Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Stew Recipe

Try This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew Recipe Tonight

My grandmother’s cherished hearty chicken and vegetable stew recipe has been warming our family’s spirits for generations.

Memories of cozy winter evenings flood back with each savory spoonful.

Robust ingredients blend perfectly, creating a comforting meal that speaks directly to your soul.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among vibrant vegetables, promising deep, rich flavors in every bite.

Nutritious and satisfying, this stew delivers a complete meal packed with wholesome goodness.

Chunky vegetables and succulent meat combine to make a dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Come cook with me and experience the magic of this time-honored family classic.

Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew Overview

  • Comfort in a Bowl: A hearty one-pot meal that wraps you in warmth and deliciousness.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from chicken, mixed vegetables offering balanced nutrients, and a variety of herbs creating a healthy, satisfying dish.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Simple ingredients and crowd-pleasing flavors make this stew perfect for picky eaters and busy households, ensuring everyone enjoys a wholesome meal together.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal prep work, straightforward cooking steps, and versatile ingredients mean you can have a delectable dinner ready without complicated techniques or hard-to-find components.

Ingredients for Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean and tender protein that adds substance and heartiness to the stew.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: These aromatic ingredients form a flavor-rich base for the stew.
  • Carrots, Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that provide texture and nutritional value to the dish.
  • Frozen Peas: A sweet and tender vegetable that adds color and freshness to the stew.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Dried Thyme, Dried Rosemary: Fragrant herbs that bring depth and earthy flavor to the stew.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
  • Fresh Thyme or Parsley: A bright garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: A healthy fat used for sautéing and adding a subtle richness to the base.
  • Chicken Broth, Water: Liquids that create the stew's foundational broth and help cook the ingredients.
  • Tomato Paste: A concentrated ingredient that adds depth, color, and a subtle tangy flavor to the stew.

How to Make Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and sauté until they turn soft and glassy.

Add minced garlic and stir quickly, letting the aromatic magic happen for about a minute. The kitchen will start to smell incredible.

Step 2: Build the Stew Foundation

Add the following ingredients to the pot:
  • Sliced carrots
  • Cubed potatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Water
  • Tomato paste
  • Dried thyme
  • Dried rosemary
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Crank up the heat to high and bring everything to a rolling boil. Then lower the heat and let the stew simmer gently.

Watch the vegetables soften and blend their flavors for about 20 minutes.

Step 3: Complete the Stew

Fold in:
  • Cooked shredded chicken
  • Frozen peas

Continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes.

The potatoes will start to break down, creating a luxuriously thick broth that hugs each ingredient.

Step 4: Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming stew into bowls.

Sprinkle fresh thyme or parsley on top for a pop of color and extra freshness. Grab some crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop.

Tips for Flavorful Chicken and Vegetable Stew

  • Chop onions and garlic uniformly to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor distribution throughout the stew.
  • Cut carrots and potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and maintain consistent texture.
  • Swap chicken with turkey or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary preferences without compromising the stew's rich taste.
  • Consider using homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought broth to increase the stew's overall flavor complexity and richness.
  • Add potatoes later in the cooking process to maintain their structure and avoid overcooking, which can make them fall apart.

Variations for Chicken and Vegetable Stew

  • Vegetarian Comfort Pot: Replace chicken with firm tofu or white beans, using vegetable broth for a plant-based version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Stew: Swap thyme and rosemary for oregano and basil, add kalamata olives and swap potatoes with zucchini for a Greek-inspired variation.
  • Low-Carb Lean Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, use turkey instead of chicken, and increase protein content while reducing carbohydrate load for a lighter meal.
  • Spicy Southwest Transformation: Add diced green chiles, cumin, smoked paprika, and swap regular broth with spicy chicken broth for a zesty, warming southwestern-style stew that packs extra heat.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Vegetable Stew

  • Choose a medium-bodied red like Côtes du Rhône or Pinot Noir to complement the hearty chicken and vegetable flavors, enhancing the stew's rich, comforting profile.
  • Select a rustic sourdough or whole grain baguette to soak up the flavorful broth, adding texture and helping to mop up every delicious bit from the bowl.
  • Prepare a light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the stew's richness, providing a fresh contrast and balancing the meal's warm, robust elements.

Storage Instructions for Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew

  • Store leftover stew in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
  • Place stew in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of meat in this stew?

Absolutely! Swap chicken for turkey, beef, or even lamb. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender before adding to the stew.

  • How can I make this stew more protein-rich?

Add beans like white kidney or cannellini beans for extra protein. You can also increase the amount of chicken or include lentils for a nutrition boost.

  • Is this stew gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your chicken broth and tomato paste are certified gluten-free to ensure complete dietary compliance.

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Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Stew Recipe

Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Stew Recipe


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4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty chicken and vegetable stew, where tender chicken and seasonal vegetables simmer together in a rich, aromatic broth. Warm spices and slow-cooked ingredients invite you to savor a bowl of pure, homemade nourishment that warms both body and soul.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded

Vegetables:

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes, cubed
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Broth and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Create a flavor foundation by sautéing diced onions in olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aromatic essence.
  2. Incorporate sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, chicken broth, and water into the pot. Blend in tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Elevate heat to high, bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables reach a tender consistency.
  3. Introduce shredded cooked chicken and frozen peas into the simmering stew. Allow the mixture to continue cooking for 7-10 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and ingredients to warm thoroughly. The potatoes will naturally break down, creating a luxuriously thick broth.
  4. Transfer the steaming stew into serving bowls. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling fresh thyme or chopped parsley on top. Accompany with crusty bread for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor depth by browning chicken before shredding for a richer, more complex taste profile.
  • Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for added nutrition and a slightly sweeter undertone.
  • Make the stew gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour to thicken and ensuring broth is gluten-free certified.
  • Customize protein options by substituting chicken with turkey, tofu, or white fish for diverse dietary preferences.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 265 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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