Hearty Chicken Stew Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Spoonful

Bubbling with rich flavors, this hearty chicken stew brings comfort straight to your kitchen table.

Aromatic herbs and tender meat promise a delightful meal that warms from the inside out.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish, passing down secrets through whispered instructions.

Robust ingredients meld together, creating a symphony of taste that speaks directly to your soul.

Fragrant spices dance through the pot, infusing every bite with memories of cozy evenings.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

You’ll find yourself craving each spoonful of this soul-satisfying masterpiece.

Come hungry and leave completely nourished by this incredible culinary adventure.

Chicken Stew Packed With Hearty Goodness

• Simplify Cooking: One-dish wonder that combines all ingredients in a single casserole, minimizing prep work and cleanup for busy home cooks.
• Comfort Food Champion: Delivers a warm, creamy stew packed with tender chicken and fluffy rice that hugs your soul and satisfies hunger perfectly.
• Adaptable Meal Solution: Easily customizable with optional vegetables or different protein options, making it versatile for various family preferences and dietary needs.
• No-Fuss Technique: Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward mixing and baking, perfect for beginners or anyone seeking a stress-free meal preparation.

Ingredients To Prepare Chicken Stew

• Chicken: The main protein that provides hearty flavor and substance to the stew.

• Water, Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Celery Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: These ingredients create a rich, creamy base that adds depth and moisture to the stew.

• Rice: Provides a filling and comforting foundation for the stew.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture when melted.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

How To Cook Chicken Stew

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Dish

Warm up your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a casserole dish and generously coat the bottom and sides with cooking spray or butter to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

• Chicken pieces
• Water
• Rice
• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of celery soup
• Cream of mushroom soup

Sprinkle some salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

Step 3: Add Buttery Goodness

Slice butter and spread it evenly across the top of your mixture.

This will create a luscious, mouthwatering layer that melts into the stew.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the hot oven and let it cook for 1 to 1¼ hours.

You’ll know it’s done when the rice turns tender and the chicken is completely cooked through.

Step 5: Cool And Serve

Give your stew a quick break for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier. Grab a spoon and dig into this ultimate comfort meal!

Tips To Perfect Chicken Stew Every Time

• Thoroughly grease the casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper levels before baking to enhance the overall flavor profile of the stew.
• Slice butter evenly across the top for consistent melting and a rich, creamy texture throughout the dish.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and perfectly cooked meat.
• Allow the stew to rest 10-15 minutes after baking, which helps the rice absorb remaining liquids and intensifies flavors.

Variations To Try With Chicken Stew

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version that maintains the stew's creamy texture and hearty feel.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream soups and substitute regular rice with quinoa or brown rice to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add diced bell peppers, oregano, and swap cream soups with tomato-based sauce for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired chicken stew.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use homemade stock, fresh herbs, and reduced-sodium cream soups to create a lighter, heart-friendly version of the classic chicken stew.

Pairing Suggestions To Enjoy With Chicken Stew

• Select a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais to complement the rich, creamy chicken stew's deep flavors and cut through its hearty texture.
• Grab a warm, freshly baked sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious stew juices and add a delightful crispy contrast to the soft, tender chicken.
• Create a light side of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the stew's creamy and warm characteristics, adding brightness to the meal.

Storage Tips To Keep Chicken Stew Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and safety.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Seal tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Pour stew into saucepan. Add splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly. Stir gently to maintain texture and prevent burning.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this stew?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect. They cook evenly and absorb the creamy soup flavors well.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time and possibly add extra liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more moisture.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Most cream soups contain gluten, so you’ll need to use specific gluten-free cream soup alternatives to make this recipe celiac-friendly.

• How can I make this stew more nutritious?

Add frozen mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, and green beans during mixing to increase nutritional value and add more color and texture to the dish.

Chicken Stew Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rich, hearty chicken stew brings comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen, combining tender meat with robust vegetables in a soul-warming broth. Savory layers of flavor promise a delicious meal that welcomes you home with warmth and nostalgia.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 2 cups instant white rice

Soup Ingredients:

• 1 (10.75 ounces/305 grams) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.75 ounces/305 grams) can cream of celery soup
• 1 (10.75 ounces/305 grams) can cream of mushroom soup

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 0.5 cup butter, sliced into pats
• Salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 400F (200C) and thoroughly coat a casserole dish with cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
2. Combine chicken, water, rice, and three different cream soups (chicken, celery, and mushroom) directly in the prepared casserole dish, stirring until ingredients are evenly distributed and seasoned with salt and pepper.
3. Strategically place butter slices across the top of the mixture, allowing them to melt and infuse the stew with rich, velvety flavor during cooking.
4. Transfer the casserole dish to the preheated oven and cook for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, monitoring until rice reaches a tender consistency and chicken is completely cooked through.
5. Remove from oven and allow the stew to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken before serving the warm, comforting dish.

Notes

• Prevent Sticking: Generously grease the casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
• Rice Perfection: Use long-grain white rice for the best texture, as it absorbs liquid evenly and prevents mushiness.
• Soup Swap: Experiment with different cream soup variations like broccoli or herb-infused options to customize the flavor profile.
• Dietary Modifications: Replace regular soups with low-sodium or gluten-free alternatives for health-conscious diners or those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 383 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 797 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg