Chicken Stew Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a big bowl of Hearty Chicken Stew—packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a luscious, savory sauce that just begs for a hunk of crusty bread. This recipe is my go-to whenever I want something soul-warming and truly satisfying, but still bright with fresh flavor and color.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s no need for complicated ingredients—just the basics that make a truly unforgettable Hearty Chicken Stew. Each item brings its own unique twist, from depth of flavor to gorgeous color and texture. Let’s break down what you need and why it matters.

• Olive Oil: Just a bit adds richness and helps all those flavors start singing as you brown the bacon and chicken.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs stay juicy and tender after simmering, making them the best pick for stew with irresistible flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: A little seasoning at the right times stacks up flavor in every element of your stew.
• Garlic & Onion: The classic flavor combo—garlic brings warmth and depth, onion adds sweetness and subtle bite.
• Carrots & Celery: These add sweet-earthy crunch and a hit of color, soaking up the savory broth as they cook.
• Flour: Tossed in to thicken things—no watery stew here, just a lush, hearty gravy that coats every bite.
• Beef or Chicken Stock: Beef stock offers a deep, robust base, but chicken stock works too for a lighter finish.
• Crushed Tomatoes: They bring tang, richness, and that beautiful deep red hue.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash adds savory-sweet depth and irresistible umami.
• Dried Thyme & Bay Leaves: These dried herbs offer fragrance and complexity in every spoonful.
• Baby Potatoes: Halved potatoes become buttery and tender, soaking up all those stew juices.
• Mushrooms: Their earthy flavor and meaty texture are divine as the stew simmers away.
• Green Beans: Added at the end, they keep their snap and bring a pop of color and freshness.

Variations

The magic of Hearty Chicken Stew is how customizable it can be to your mood or pantry—so don’t be afraid to get creative! Whether you want to mix up protein, vegetables, or even add a little global twist, you’ll find this recipe endlessly adaptable.

• Swap the Protein: Try making it with bone-in chicken, turkey, or even lean pork for a new take on comfort.
• Bump Up the Veggies: Stir in peas, sweet corn, or chopped kale during the last few minutes for extra nutrition and a burst of green.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend or a cornstarch slurry for thickening to suit your dietary needs.
• Add a Splash of Wine or Guinness: For a richer, more robust flavor, a dry red wine or dark stout works beautifully—just let it cook off before continuing with the stew.

How to Make Hearty Chicken Stew

Step 1: Brown the Chicken and Bacon

Start by heating your olive oil in a big, heavy-based casserole pot over high heat. Toss in the bacon first and let it sizzle until the fat renders and it’s gorgeously golden. Add the chicken, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and sear it on all sides until it develops a lovely golden-brown crust—this step really dials up the flavor foundation of your stew.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics & Vegetables

Drop in your minced garlic and sliced onion, giving everything a quick toss for about a minute until you can smell that classic, savory aroma. Next, stir in the carrots and celery. Let them cook for 2 minutes, which brings out their sweetness and gets those flavors mingling.

Step 3: Add the Flour and Broth

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mix and stir well—this will help thicken the stew and give it that craveable, velvety texture. Slowly pour in about half of your beef broth, stirring as you go to avoid lumps, then add the rest once it’s smooth. All that goodness is about to simmer into something magical.

Step 4: Simmer and Add the Rest

Now pour in the crushed tomatoes, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, and an extra hit of salt and pepper. Stir in the halved baby potatoes, pop a lid on, and let everything gently simmer for around 30 minutes. This gives the flavors plenty of time to deepen and infuse into every bite.

Step 5: Add Mushrooms and Green Beans

Remove the lid and toss in the mushrooms and green beans. Simmer uncovered now—this is the secret to allowing the sauce to thicken up just the right amount. The mushrooms add umami and heartiness, while the green beans stay gloriously crisp-tender after just 10 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle your Hearty Chicken Stew into deep bowls and serve it with hunks of rustic bread and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The combination of melt-in-your-mouth chicken, silky potatoes, and savory vegetables is pure edible joy.

How to Serve Hearty Chicken Stew

Garnishes

Hearty Chicken Stew is even more inviting when topped with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A touch of cracked black pepper or a light sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese over each bowl brings an extra savory finish that complements every spoonful.

Side Dishes

This stew truly shines alongside crusty bread—think baguette, sourdough, or a warm dinner roll for dipping into that gorgeous sauce. If you’re feeling extra cozy, pair with a simple green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette, or even fluffy mashed potatoes for double comfort points.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Hearty Chicken Stew in individual bread bowls for a rustic dinner-party touch, or ladle it into deep mugs for an easy, casual gathering. For a family-style centerpiece, place your steaming pot straight on the table and let everyone help themselves—the aroma alone will have everyone racing for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your stew to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container—it will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if the leftovers taste even more magical the next day.

Freezing

Hearty Chicken Stew is freezer-friendly! Divide into individual portions or store as a family-sized batch, leaving a little headspace in your containers for expansion. Once frozen, it’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months—just defrost in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the stew has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover and stir halfway through to ensure even warmth, and enjoy your Hearty Chicken Stew as if it were freshly made.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope this Hearty Chicken Stew brings just as much comfort and joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table with a bowl of this rustic, flavor-packed classic—don’t wait to try it, and share it with someone you love!

Print