When the weather turns chilly or you’re craving something warm and comforting, a homemade stew is always a winner. Our Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew recipe delivers a perfect blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory herbs simmered to perfection.
This dish fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and offers a nutrient-packed meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this stew is made to be easy, delicious, and nourishing.
With a rich broth and a medley of colorful vegetables, each spoonful offers a balance of flavors and textures that will warm you from the inside out. Plus, it’s wonderfully versatile—you can customize it with your favorite veggies or spices.
Ready to learn how to make this comfort-food classic? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew stands out because it’s:
- Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from chicken and vitamins from a variety of fresh vegetables.
- Simple: Uses common pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Comforting: Slow simmering melds flavors beautifully for a rich and cozy meal.
- Flexible: Easily adaptable to what you have on hand or dietary preferences.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Tastes even better the next day, making leftovers a treat.
For those interested in expanding their recipe collection, you might also enjoy our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or the Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade to accompany your stew perfectly.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | 1.5 pounds (about 6 thighs) | Can substitute with chicken breasts |
Carrots | 3 medium, peeled and sliced | |
Celery stalks | 2, diced | |
Yellow onion | 1 large, diced | |
Russet potatoes | 2 medium, peeled and cubed | Yukon gold can be used |
Garlic cloves | 4, minced | |
Frozen peas | 1 cup | Added near end of cooking |
Chicken broth | 6 cups | Low sodium preferred |
Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | For depth of flavor |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | |
Fresh thyme | 3 sprigs | Or 1 teaspoon dried thyme |
Bay leaves | 2 | |
Salt | To taste | |
Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground |
Fresh parsley | For garnish | Chopped |
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Bowl for prepping vegetables
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook another 1 minute.
- Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste, cooking it out for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Deglaze and add broth: Pour in about 1 cup of chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits. Add the remaining broth, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs. Stir well.
- Return chicken and add potatoes: Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the pot and add the cubed potatoes.
- Simmer the stew: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
- Add peas and adjust seasoning: Stir in the frozen peas and cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Finish and serve: Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine when deglazing the pot in step 5. It adds a subtle acidity that brightens the stew beautifully.”
You can swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender during slow cooking. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or green beans depending on what’s in season.
If you want a thicker stew, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 5 minutes of cooking. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free broth and skip any flour-based thickeners.
Looking for more hearty meal ideas? Check out our Baked Chicken Thigh with Vegetable Recipes for Easy Dinner or the Shrimp and Veggie Pasta Recipe for a Quick Healthy Meal for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 35 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sodium | 680 mg |
Vitamin A | 120% DV |
Vitamin C | 25% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This stew is hearty and filling enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with warm, crusty bread or a light salad can elevate your meal. A fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.
For a twist, try serving it alongside some homemade flatbread or tortillas. If you want to keep things plant-forward on the side, explore the Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious for a delicious complement.
Conclusion
Our Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew is a true comfort classic that balances rich flavors with wholesome ingredients. It’s a versatile, one-pot meal that fits perfectly into busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory broth creates a satisfying dish that nurtures both body and soul.
Whether you’re new to cooking stews or a seasoned chef, this recipe is approachable and delivers consistent results every time. Don’t forget to explore our other comforting recipes like the Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor for more inspiration in your kitchen.
Happy cooking and enjoy every hearty, delicious bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew
Description: A comforting stew packed with tender chicken and a variety of fresh vegetables. Perfect for a wholesome family meal on a chilly day.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT65M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add chicken chunks and brown on all sides.
- Stir in carrots, celery, and potatoes.
- Pour in chicken broth and add thyme and rosemary.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add green beans and cook for another 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 20 g
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