Description
Warm up with a hearty and comforting Chicken Pea Stew, combining tender chicken, creamy peas, and a blend of aromatic spices. This vibrant and nourishing stew offers rich, layered flavors and is perfect for cozy nights or casual dinners. Easy to make with simple pantry staples, it’s versatile and adaptable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes or 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
Liquids
- 3 cups chicken broth
Oils and Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Spices and Herbs
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onions, mince the garlic, and dice the tomatoes if using fresh. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and tender bites.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant to build the stew’s flavor base.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken lightly browns, locking in flavor and juiciness.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes and sprinkle in cumin, paprika, thyme, and bay leaves. Let everything meld together for a few minutes, releasing a vibrant aroma.
- Simmer with Broth and Peas: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add peas and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and peas remain bright and tender.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs as desired. Remove bay leaves and serve the stew hot for a comforting meal experience.
Notes
- Choose dark meat chicken thighs for extra tenderness and juiciness during simmering.
- Add fresh thyme or parsley just before serving to enhance flavor.
- Do not overcook peas; add them towards the end to keep their bright color and texture.
- Let the stew rest off the heat for a few minutes to allow flavors to deepen.
- For a thicker stew, mash a small portion of peas into the broth for creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg