Name: Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 carrots, sliced; 3 medium potatoes, cubed; 1 cup frozen peas; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup water; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish)

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There’s something magical about a big pot of stew simmering on the stove—aromas filling the house, the promise of comfort in every bite. This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew is exactly that. It’s the kind of dish you crave when the weather turns chilly or when you need a meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Tender chunks of chicken, a medley of colorful vegetables, and a flavorful broth come together to create a cozy, wholesome stew that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or just a bowl of warmth to get you through the day. Trust me, this one’s going to be your new go-to for comfort food.

Why You’ll Love Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew

This recipe is all about creating something special with minimal effort. Here’s why you’ll be hooked:

Versatile: Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a cozy dinner with friends, this stew is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s a fantastic dish for leftovers!
Budget-Friendly: With basic, easy-to-find ingredients, you don’t need to break the bank to make something delicious. This stew proves that simple ingredients can deliver big flavors.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is a dream for busy nights. You can easily pull it together without any fuss, and the stovetop does most of the work while you relax.
Customizable: Love extra garlic? Add more! Want to swap out veggies? Go for it! This stew is totally adaptable to your preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike. Hearty and satisfying, this stew has something for everyone, making it an easy choice for family meals or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Here’s where the magic begins. The beauty of this stew is that it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something incredible. Let’s break it down:

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: The chicken is the heart of this stew. Whether you prefer thighs for their rich flavor or breasts for their lean meat, both options deliver tenderness and flavor. The chicken soaks up all the delicious broth and veggies, making every bite satisfying.

Carrots: These vibrant veggies add a touch of sweetness and color to the stew. Plus, they bring a nice contrast to the savory flavors.

Potatoes: Hearty and filling, potatoes are the perfect base for a stew. As they cook, they soften and absorb the flavors of the broth, creating little bursts of goodness in every spoonful.

Celery: A key flavor component in many stews, celery adds a refreshing crunch and a subtle aromatic flavor that rounds out the dish.

Onion: Aromatic and savory, onions are essential for building the base flavor of the stew. They caramelize and soften as they cook, contributing sweetness and depth to the broth.

Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better! It adds a layer of warmth and richness to the stew, infusing the broth with that irresistible flavor we all love.

Chicken Broth: This is the liquid gold that brings the stew together. It gives the stew a rich, savory base that helps the ingredients cook perfectly while adding moisture and flavor.

Herbs (Thyme, Bay Leaves): A simple combination of fresh or dried thyme and bay leaves adds an earthy, herbal aroma that elevates the stew’s flavor profile.

Salt and Pepper: The basics! Seasoning with salt and pepper brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients, and adjusting the seasoning to your taste ensures the stew tastes just right.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is as easy as it is delicious.

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onions, garlic, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are softened and translucent. This step builds the savory base of the stew.

Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown. This adds flavor to the chicken and gives it a nice texture.

Add the Veggies and Broth: Toss in the carrots, potatoes, and your herbs—bay leaves and thyme. Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. The vegetables will soften, and the chicken will absorb all the flavors of the broth.

Season to Taste: After the stew has simmered and the flavors have melded together, taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back into the stew and stir everything together.

Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for a little extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew

This stew is satisfying all on its own, but if you’re looking to make it even more amazing, here are a few ideas:

Warm Crusty Bread: Serve it with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonders here.
Fresh Salad: Pair with a simple green salad to add some freshness and crunch that contrasts the hearty stew.
Grilled Cheese: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a grilled cheese sandwich on the side is always a perfect pairing with a comforting stew.
Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier meal, serve it with a side of rice or quinoa to make it a bit more filling.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tricks to make this stew even better:

Prep Ahead: Chop the vegetables and shred the chicken the night before to save time on busy days. You can store them in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your stew.
Make It Creamy: For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re gluten-free, just double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. You can also substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a twist.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave for best results.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
A1: Yes! Frozen vegetables work great in this stew. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the pot.

Q2: Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
A2: Absolutely! Brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Q3: Can I make this stew ahead of time?
A3: Yes, this stew tastes even better the next day! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving.

Q4: Can I add more vegetables to this stew?
A4: Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like parsnips, turnips, or green beans to make it your own.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Q6: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A6: Yes, you can! Chicken breasts will work just as well, though they might be a bit leaner and less flavorful than thighs.

Q7: How can I make this stew spicier?
A7: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or even some diced jalapeños to give it a spicy kick.

Q8: Can I make this stew vegetarian?
A8: Yes! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth, adding extra beans or lentils for protein.

Q9: Can I make this stew in advance for meal prep?
A9: Yes! This stew stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping. Just divide into individual portions and store in the fridge or freezer.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! This recipe scales up easily. Just be sure to use a large enough pot to fit all the ingredients.

Conclusion

This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew is the definition of comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and packed with flavors that’ll make you feel cozy and satisfied from the first spoonful to the last. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying a solo bowl on a chilly evening, this stew is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!