Old Fashioned Chicken Stew

Old Fashioned Chicken Stew is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, savory vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a rich broth. This traditional recipe has been passed down through generations, offering a perfect balance of flavors that makes it ideal for cozy family dinners or chilly evenings. With its blend of chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, and seasonings, this stew is a satisfying and nourishing meal that can easily become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Hearty

This chicken stew is the epitome of comfort food. The tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth combine to make a warming meal that’s perfect for colder months.

2. Simple Ingredients

With everyday ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and basic seasonings, this recipe doesn’t require any special trips to the grocery store. It’s a dish that’s easy to make with what you likely already have in your kitchen.

3. Family-Friendly

Kids and adults alike will love this stew. It’s mild, flavorful, and has a satisfying texture, making it perfect for family dinners.

4. Full of Flavor

The combination of herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage, along with garlic and onions, adds a depth of flavor that elevates this simple dish to something truly special.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This chicken stew stores well, so you can make a large batch ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping.

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Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, peeled and diced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
• 4 celery ribs, trimmed and sliced
• 1 1/2 pounds red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into bite-sized chunks
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 4 whole bay leaves

For Thickening:

• 1/4 cup cold water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

For Garnish:

• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

Variations

• Add Other Vegetables: You can add other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for a different flavor and texture.
• Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a little heat in the stew.
• Creamy Version: For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half near the end of cooking.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine with the onions and garlic.

Step 5: Add Broth and Herbs

Pour in the chicken broth and add the ground sage, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6: Cook the Stew

Return the chicken breasts to the pot and simmer the stew for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

Step 7: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the stew and stir to combine.

Step 8: Thicken the Stew

In a small bowl, whisk together the cold water and cornstarch. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the stew, stirring constantly. Let the stew simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Remove the bay leaves and discard. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skip Browning the Chicken: Browning the chicken adds extra flavor to the stew, giving it a rich, savory base.
• Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thinner stew, skip the cornstarch or use less water. If you want a thicker stew, add more cornstarch slurry.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor even further. If you have fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage, feel free to use them in place of the dried herbs.
• Make it in a Slow Cooker: For a hands-off approach, you can make this stew in a slow cooker by following the same steps but cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

How to Serve

Serve this Old Fashioned Chicken Stew with a warm loaf of crusty bread or a side of dinner rolls for soaking up the delicious broth. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze this stew for up to 3 months. Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat the stew over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. If it has thickened too much after refrigerating or freezing, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.

2. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, follow the same steps but cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add more flavor to the stew.

4. How can I make this stew spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a diced jalapeño to increase the heat.

5. What can I substitute for the cornstarch?

You can use flour or arrowroot powder as a substitute for cornstarch.

6. Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like peas, corn, or parsnips for extra flavor and texture.

7. Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.

8. Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, this stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

9. Can I use homemade chicken broth?

Yes, homemade chicken broth will add even more flavor to this stew.

10. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Chicken Stew is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a rich, flavorful broth. This hearty stew is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or serving guests during colder weather. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a dish that will warm you up and satisfy your hunger. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adjust to your taste, whether you prefer it spicier or creamier. Enjoy a bowl of this classic stew today!

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