Cozy Hearty Chicken & Veg Stew Recipe for Soul-Warming Comfort

Crafting a comforting chicken and veg stew brings warmth to chilly evenings and fills your kitchen with incredible aromas.

Savory ingredients blend perfectly in this simple one-pot wonder.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among colorful vegetables, creating a robust meal that satisfies deeply.

Nutritious ingredients transform ordinary dinners into memorable experiences packed with flavor.

Fragrant herbs and robust seasonings elevate this classic dish beyond basic expectations.

Slow-simmered goodness guarantees a delicious meal that connects you with wholesome cooking traditions.

Each spoonful promises comfort and nourishment that will make you eager to ladle up this delightful stew.

Chicken and Veg Stew Hearty Guide

• Super easy to prepare with basic ingredients, minimal chopping, and straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master without stress.
• Packed with protein from chicken and loaded with vegetables, this stew delivers a balanced meal in a single pot, reducing cleanup and maximizing nutrition.
• Adaptable recipe that welcomes personal touches – swap vegetables, adjust spices, or add extra ingredients to match your taste preferences and what's in your pantry.

Ingredients for Chicken and Veg Stew

• Chicken: A protein-rich meat that provides the hearty base of the stew.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that add substance and thickness to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that creates the stew's rich and comforting base.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: A classic mirepoix that builds a deep and savory flavor foundation for the stew.

• Thyme, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste and provide warm, complex flavor notes.

• Olive Oil: A healthy fat used to sauté vegetables and prevent sticking to the pot.

How to Cook Chicken and Veg Stew

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a sizzling base for your delicious stew.

This initial step builds a flavorful foundation for the entire dish.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Sliced carrots
• Diced celery

Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness into the pot.

Step 3: Transform Chicken into Golden Bites

Add diced chicken pieces to the vegetable mixture.

Cook the chicken until it turns a beautiful light golden brown, which typically takes 5-7 minutes.

This process helps seal in the juicy flavors and creates a delightful texture.

Step 4: Elevate with Seasonings and Liquid

• Chunky potato pieces
• Fresh thyme
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pour in chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a robust boil.

Then reduce the heat to low, allowing everything to simmer gently.

Step 5: Patience Brings Perfection

Let the stew simmer for 25-30 minutes.

During this time, the vegetables will become tender, and the flavors will meld together into a comforting, hearty meal.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Taste the stew and adjust seasonings if needed.

Ladle into bowls and serve piping hot.

Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or savor it on its own for a complete, satisfying meal.

Tips for Flavorful Chicken and Veg Stew

• Swap or add different vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or bell peppers to customize the stew's flavor and nutrition profile.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt to make the dish heart-friendly without compromising taste.
• Cut chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stew.
• Fresh thyme provides more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs, so use fresh sprigs if available for a brighter taste.
• Prepare larger batches and freeze in portion-sized containers for quick, convenient meals later, keeping the stew fresh for up to 3 months.

Storing and Reheating Chicken and Veg Stew

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer stew to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality. Label with date and contents.
• Pour stew into microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour stew into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth if stew seems too thick. Heat until steaming and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Pairing Suggestions for Chicken and Veg Stew

• Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Côtes du Rhône or Zinfandel to complement the hearty chicken stew's rich flavors and enhance its warm, comforting profile.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Select a thick-cut, artisan sourdough to soak up the savory broth, adding delightful texture and providing a tangy contrast to the stew's deep flavors.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed herbs like parsley, basil, and chives, dressed in a simple vinaigrette to cut through the stew's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Accompany with Crisp White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to provide a bright, acidic balance that refreshes the palate between spoonfuls of the hearty stew.

Variations on Chicken and Veg Stew

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth for a meat-free version that keeps the hearty stew essence.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap regular ingredients with gluten-free alternatives like tamari instead of traditional seasonings, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the meal.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower or turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the stew's rich, warming texture and flavor profile.
• Spicy Herb Kick: Add red pepper flakes, swap paprika for smoked paprika, and include fresh rosemary alongside thyme to create a more robust and zingy flavor experience.

FAQs

• Can I use different vegetables in this stew?

Yes, you can easily swap or add vegetables like parsnips, green beans, or peas to customize the stew to your taste and what’s available in your kitchen.

• Is this stew healthy?

Absolutely! The stew is packed with lean protein from chicken and nutrient-rich vegetables, making it a balanced and nutritious meal that’s low in calories and high in vitamins.

• Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Definitely! This stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can prepare it in advance and reheat gently when ready to serve.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this stew?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic chopping and sautéing skills. Even novice cooks can easily follow the simple steps to create a delicious, comforting meal.

Hearty Chicken & Veg Stew Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Warm and comforting chicken & veg stew delivers a symphony of rustic flavors straight from home kitchens. Simmered with tender chicken, seasonal vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this classic dish promises nourishment and satisfaction you’ll savor with every spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Hearty Chicken & Veg Stew

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, diced

Vegetables:

• 2 cups (300g) diced potatoes
• 1 cup (150g) sliced carrots
• 1 cup (150g) diced celery
• 1 onion, finely chopped

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried thyme

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a hefty pot over medium heat, gently sautéing aromatic onions, crisp carrots, and tender celery until they soften and release their delicate flavors, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Introduce diced chicken pieces into the vegetable medley, allowing them to caramelize and develop a golden-brown exterior, cooking for 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally.
3. Incorporate diced potatoes, fragrant thyme, smoky paprika, and seasoning, then cascade chicken broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a robust boil before reducing temperature to a gentle simmer.
4. Allow the stew to quietly bubble and meld flavors for 25-30 minutes, ensuring vegetables transform into fork-tender morsels and chicken becomes succulent and thoroughly cooked.
5. Conduct a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings to elevate the stew’s complexity and depth of flavor.
6. Ladle the steaming, hearty stew into warm bowls, offering crusty bread as an optional accompaniment or enjoying the robust dish in its pure, comforting form.

Notes

• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for richer, more flavorful stew that stays moist during long cooking.
• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Add a splash of white wine while sautéing vegetables to enhance depth of flavor and provide subtle complexity.
• For gluten-free version, replace wheat-based bread with gluten-free alternatives or serve over cauliflower rice.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg