Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Stew Recipe

Easy Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Stew Recipe For Cozy Nights

Comfort wraps around you like a warm blanket in this delicious chicken and vegetable stew that promises pure satisfaction.

Every spoonful tells a story of rich, slow-simmered flavors melding together perfectly.

Chunky vegetables and tender chicken create a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Seasonal ingredients bring depth and soul to this classic one-pot wonder.

Hearty and nourishing, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Cozy nights call for something special, and this stew delivers exactly what you need.

Grab a ladle and savor the magic waiting in your kitchen.

What Makes This Chicken Vegetable Stew So Hearty

  • Nourish with Hearty Comfort: Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and rich herbs, this stew delivers pure comfort in every spoonful, perfect for warming up from the inside out.
  • Simplify Cooking Prep: Uses basic ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels without complicated steps or fancy equipment.
  • Create Family-Friendly Meal: Offers balanced nutrition with protein, vegetables, and wholesome ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a satisfying dinner.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions, letting you adapt the stew based on what's in your pantry or personal taste preferences.

What Goes Into Chicken and Veggie Stew

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: A hearty protein that provides substance and flavor to the stew.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, savory base for the entire dish.
  • Potatoes: Adds thickness and provides a comforting starchiness to the stew.
  • Carrots: Brings a sweet, earthy flavor and bright color to the dish.
For the Aromatic Ingredients:
  • Onion, Garlic: These classic aromatics build a deep, foundational flavor profile for the stew.
For the Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Thyme, Rosemary: Fresh herbs that add a fragrant and slightly woodsy note to the stew.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Tomato Paste: Adds depth and a subtle tangy richness to the stew.
For the Additional Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and adding a smooth base.
  • Frozen Peas: Provides a pop of color and a sweet, tender element to the stew.
  • Water: Helps to adjust the consistency of the stew.
For the Garnish:
  • Fresh Thyme, Parsley: Optional herbs that add a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

Instructions for a Cozy Chicken Veggie Stew

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Build Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in finely chopped onions and let them dance around the pan until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Drop in minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute, filling your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 2: Create the Stew Base

Add these ingredients to the pot:
  • Chopped carrots
  • Diced potatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Water
  • Tomato paste
  • Fresh thyme
  • Rosemary
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently.

Allow the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld together, which takes around 20 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Protein and Final Touch

Introduce shredded chicken and frozen peas into the simmering pot.

Let everything bubble together for 5-10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through and the peas are warmed and bright.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming stew into warm bowls.

Sprinkle fresh thyme or chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve alongside crusty, rustic bread to soak up all the delicious broth.

Tips to Enhance Chicken and Vegetable Stew

  • Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the stew's hearty texture and rich flavor profile.
  • Enhance meal prep by chopping vegetables in advance and storing them in airtight containers for quick weeknight cooking.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling salt added during cooking process.
  • Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or spinach for increased vitamins and minerals.
  • Freeze leftover stew in portion-sized containers for convenient future meals that reheat perfectly within 3-4 days.

Tasty Twists on Traditional Chicken Stew

  • Vegetarian Stew: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein chunks. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
  • Spicy Mexican Variation: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder. Top with cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Creamy Herb Adaptation: Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking. Increase herb quantity and add fresh dill for a richer, more luxurious texture.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets. Use fewer root vegetables and add extra low-carb vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to maintain volume and nutrition.

What to Pair with Chicken Vegetable Stew

  • Elevate Rustic Warmth: Pair this hearty chicken and vegetable stew with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir, which complements the rich flavors without overpowering the delicate chicken.
  • Bread Companion: Choose a crusty sourdough or rustic country bread to soak up the savory broth, enhancing the stew's comforting texture and adding a delightful crunch.
  • Herbaceous Side Salad: Create a light green salad with fresh arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to cut through the stew's richness and provide a fresh, zesty contrast.
  • Bright Beverage Balance: Select a crisp hard apple cider to match the stew's hearty profile, offering a slightly sweet and tangy counterpoint that refreshes the palate between bites.

How to Store Leftover Chicken and Veggie Stew

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the stew stays fresh and flavorful.
  • Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
  • Pour stew into a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in this Chicken and Vegetable Stew?

The key ingredients include chicken, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and frozen peas. These create a hearty and nutritious one-pot meal.

  • Is this stew healthy?

Yes, it’s a nutritious dish packed with lean protein from chicken, various vegetables providing essential vitamins and minerals, and herbs that add flavor without extra calories. It’s a balanced, wholesome meal.

  • Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! This stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop and meld together. You can prepare it in advance and reheat gently before serving.

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken work great.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Stew Recipe

Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Stew Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew delivers warm, soul-nourishing flavors perfect for chilly evenings. Packed with tender chicken, fresh seasonal vegetables, and rich broth, this classic dish promises pure satisfaction for your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (450 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

Seasonings and Liquids:

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

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature. Sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic.
  2. Introduce chopped carrots and cubed potatoes into the pot. Pour chicken broth and water, then incorporate tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Elevate heat to create a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 18-22 minutes until root vegetables become tender.
  3. Incorporate shredded chicken and frozen green peas into the simmering stew. Continue cooking for an additional 7-8 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to reach uniform warmth.
  4. Remove pot from heat. Transfer the steaming stew into serving bowls, creating a rustic presentation. Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley leaves for an elegant touch. Accompany with crusty artisan bread to complete the hearty meal.

Notes

  • Customize vegetable choices by using seasonal or leftover produce to reduce food waste and add variety to the stew.
  • Create a gluten-free version by ensuring chicken broth is certified gluten-free and avoiding potential cross-contamination during preparation.
  • Boost protein content by adding white beans or lentils for a more nutritious and filling meal, especially for vegetarian adaptations.
  • Enhance flavor depth by using homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought, which provides richer taste and more nutrients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star