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Hearty Chicken Stew

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Savor this budget-friendly chicken stew loaded with hearty chicken pieces, celery, carrots, and potatoes in a flavor-packed gravy. Great for family dinners or chilly nights.

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Hannah Author
Updated on Mon, 17 Mar 2025 16:22:28 GMT
A warm pot of stew with chunks of chicken, potatoes, carrots, and herbs stirred with a wooden spoon. Pin it
A warm pot of stew with chunks of chicken, potatoes, carrots, and herbs stirred with a wooden spoon. | recipesbyhannah.com

The moment I smell chicken stew cooking on my stove, I'm instantly filled with warmth and joy. There's something magical about the blend of juicy chicken and fresh veggies bubbling away in savory broth. This dish takes me back to those special family meals at grandma's house, and now it's become a tradition I carry on with my own kids.

Heartwarming Comfort in Every Spoonful

Once the first cool breeze hits, my kids start asking when I'll make this stew. Each bite delivers chunks of juicy chicken floating in golden broth alongside soft, flavorful veggies. I'm always amazed how a handful of basic ingredients can come together to create something so deeply satisfying.

Grab These Items for Cooking

  • Chicken thighs: You'll need 2 pounds without bones or skin for the most succulent results. They really do make the stew extra special.
  • Flour: Just half a cup to give you that thick, smooth gravy everyone loves.
  • Everyday veggies: Grab 1 onion, 3 carrots, 3 celery stalks, 4 garlic cloves, and 1 pound of yellow potatoes. Homegrown tastes best.
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons of the real stuff creates an amazing flavor foundation.
  • Herbs picked fresh: About 1 teaspoon each of parsley, thyme, rosemary, and sage, straight from the garden when you can get them.
  • Tasty broth: Mix 3 cups chicken with 1 cup veggie broth for that deep, golden flavor.

Creating Kitchen Wonder

Prep Your Protein
Dust those thighs with a bit of flour. This little trick helps your sauce turn out amazing later on.
Brown to Perfection
Drop some butter in your big pot and cook the chicken till it's nice and brown. That color is where all the good taste comes from.
Start Your Flavor Base
Throw in all those bright veggies and let them soften up and release their goodness. My house smells wonderful right about now.
Thicken Things Up
Toss in flour and pour your broths in bit by bit. Keep stirring until everything looks smooth and creamy.
Mix Everything In
Put the chicken back with those potatoes and herbs. Let everything simmer together and get friendly.
Wait for the Magic
Let it bubble away until the chicken falls apart when touched and that sauce gets rich and thick. It's worth waiting for.
A hearty chicken stew with vegetables, including carrots and potatoes, served in a dark pot. Pin it
A hearty chicken stew with vegetables, including carrots and potatoes, served in a dark pot. | recipesbyhannah.com

Tricks From My Home Cooking

Don't rush when you're browning the chicken. Those sticky bits on the pot bottom are flavor treasure. I always try to use fresh herbs when I can, and buying good broth really makes a difference. Sometimes I cook it uncovered for the last bit if I want it thicker.

Storing Your Delicious Stew

You can keep this stew in your fridge for about 5 days if it's in a good sealed container. I often cook a giant batch and freeze portions for crazy weeknights. It heats up wonderfully if you warm it slowly and give it a stir now and then to keep it smooth.

Ways I Enjoy Serving This

We love dunking crusty sourdough bread into every last drop of gravy. Other times I'll pour it over a pile of fluffy rice or buttery noodles. Adding a simple green salad on the side makes it a perfect meal.

The Magic of Dark Meat

I've tried this stew countless ways, but chicken thighs always win. They stay super moist and tender, plus they give the broth such a rich flavor. Even the fussiest eaters at my table finish their bowls when I use thighs.

Ideal for Hectic Schedules

This stew actually tastes better the next day. I often cook it when I know we've got a crazy week coming. Having it ready to go in the fridge makes dinnertime so much easier to handle.

A pot of chicken stew with carrots, potatoes, and herbs is shown on a gray surface, accompanied by a few whole potatoes in the background. Pin it
A pot of chicken stew with carrots, potatoes, and herbs is shown on a gray surface, accompanied by a few whole potatoes in the background. | recipesbyhannah.com

Customizing Your Bowl

I sometimes toss in garden-fresh peas or green beans. Adding mushrooms gives it wonderful depth, and a little splash of cream at the end makes it extra luxurious. Think of this as your starting recipe and feel free to play around.

Fuss-Free Single Pot Dinner

I really love meals that only need one pot. This stew cuts down on cleanup and builds amazing flavors as everything cooks together. The veggies soak up all that tasty broth while the chicken gets so tender it melts in your mouth.

Cozy Meal for Cold Days

There's nothing better than coming home to this stew simmering away when it's freezing outside. The steam makes my kitchen windows foggy and fills every room with the most inviting smell. My family gathers around the table without me even calling them.

