurry)

For Serving:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Crusty bread or dinner rolls

Instructions:

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings

1. Return the seared chicken to the pot.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and water.
3. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld, and the chicken and vegetables to become tender.

Step 5: Add Potatoes and Continue Cooking

1. Stir in the diced potatoes and continue to simmer the stew for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 6: Create a Flour Slurry

1. In a small bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of water until it forms a smooth slurry.

Step 7: Thicken the Stew

1. Slowly pour the flour slurry into the simmering stew while stirring constantly. This will help thicken the broth to a stew-like consistency.

Step 8: Add Peas and Corn

1. Stir in the frozen peas and corn. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Step 9: Remove Bay Leaves and Serve

1. Discard the bay leaves.
2. Ladle the hot chicken stew into bowls.

Step 10: Garnish and Enjoy

1. Garnish the stew with chopped fresh parsley.
2. Serve the chicken stew hot with crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side.

 

Homemade chicken stew is the epitome of comfort in a bowl. This recipe yields a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, an array of vegetables, and a flavorful broth, it’s a wholesome meal that brings warmth and contentment with every spoonful. So, prepare a pot of this homemade chicken stew and savor the comforting flavors that make it a timeless favorite.