There’s nothing more comforting than a hearty, home-cooked stew. This Old Fashioned Chicken Stew is the perfect dish to warm you up on chilly evenings. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth, it combines the classic flavors of a comforting chicken stew that everyone loves. The dish is simple to prepare, yet so rich in flavor, making it a family favorite. The tender chicken breasts simmer in a savory blend of spices and herbs, and the vegetables absorb all the flavors, resulting in a stew that is satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a meal for yourself, this recipe delivers warmth and nourishment with every spoonful. Plus, it’s easy to adjust to your personal taste, allowing you to add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasonings. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering, this Old Fashioned Chicken Stew is sure to please everyone around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Hearty

This chicken stew is the ultimate comfort food. It’s filled with tender chicken and vegetables that soak up the flavorful broth, offering a satisfying and warming meal that’s perfect for cold days.

2. Simple Ingredients

You only need a few basic ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry and fridge, to create this delicious stew. It’s an easy and straightforward recipe that anyone can make.

3. Easy to Customize

This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to swap out or add in your favorite vegetables, spices, or herbs to make the stew suit your tastes perfectly.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

This stew makes excellent leftovers. It’s ideal for meal prepping and can be enjoyed over the next few days or frozen for later use.

5. Family-Friendly

With its mild flavors and nutritious ingredients, this stew is loved by both kids and adults. It’s a perfect dish for families looking for a wholesome and filling meal.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt
Black pepper
Butter
Olive oil
Yellow onion
Minced garlic
Carrots
Celery
Red potatoes
Chicken broth
Ground sage
Dried thyme
Dried rosemary
Bay leaves
Cold water
Cornstarch
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Variations

Add More Vegetables: Feel free to include other vegetables like parsnips, green beans, or peas for additional flavor and texture.
Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer taste.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your stew.
Dairy-Free: To make the stew dairy-free, simply skip the butter and use olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
Slow Cooker Version: You can easily convert this recipe into a slow cooker meal by adding all ingredients to the slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden on both sides and fully cooked through (about 7-8 minutes per side). Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant and the onion is soft, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Broth

Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot, followed by the chicken broth, sage, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Thicken the Stew

In a small bowl, mix the cold water with cornstarch to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the stew and stir until the broth thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Add the Chicken

Stir the shredded chicken back into the stew and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through. Discard the bay leaves and taste for seasoning, adjusting with salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Chicken: When cooking the chicken, make sure the pot isn’t overcrowded to ensure it browns properly.
Shred the Chicken Well: Shredding the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures it mixes well with the stew and adds flavor throughout.
Adjust the Consistency: If the stew is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Simmer Gently: Be sure to simmer the stew on low heat to allow all the flavors to develop without overcooking the vegetables.
Fresh Herbs: Using fresh herbs, such as thyme and rosemary, can elevate the flavor, but dried herbs will work just as well.

How to Serve

This Old Fashioned Chicken Stew is perfect on its own, but you can pair it with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a well-rounded meal. For a heartier dinner, serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or rice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of extra broth or water to loosen the consistency if necessary.

Freezing

This stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water and warm over low heat on the stove until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.

2. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

3. How do I thicken the stew?

To thicken the stew, you can use a cornstarch slurry, which is a mixture of cold water and cornstarch added to the stew.

4. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Fresh vegetables are preferred, but you can use frozen vegetables if needed. Just be sure to add them in toward the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.

5. Is this stew spicy?

No, this recipe isn’t spicy, but you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.

6. Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like parsnips, green beans, or peas to the stew to suit your taste.

7. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

8. Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.

9. Can I add cream to make it richer?

Yes, adding a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking will make the stew creamier and richer.

10. Can I make this stew vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead for a vegetarian version of this stew.

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Chicken Stew is the epitome of comfort food. With its tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth, it’s a dish that will warm your heart and fill your belly. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or prepping it for a family meal, this stew is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Simple, satisfying, and easy to customize, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy it fresh, or store it for later – this chicken stew is delicious no matter when you serve it!