Cozy up with these easy chicken stew recipes packed with flavors that bring comfort and warmth on chilly days. This classic Chicken Stew is a timeless dish featuring tender chicken simmered with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs, creating a rich, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple, flexible, and perfect for satisfying your craving for wholesome comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Comforting: This Chicken Stew is packed with tender chicken and fresh veggies that create a filling, satisfying meal.
Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples and common fresh produce, this recipe is both accessible and budget-friendly.
Customizable Flavors: Easily tailor the stew with herbs, spices, or vegetables to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Perfect for Any Season: Enjoy this cozy dish during chilly weather or anytime you want a soothing, warm meal.
Great for Meal Prep: This stew stores and reheats beautifully, making it a go-to for leftovers or busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Chicken Stew plays a vital role, creating a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From tender chicken thighs to vibrant carrots and aromatic herbs, these essentials work together to bring the dish to life in your kitchen.

Chicken thighs: Choose bone-in, skinless thighs for tender, juicy meat that holds up well while simmering.
Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant orange color to the stew.
Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and earthy note that balances the flavors.
Yellow onions: Brings a mild sweetness and depth to the base of the stew.
Garlic cloves: Infuses the broth with an aromatic punch.
Potatoes: Creates a hearty, creamy texture that makes the stew filling and comforting.
Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
Fresh thyme: Enhances the stew with fragrant, herbaceous notes.
Bay leaves: Adds a subtle complexity to the broth’s flavor profile.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the best in every ingredient.

Variations for Chicken Stew

One of the best things about Chicken Stew is how easily you can adapt it. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, spices, or even proteins to make this recipe your own without heaps of effort.

Spicy twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
Herb swap: Use rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different aromatic profile.
Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with hearty mushrooms or tofu and vegetable broth.
Thicker stew: Stir in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch slurry to achieve a richer consistency.
Root vegetable medley: Include parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for added sweetness and depth.

Easy Chicken Stew Recipes to Warm You Up

How to Make Chicken Stew

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by peeling and chopping your carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and set your fresh herbs aside to ensure everything is ready to go when cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add a bit of oil, and sear the chicken thighs on both sides until golden brown. This step locks in flavor and gives the stew a delicious depth from the browned bits.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics

Remove the chicken temporarily and sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in the same pot until softened. This melds their flavors and builds the savory foundation for the stew.

Step 4: Add Broth and Herbs

Return the chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Toss in the bay leaves and fresh thyme. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.

Step 5: Incorporate Potatoes and Simmer

Add the chopped potatoes, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is falling apart easily, about 25-30 minutes.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve warm, letting the rich flavors and cozy goodness shine in every bite.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Stew

Use bone-in chicken: It adds extra flavor and richness to the broth as it cooks.
Don’t rush browning: Taking time to properly brown your chicken adds depth to the stew’s overall taste.
Low and slow simmer: Cook the stew gently to keep chicken tender and let flavors fully develop.
Fresh herbs matter: Add fresh thyme towards the end to preserve its bright, aromatic qualities.
Skim excess fat: Remove fat that rises to the surface for a cleaner, lighter stew.

How to Serve Chicken Stew

Garnishes

Top your Chicken Stew with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for a vibrant, fresh finish that brightens each serving.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside warm crusty bread, buttery mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad to complement the hearty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the stew in bread bowls for a rustic, fun presentation or ladle it over fluffy rice for a filling twist that soaks up every bit of savory broth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Chicken Stew in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

Freeze Chicken Stew in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming and keeping the chicken tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs are preferred for their richer flavor and tenderness during slow cooking; breasts can dry out if overcooked.

Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the chicken and sauté vegetables first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook low for 6-8 hours.

What can I use as a thickener if I want the stew thicker?

Mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it in towards the end of cooking to thicken the broth.

Can I prepare Chicken Stew in advance for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well in the fridge and flavors often improve overnight, making it ideal for meal prep and leftovers.

Are there any vegetarian alternatives for this chicken stew?

Yes! Replace chicken with mushrooms, tofu, or hearty root vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

This easy Chicken Stew recipe is a warm, satisfying dish that’s perfect for comforting chilly days or anytime you want a delicious meal with minimal fuss. Give it a try, customize it your way, and enjoy the cozy goodness that only a homemade Chicken Stew can bring.

Chicken Stew

Print Recipe

This classic Chicken Stew is a warm and hearty dish featuring tender bone-in, skinless chicken thighs simmered with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs. Perfect for chilly days, this stew combines a flavorful broth with carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and potatoes to create a comforting meal that’s simple to prepare and customizable to your taste.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs

Vegetables

3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped

Liquids & Broth

6 cups chicken broth

Herbs & Seasonings

3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1–2 tablespoons cooking oil (for browning)

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and chop the carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and set the fresh thyme aside, making sure all ingredients are ready before cooking.
Brown the Chicken: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add cooking oil. Sear the chicken thighs on both sides until golden brown, locking in flavor and creating a delicious base for the stew. Remove the chicken and set aside temporarily.
Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics: In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened, stirring occasionally, to meld their flavors and build the savory base for the stew.
Add Broth and Herbs: Return the chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Add the bay leaves and fresh thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so the flavors combine and the chicken cooks through.
Incorporate Potatoes and Simmer: Add the chopped potatoes to the pot, cover it, and allow the stew to simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken easily falls apart.
Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste. Serve the stew warm, garnished with fresh parsley or cracked black pepper if desired.

Notes

Use bone-in chicken thighs for richer flavor and juicier meat.
Don’t rush browning the chicken; it enhances the stew’s depth of flavor.
Simmer the stew gently on low heat for tender chicken and well-developed flavors.
Add fresh thyme towards the end to preserve its delicate aroma.
Skim off excess fat from the stew surface for a lighter dish.
For a thicker stew, stir in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking.
The stew stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 115 mg

Keywords: chicken stew, comfort food, hearty chicken recipe, easy chicken stew, bone-in chicken stew, chicken and vegetables stew