Old Fashioned Chicken Stew

If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table, this Old Fashioned Chicken Stew is the perfect solution. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this stew offers a wholesome and delicious meal that brings back memories of classic home-cooked comfort food. The creamy texture, combined with the savory broth, makes every spoonful a delightful experience. Ideal for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting meal after a long day, this chicken stew is a must-try.

The beauty of this stew lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a hearty and flavorful dish that feels like it’s been simmering for hours. The rich flavors of chicken, vegetables, and herbs blend together in a warm broth, creating a dish that’s both filling and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding your family or preparing a cozy dinner for yourself, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Filling

Packed with chicken, potatoes, carrots, and celery, this stew is not only delicious but also very filling, making it perfect for a hearty meal.

2. Simple Ingredients

The recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients, yet the result is a flavorful, comforting stew that tastes like it came from your grandmother’s kitchen.

3. Easy to Make

With just a few straightforward steps, you can prepare this stew without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

4. Perfect for Leftovers

This stew tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal meal for meal prep or leftovers that improve with time.

5. Customizable

Feel free to experiment by adding other vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste, making this stew versatile and adaptable to your preferences.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Yellow onion, peeled and diced
• Minced garlic
• Carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
• Celery ribs, trimmed and sliced
• Red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into bite-sized chunks
• Chicken broth
• Ground sage
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary
• Whole bay leaves
• Cold water
• Cornstarch
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables, such as mushrooms or butternut squash, for a vegetarian alternative.
• Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy twist to the classic stew.
• Use Different Potatoes: You can swap red potatoes with Yukon Gold potatoes or sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
• Add Greens: Stir in some spinach or kale for an extra dose of greens and nutrition.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool before shredding into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 3: Add Broth and Herbs

Pour in the chicken broth and add the sage, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 4: Thicken the Stew

In a small bowl, mix the cold water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the stew while stirring to prevent clumping. Allow the stew to simmer for another 5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Shred and Add the Chicken

Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot. Stir everything together and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the flavors fully combine.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the bay leaves from the stew and discard them. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken stew!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Shred the Chicken: Shredding the chicken allows it to absorb more of the stew’s flavors, making every bite more flavorful.
• Simmer the Stew: Letting the stew simmer for longer enhances the flavor, so feel free to simmer it for a bit longer if you have time.
• Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, add more cornstarch slurry, or if you like it thinner, add more broth.
• Control the Salt: Taste the stew before adding additional salt, as the chicken broth can be quite salty.

How to Serve

This Old Fashioned Chicken Stew is perfect when served with a side of crusty bread or warm rolls for dipping. A simple green salad would also pair beautifully to balance the hearty stew.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little more broth if needed to adjust the consistency.

Freezing

This stew freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the stew on the stove over low heat. If it has thickened too much in the fridge, simply add a bit of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Frozen vegetables can work, but the texture might be slightly different. Fresh is best for this stew.

3. How do I know when the potatoes are done?

The potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork.

4. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this stew on low in a slow cooker for 6-7 hours. Add the cornstarch slurry towards the end of the cooking time to thicken the stew.

5. How can I make this stew spicier?

To add some heat, consider adding cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce.

6. Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, this stew stores well and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld.

7. Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can substitute red potatoes with Yukon Gold or any other waxy potato.

8. How can I make this stew richer?

For a creamier stew, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking.

9. Can I add more vegetables to the stew?

Absolutely! You can add peas, parsnips, or other root vegetables for more variety.

10. Can I use homemade chicken broth?

Homemade chicken broth can be used, and it will add an extra layer of depth to the stew’s flavor.

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Chicken Stew is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family meals or cozy nights at home. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for dinner tonight or storing it for later, this stew promises to warm your heart and fill your stomach with goodness.

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