Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew

A cozy, nourishing one-pot stew loaded with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a rich broth. This recipe is comforting, wholesome, and perfect for chilly days or meal prep. It’s thick, satisfying, and naturally healthy—everything you want in a classic homemade stew.


🥕 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Chicken

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt & black pepper

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp garlic powder or 3 fresh cloves, minced

Vegetables

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 3 carrots, chopped

  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

  • 2 potatoes, peeled & cubed (optional but traditional)

  • 1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)

  • 1 zucchini, chopped (optional)

  • 1 cup peas (frozen)

Broth & Seasoning

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 bay leaf

  • ½ tsp rosemary

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • Optional: 1–2 tbsp fresh parsley

  • Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness


🔥 Instructions

1. Sear the chicken

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

  • Add chicken pieces, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, thyme, and oregano.

  • Cook 5–7 minutes until lightly browned (not fully cooked).

  • Remove chicken and set aside.

2. Sauté the vegetables

  • In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery.

  • Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.

  • Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen flavor.

3. Build the stew

  • Add potatoes, green beans, zucchini (if using), peas, and the browned chicken.

  • Pour in the chicken broth.

  • Add bay leaf and rosemary.

4. Simmer

  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 25–35 minutes.

  • When the vegetables are soft and the chicken is tender, the stew is ready.

5. Finish

  • Taste and adjust seasoning.

  • Add fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

  • Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.


🌿 Tips

  • For a thicker stew: mash a few potatoes or stir in 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with water.

  • For extra protein: use chicken thighs—they stay more tender.

  • For low-carb: omit potatoes and use more zucchini or cauliflower.


Q/A Section

Q1: Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes—add everything except peas and cook on Low 6–7 hours or High 3–4 hours. Add peas in the last 20 minutes.


Q2: Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes—add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t dry out.


Q3: Can I freeze this stew?

Absolutely! It freezes well for up to 3 months.
Let cool fully before storing.


Q4: How can I make this creamy?

Add:

  • ½ cup milk,

  • or ¼ cup cream,

  • or 2 tbsp cream cheese.
    (Do this at the end.)


Q5: Can I add grains?

Yes—add ½ cup cooked barley, quinoa, or brown rice right before serving.

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