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- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, skinless and boneless, cut into chunks - 3 medium carrots, sliced - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 1 onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried) - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste These main ingredients create a hearty stew. The chicken thighs give a rich flavor. The carrots and potatoes add sweetness and texture. Onions and garlic bring depth to the dish. You will love how they blend together. - 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickness) - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Cornstarch helps thicken your stew if you like it that way. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh taste. You can skip these if you want a simpler dish. A serving of this classic chicken stew has about: - Calories: 350 - Protein: 28g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fat: 12g This stew is filling and tasty. It packs a good amount of protein and carbs. Enjoying a bowl of this stew will warm your body and soul. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You need chicken thighs, carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, frozen peas, olive oil, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. If you want a thicker stew, grab cornstarch. Also, have fresh parsley for garnish. 1. First, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion turns soft, about 4-5 minutes. 2. Next, add the chicken pieces. Cook them until they are brown on all sides, which takes about 5-7 minutes. 3. Now, stir in the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Let them cook for 3 minutes to mix the flavors. 4. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring this mix to a gentle boil. 5. Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. If you want a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a bit of water. Stir this slurry into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Add the frozen peas in the last 5 minutes. Stir until they are hot. Finally, remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley for a nice look. To make a great chicken stew, use skinless and boneless chicken thighs. They cook well and stay juicy. Sauté the onions and garlic first to build flavor. Use fresh thyme when you can; it adds a nice taste. Always taste the broth before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Let it simmer gently for the best results. Simmering helps all the flavors mix well. One big mistake is cooking on too high heat. This can dry out the chicken. Don't skip the bay leaf; it adds depth. Forgetting to stir often can lead to sticking at the bottom. Overcooking the vegetables makes them mushy. Also, avoid adding peas too early; they need only a few minutes to heat. Lastly, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving! Serve the stew hot in deep bowls. A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look nice. You can pair it with crusty bread or rice. This adds texture and helps soak up the broth. For a fun twist, offer some grated cheese on the side. It melts nicely and adds flavor. Enjoy your comforting bowl of chicken stew! Pro Tips Use Bone-In Chicken: For a richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs. The bones add depth to the broth as they simmer. Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and chicken the night before to save time on busy days. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the pot after browning the chicken and let it reduce for a few minutes before adding the broth. Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano to customize the flavor profile of your stew. {{image_2}} You can change the stew with seasonal veggies. Spring brings fresh peas and asparagus. Summer offers zucchini and bell peppers. Fall gives you squash and sweet potatoes. Winter is great for root veggies like parsnips and turnips. Just chop them to match your stew's cooking time. This adds color and nutrients. Using a slow cooker makes this dish even easier. Start by browning the chicken, onion, and garlic in a pan. Then, add everything to the slow cooker. Include the broth, veggies, and spices. Set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method deepens flavors and makes the chicken very tender. Chicken isn't the only option. You can use turkey thighs for a lighter stew. Beef chunks also work well for a heartier dish. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or lentils. Just adjust cooking times to ensure everything is tender. Each protein brings its own unique flavor to the stew. To keep your chicken stew fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you’re ready to enjoy your stew again, heat it on the stove. Pour it into a pot and warm it over medium heat. Stir it often to warm it evenly. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze, use containers or freezer bags. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For a quicker method, you can place it in cold water. Avoid refreezing after it has thawed to keep the best flavor and texture. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. It adds more flavor to the stew. Just be sure to cook it longer. Bone-in pieces take extra time to become tender. After cooking, remove the bones before serving. This way, you'll have a nice, smooth stew. You can thicken chicken stew by mashing some of the potatoes. As they cook, they break down and thicken the broth. Another option is to add more vegetables like carrots or peas. They help add body to the stew. You can also let the stew simmer longer. This reduces the liquid, making it thicker. Chicken stew pairs well with crusty bread. A warm loaf helps soak up the tasty broth. You can also serve it with a simple salad. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. Rice or mashed potatoes are great sides too. They complement the stew's flavors and textures. This blog post covered how to make a tasty chicken stew. We explored key ingredients and optional ones for added flavor. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and valuable tips to avoid common mistakes. We also discussed variations to keep things interesting and how to store leftovers properly. In closing, enjoy making chicken stew your way. It's simple, fun, and delicious!

Hearty Classic Chicken Stew

A comforting and hearty chicken stew filled with vegetables and rich flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, skinless and boneless, cut into chunks
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickness)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the sliced carrots and diced potatoes, cooking for an additional 3 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the stew to a gentle boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking to achieve desired thickness.
  • Add the frozen peas in the last 5 minutes and stir until heated through.
  • Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for an extra visual touch.

Notes

Optional cornstarch can be used for thickness.
Keyword chicken stew, comfort food, hearty