A bowl of hearty chicken soup filled with vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms, garnished with herbs. Pin it
A bowl of hearty chicken soup filled with vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms, garnished with herbs. | recipesbyhannah.com

Healthier Variation

When I want something lighter, I use chicken breast and pile in extra veggies. Sweet potatoes add beautiful color and nutrients, and handfuls of fresh spinach wilt perfectly into the hot liquid. It's still totally filling and satisfying.

Drink Matches From Our Table

We enjoy this stew with a glass of chilled white wine for weekend meals. For everyday family dinners, I'll make a big pitcher of fresh iced tea or warm apple cider. The combo feels just like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

Feeding a Crowd

This stew has become my favorite for when friends drop by. I can easily double the amount and the pot always ends up empty. Everyone wants seconds and asks how I made it. It's the kind of food that really brings folks together.

Tasty Leftover Ideas

Leftover stew works wonderfully in new dishes. I love pouring it over creamy mashed potatoes or filling a pot pie with flaky pastry on top. Each new version somehow tastes even better than before.

A hearty bowl of chicken soup with vegetables, including carrots and potatoes, garnished with herbs. Pin it
A hearty bowl of chicken soup with vegetables, including carrots and potatoes, garnished with herbs. | recipesbyhannah.com

Finding Your Perfect Flavor

Always trust what your taste buds tell you. A little squeeze of lemon can brighten everything up, and a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes adds wonderful warmth. The joy of cooking is making each batch uniquely yours.

Brown It Before You Drown It

Taking your time to brown the chicken properly creates pure kitchen magic. Those golden bits stuck to the bottom dissolve into your broth making incredibly rich flavor. It's worth those extra few minutes.

My Tasty Variations

Some nights I swap in turkey or add chickpeas for extra heartiness. During summer months, I mix in coconut milk with curry spices for a lighter feel. The basic recipe works so well you can change it up endless ways.

Ages Like Fine Wine

Just like many beloved family dishes, this stew improves overnight. The broth gets deeper, the flavors blend together better, and every bite feels more satisfying. It's comfort food that keeps on giving joy.

A bowl of hearty chicken soup filled with chunks of chicken, carrots, potatoes, and green olives, garnished with parsley. Pin it
A bowl of hearty chicken soup filled with chunks of chicken, carrots, potatoes, and green olives, garnished with parsley. | recipesbyhannah.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap thighs for breasts?

Sure, but thighs are the best choice since they stay juicy while cooking. If using breasts, cook them a bit less to keep them moist.

→ What’s the best way to save leftovers?

Store in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. Use within 4 days for the best taste. It might even be tastier after sitting overnight!

→ Is this stew freezer-friendly?

You bet! Freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it cool and place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

→ What’s the flour for?

Dusting the chicken with flour locks in flavor and creates a golden crust. Plus, it helps thicken the broth as it cooks. Don’t skip it!

→ Can I use different veggies?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. Switch it up with peas, parsnips, or green beans—whatever you’ve got at home.

Hearty Chicken Stew

This stew brings together tender chicken, hearty veggies, and a lightly seasoned savory broth that’s packed with flavor.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Family Treasures

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (9 cups)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 and 3/4 pounds of boneless chicken thighs, with the skin removed.
02 Half a pound of peeled carrots.
03 Three ribs of celery.
04 One medium yellow onion.
05 Four garlic cloves, minced.
06 A teaspoon of dried parsley.
07 Half a teaspoon each of thyme, rosemary, and sage.
08 Quarter teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper.
09 Two cups of vegetable stock.
10 Two cups of chicken stock.
11 One and a half pounds of baby potatoes, halved.
12 Two tablespoons of olive oil.
13 Two tablespoons of butter.
14 Four tablespoons of plain flour, split in half.
15 One tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley (if you want).

Instructions

Step 01

Chop up the onion and celery. Mince the garlic cloves. Slice the carrots and halve the baby potatoes.

Step 02

Dice the chicken into chunks about 1 inch thick. Coat with half the flour (2 tablespoons).

Step 03

Melt butter with oil in a big pot. Keep the heat at medium until it starts sizzling.

Step 04

Toss the floured chicken into the hot pot. Don’t stir too often so it gets golden brown. Take it out once done and set aside.

Step 05

Toss the onion, celery, garlic, and carrots into the same pot. Stir around until the onion looks soft, scraping up leftover browned bits.

Step 06

Mix in the remaining flour (2 tablespoons) and keep stirring for a couple of minutes.

Step 07

Put the chicken back into the pot. Add in the halved potatoes, herbs, black pepper, and both broths. Turn heat to high to get a boil going. Then, simmer uncovered for half an hour, until the potatoes soften up and the broth thickens.

Step 08

Have a taste—add salt if needed. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving, if you like.

Notes

  1. Let it simmer long enough for the potatoes to soften completely.
  2. Scrape up bits stuck to the bottom for more flavor.
  3. How much salt to add depends on how salty the broth already is.

Tools You'll Need

  • A sturdy pot big enough for all ingredients.
  • A knife for chopping.
  • A cutting board.
  • A spoon with slots for scooping.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (from flour).
  • Contains dairy (from butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 355
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 30 g