Description
Hearty Chicken Stew Recipe
Ingredients:
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into chunks)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, chopped
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
6 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Sauté Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
Cook Vegetables:
In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
Stir in carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes.
Simmer the Stew:
Return the chicken to the pot. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and parsley.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Green Beans:
Stir in green beans and cook for an additional 10 minutes until tender.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with crusty bread.
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for foolproof results. First, ensure all vegetables are chopped to a uniform size for even cooking. Pat the chicken chunks dry with a paper towel before seasoning; this ensures a better sear. When browning the chicken, avoid crowding the pot—work in batches if necessary to achieve a golden crust, not gray steam. After removing the chicken, deglaze the pot with a splash of broth, scraping up the flavorful browned bits (fond) before adding the onions and garlic. This builds a deeper flavor base. During the simmer, keep the heat at a gentle bubble; a rolling boil can make the chicken tough. The stew is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
This stew is a complete meal but pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping, fluffy biscuits, or a side of buttery egg noodles. For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of steamed rice or creamy mashed cauliflower. Garnish with fresh parsley, thyme, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
How-to Summary
In summary: Brown seasoned chicken and set aside. Sauté onions, garlic, and hardy vegetables in the same pot. Return chicken, add broth, tomatoes, and herbs, then simmer for 30-40 minutes. Add green beans last and cook until tender. Season to taste and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Thighs are more forgiving and flavorful. Increase cook time slightly to ensure they are fully tender.
How can I thicken the stew? Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water. Stir this slurry into the simmering stew during the last 10 minutes.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes. Brown chicken and sauté veggies as directed, then transfer everything except green beans to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4, adding green beans in the last hour.
How long does it keep? Stored in an airtight container, it lasts 3-4 days in the fridge. The flavors often improve the next day.
Can I freeze this stew? Yes, but potatoes can become grainy. For best freezing, omit potatoes and add fresh ones when reheating. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Adding chicken breasts at the beginning and simmering too long can make them dry and stringy. Browning them first and adding them back to simmer just until cooked is key.
- Underseasoning: Stews require generous seasoning. Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.
- Adding Delicate Veggies Too Early: Adding green beans, peas, or spinach at the start will make them mushy. Stir them in during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
- Not Browning the Meat: Skipping the browning step sacrifices deep, savory flavor. Don’t rush this stage.
Conclusion
This hearty chicken stew is the epitome of comfort food, offering warmth, nutrition, and flexibility. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a consistently delicious one-pot meal perfect for any cozy night. Its make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature makes it a practical staple for busy weeks. Gather your ingredients and enjoy the simple, satisfying process of creating a classic stew that is sure to become a family favorite.