Description
Creamy Chicken Stew
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups shredded chicken
1 cup diced bell peppers
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 cup cream
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp flour
1 tsp Italian herbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté garlic, carrots, celery, and peppers.
Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly add chicken stock, stirring until smooth.
Mix in chicken, cream, and herbs. Simmer for 12–15 minutes.
Serve with your favorite toppings!
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof, creamy stew.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Stir constantly and cook for 1 full minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add the Liquid: Slowly pour in the chicken stock while whisking continuously. This prevents lumps and creates a smooth, thick base. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Combine and Simmer: Stir in the shredded chicken, cream, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the stew simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile stew is a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with several sides. Serve it over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttery egg noodles to soak up the creamy sauce. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a handful of crispy croutons for added texture.
How-to Summary
Sauté veggies, make a roux with flour, whisk in stock, then add chicken and cream. Simmer until thickened. A simple, one-pot meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Cooked turkey, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even canned white beans (drained and rinsed) make excellent substitutes.
How can I make this stew dairy-free? Replace the cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened dairy-free cream alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if the stew has thickened too much.
Can I freeze this creamy chicken stew? Freezing is possible, but cream-based soups can sometimes separate when thawed. For best results, freeze before adding the cream. Thaw in the fridge overnight, reheat, and then stir in the fresh cream.
My stew is too thin/thick. How can I fix it? If too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce, or create a slurry with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp cold water, then stir it in. If too thick, simply stir in additional chicken stock or milk until desired consistency is reached.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not cooking the flour long enough: Skipping the full minute of cooking after adding the flour will leave a pasty, raw taste in your stew.
- Adding the liquid too quickly: Pour the stock in slowly while whisking vigorously to prevent a lumpy roux.
- Using a high simmer or boil after adding cream: High heat can cause the cream to curdle. Always simmer gently once dairy is added.
- Overcooking the vegetables: They should be softened but still have a slight bite before simmering, as they will cook further.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken stew is the epitome of comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. Its flexibility with ingredients and simple one-pot method make it a perfect weeknight dinner solution. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a rich, velvety stew that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite toppings and sides!
