How to Make Delicious Chicken Stew at Home: A Comfort Food Guide

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today I’m super excited to share my absolute favorite comfort food recipe: homemade chicken stew. When the weather turns chilly or I’m just having one of those days, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm bowl of hearty chicken stew. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, and trust me, it’s worth every minute spent in the kitchen.

Why Chicken Stew Is My Go-To Comfort Meal

January tends to be frigid and grey where I live, and honestly, the only way I know how to revive myself is by making comfort foods one after another This old-fashioned chicken stew is seriously one of the coziest dishes you’ll ever make It’s loaded with veggies like carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and tender shredded chicken, all swimming in this gorgeous, flavorful broth.

Depending on your definition of healthy (I tend to have a very loose one!), it could even be considered good for you. But most importantly, this chicken stew is just the thing you want to come home to on a blustery winter night.

What You’ll Need for Amazing Chicken Stew

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious chicken stew that serves about 6-8 people:

Ingredients:

For the chicken and base

• 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (or 4 pounds bone-in chicken pieces)
• Salt and black pepper for seasoning
• 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, peeled and diced
• 2-3 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2-3 cloves)

For the vegetables

• 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1½ pounds baby potatoes (red potatoes work great), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks (optional but adds great flavor)

For the broth and flavoring:

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric (optional for color and health benefits)
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped (optional)
• 4 bay leaves

For thickening (choose one):

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• OR 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup cold water
• OR 1 cup heavy cream for a creamier version

For garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Stew

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat your chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through.
4. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it cool slightly before shredding with two forks.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

1. In the same pot with all those yummy chicken drippings, add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
2. Add the diced onion, chopped celery, and garlic. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until everything is softened and smells amazing.
3. If you’re using ginger and turmeric, add them now and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build Your Stew

1. If using flour for thickening, sprinkle it over the vegetables now and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (that’s flavor gold!).
3. Add your potatoes, carrots, and parsnips if using.
4. Season with sage, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
5. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and bring everything to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

1. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
2. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
3. If using cornstarch for thickening, mix it with cold water until dissolved, then stir into the stew and cook for an additional 10 minutes until thickened.
4. If using heavy cream instead, stir it in now and simmer gently for 5 more minutes.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
2. Remove the bay leaves before serving (nobody wants to bite into those!).
3. Ladle the hot stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
4. Serve with crusty bread or fresh biscuits for the ultimate comfort food experience.

My Personal Tips for the Best Chicken Stew

After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really take it to the next level:

Chicken Options

While I love using boneless skinless chicken breasts for convenience, bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces give the stew tons more flavor. You can use any combination of thighs, legs, and breasts, as long as you have about 4 pounds total. Just remember to remove the skin and bones before serving!

Another easy option is using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just shred the meat and add it towards the end of cooking time since it’s already cooked.

Herb Variations

If you’ve got fresh herbs on hand, definitely use them! You’ll want to increase the amount to about 1 tablespoon each of fresh herbs compared to the dried amounts in the recipe.

Make It Creamier

I sometimes like to make a more indulgent version by adding 1 cup of heavy cream instead of using cornstarch for thickening. It makes the stew richer and more velvety – perfect for special occasions!

Make-Ahead Magic

One of the best things about this stew is that it actually tastes even better the next day! You can make it up to 24 hours ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through. The flavors have more time to meld together, creating an even more delicious meal.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Chicken stew is absolutely fantastic for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: This stew freezes beautifully! I love making a big batch and freezing portions for future meals. You can even freeze it in single portion containers for a quick meal for one. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating over low heat on the stove.

Common Questions About Chicken Stew

Can I use a slow cooker instead?

Absolutely! Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.

Can I add other vegetables?

For sure! This recipe is super versatile. Feel free to add green beans, corn, peas, or whatever veggies you have on hand. Just add quicker-cooking vegetables like peas in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.

What if my stew is too thin?

If your stew isn’t thick enough for your liking, you can always mix a little more cornstarch with cold water and stir it in. Just remember to let it simmer for a few minutes afterward to activate the thickening power.

What if my stew is too thick?

Simply add a bit more chicken broth or even water until you reach your desired consistency.

Why My Chicken Stew Recipe Is Special

What makes this chicken stew recipe stand out is the perfect balance of flavors. The addition of ginger and turmeric gives it a unique depth that most traditional recipes don’t have. Plus, the option to make it creamy or brothy means you can adapt it to your own preference or mood.

I also love that this recipe is so forgiving. Had a rough day and accidentally overcooked the carrots? No problem – they’ll just be extra tender! Forgot to add the herbs at the right time? Throw them in later – it’ll still be delicious!

Perfect Pairings for Chicken Stew

While this stew is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, I love serving it with:

• Fresh baked buttermilk biscuits
• Crusty French bread
• A simple green salad
• Garlic bread
• Cornbread

Wrapping It Up

There’s something magical about a pot of chicken stew simmering on the stove that just makes a house feel like home. The rich aroma fills every corner, promising comfort and satisfaction with each spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for a busy week, or just treating yourself to some comfort food, this chicken stew recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Stay warm and happy cooking!

P.S. Don’t forget to save some for leftovers – this stew tastes even better the next day after all those flavors have had time to get friendly with each other!