Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Stew Recipe

The Coziest Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Stew Recipe For Fall

Comfort wraps around you like a warm embrace with this hearty chicken and vegetable stew that promises pure culinary bliss.

The rich, aromatic broth simmers with tender chicken pieces and colorful seasonal vegetables.

Chunks of succulent meat nestle among vibrant carrots, potatoes, and celery, creating a symphony of flavors.

Each spoonful tells a story of home-cooked goodness and warmth.

Winter nights call for something deeply satisfying and nourishing like this classic stew.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor every comforting bite of this delicious one-pot wonder.

Cozy Up with This Hearty Chicken Stew

  • Boost Nutrition Fast: Packed with green vegetables, this dish delivers essential vitamins and minerals in a delicious quick meal.
  • Simplify Cooking Technique: Learn an easy blanching method that preserves bok choy's crisp texture and vibrant green color while ensuring perfectly cooked vegetables.
  • Master Flavor Layering: Combine oyster sauce, garlic, and sesame oil to create a rich, savory sauce that transforms simple vegetables into a restaurant-quality side dish.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this recipe in just a few minutes, making it ideal for busy families wanting a healthy and tasty vegetable accompaniment to any main course.

What Goes Into This Delicious Stew

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Shredded meat that provides the main protein and heartiness of the stew.
Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provide a flavorful base and aromatic foundation for the stew.
Vegetables:
  • Carrots, Potatoes, Frozen Peas: Add nutritional value, texture, and color to the hearty stew.
Liquid Base:
  • Chicken Broth, Water: Create the liquid foundation and help develop the stew's rich flavor.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Thyme, Rosemary, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile and add depth to the stew.
Additional Flavor Enhancers:
  • Tomato Paste: Adds richness and a slight tangy undertone to the stew.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and provides a smooth cooking base.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Thyme, Parsley: Provide a fresh, bright finish to the stew.
Serving Suggestion:
  • Crusty Bread: Perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious stew.

Step-by-Step Guide to Chicken and Veggie Stew

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet flavor.

Add minced garlic and stir, letting the kitchen fill with a mouthwatering aroma that signals something delicious is cooking.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

Add the following ingredients to the pot:
  • Chopped carrots
  • Diced potatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Water

Stir in tomato paste, fresh thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently. Allow the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld together, which takes about 20 minutes.

Step 3: Complete the Stew

Fold in shredded chicken and frozen peas. Continue simmering for an additional 5-10 minutes, ensuring everything is thoroughly heated and beautifully combined.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming stew into warm bowls. Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up every last drop of this comforting meal.

Pro Advice for a Flavor-Packed Stew

  • Roast vegetables before adding to stew for enhanced caramelized taste and richer overall profile.
  • Use rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for more tender and flavorful meat compared to boiled chicken.
  • Add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water to create a thicker, more luxurious stew consistency if desired.
  • This stew tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and let flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or use gluten-free broth for alternative diet requirements.

Variations to Keep It Interesting

  • Vegetarian Veggie Stew: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth for a plant-based version. Add extra protein-rich legumes like chickpeas or white beans.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Swap thyme and rosemary for oregano and basil. Include kalamata olives and swap potatoes for zucchini to create a Greek-inspired stew.
  • Spicy Southwest Transformation: Incorporate diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder. Use corn instead of peas and add black beans for a Tex-Mex style stew.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets. Reduce overall liquid and add cream for a richer texture. Include more protein-dense chicken for keto-friendly option.

Serving Suggestions for Your Stew

  • Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Côtes du Rhône or Pinot Noir that complements the stew's hearty flavors, cutting through the richness while enhancing the herb-infused chicken.
  • Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Choose a thick-cut, artisan sourdough to soak up the savory broth, providing a tangy contrast and delightful textural balance to the tender chicken and vegetables.
  • Complement with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed herbs like parsley, dill, and chives, dressed in a light vinaigrette to provide a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the warm, comforting stew.

How to Store and Reheat

  • Transfer leftover stew to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

  • What type of chicken works best for this stew?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken are perfect. They shred easily and provide tender, flavorful meat that blends well with the vegetables.

  • Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through.

  • Is this stew healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with lean protein from chicken and loads of nutritious vegetables like carrots and potatoes. The herbs add flavor without extra calories, making it a balanced, wholesome meal.

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Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Stew Recipe

Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Stew Recipe


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4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Rustic Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew warms winter nights with its rich, comforting blend of tender chicken and seasonal vegetables. Simmered slowly with aromatic herbs, this classic dish brings farmhouse charm to your dinner table and satisfies hungry souls.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded

Vegetables:

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes, cubed
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Liquid and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Ignite a large pot over medium heat, drizzling olive oil to create a sizzling base. Gently introduce chopped onions, coaxing them to a translucent softness within 5 minutes. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for an additional minute.
  2. Cascade carrots and potatoes into the pot, followed by a generous pour of chicken broth and water. Whisk in tomato paste, creating a rich foundation. Sprinkle thyme and rosemary, then season with salt and pepper. Elevate the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables surrender their firmness.
  3. Incorporate shredded chicken and frozen peas, allowing them to meld and warm through for 5-10 minutes. The stew should develop a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
  4. Transfer the steaming stew into serving bowls, crowning each portion with delicate fresh thyme or parsley. Accompany with a rustic, crusty bread to soak up the robust, comforting liquid.

Notes

  • Customize the veggies based on seasonal availability or personal preference for maximum flavor variety.
  • Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken to save time and add extra depth to the stew.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure your broth is certified gluten-free and skip any potential wheat-based thickeners.
  • Keep the stew’s consistency flexible by adding more broth if you prefer a soupier texture or reducing liquid for a thicker stew.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 267 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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