Indulge in the comforting warmth of a classic chicken stew. This dish combines tender chicken pieces with vibrant vegetables, simmered in a rich broth that brings out the best flavors. Ideal for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings, this stew is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the ingredients and cooking process that make this chicken stew a delightful choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 45 minutes, making it a total of 1 hour for a delicious homemade stew.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (about 1 cup) of chicken stew contains approximately:
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Fat: 15g
– Fiber: 3g
This nutritional information is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
5. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
6. Push vegetables to the side and add chicken to the pot.
7. Brown chicken for about 5 minutes on each side.
8. Pour in chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients.
9. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
10. Simmer for 30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
11. Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
12. Adjust seasoning if necessary and garnish with parsley.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option. Additionally, you can mix in other vegetables like potatoes or green beans based on your preference. Herbs can also be adjusted to suit your taste.
Serving and Pairings
Chicken stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or over egg noodles.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the consistency.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry.
– Don’t skip the browning step; it adds flavor to the stew.
– Use fresh herbs for better flavor, avoid dried if possible.
– Ensure you have enough broth; too little can lead to a dry stew.
– Adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process, don’t wait until the end.
– Let the stew simmer gently; boiling can break down the chicken too much.
Helpful Tips
– Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
– For added richness, stir in a splash of cream before serving.
– Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
– Allow the stew to sit for a while; flavors develop beautifully over time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it beforehand for even cooking. If using frozen, increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes.
How can I make this stew thicker?
To thicken your stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew. Allow it to simmer until thickened.
Is it possible to make chicken stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Simply add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for tender results.
What vegetables can I add to chicken stew?
You can add vegetables like potatoes, green beans, peas, or corn. Feel free to experiment based on your preferences and what’s in season.
Can I make chicken stew ahead of time?
Yes, chicken stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It often tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
Conclusion
This chicken stew recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a comforting meal perfect for any day of the week. With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, it’s bound to become a staple in your home. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction that comes with every bowl!
Chicken Stew
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs boneless and skinless
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
- Push vegetables to the side and add chicken to the pot.
- Brown chicken for about 5 minutes on each side.
- Pour in chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer for 30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary and garnish with parsley.
