This Chicken Stew is the ultimate comfort food, brimming with tender chicken, potatoes, and vegetables in a rich, savory broth. It’s a hearty meal that simmers in one pot, ready to warm up any family dinner. Perfect for chilly evenings, this classic dish is both satisfying and simple to prepare.

This recipe has evolved from the simple, slow cooked stews that filled my kitchen with warmth during my grandmother’s winter visits. Her version inspired my own, which I now make for quiet Sundays or when friends gather for a comforting meal, particularly alongside my Chicken Pot Pie. I always find the gentle simmering process meditative, a ritual that yields a deeply flavorful family dinner perfect for sharing. It reminds me of the rustic elegance found in a classic Cottage Pie, offering that same soul satisfying quality we all crave.

What You’ll Need for Hearty Chicken Stew

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Classic Chicken Stew

This classic Chicken Stew recipe features tender chicken, potatoes, and vegetables in a rich, comforting broth. Perfect for family dinners and cold weather comfort food.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• cutting board
• knife
• measuring spoons
• measuring cups
• large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• paper towels
• plate
• whisk

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
• 2 large carrots peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick coins
• 2 stalks celery cut into 1/2-inch thick pieces
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 32 fluid ounces
• 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1 large bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
• 1 cup frozen green peas optional
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season them generously with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
• Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering. Add half of the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown. Remove the browned chicken to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.
• Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped yellow onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-9 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
• Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, coating the vegetables and cooking out the raw flour taste.
• Gradually whisk in the 4 cups (32 fluid ounces) of chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the 1 1/2 pounds of cubed Yukon Gold potatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves, and 1 large bay leaf. Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the chicken is cooked through. The stew should be thick and bubbling gently.
• Remove and discard the bay leaf. If using, stir in the 1 cup of frozen green peas and cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Add mozzarella or feta for a cheesy twist. Let dough rise in a warm oven (off) for faster proofing.

Keyword chicken stew, comfort food, hearty

Simple Ways to Customize Your Stew

• Vegetable Boost: Stir in a cup of chopped kale or spinach during the last five minutes of cooking.
• Creamy Version: For a richer stew, swirl in a 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the dried thyme for a gentle heat.

My Secrets for Perfect Stew Every Time

• Golden Brown Chicken: Take the time to get a good sear on the chicken, as this builds the foundational flavor for the entire dish.
• Cook the Flour: After sprinkling the flour over the vegetables, stir constantly for a full minute to cook out the raw taste.
• Simmer Gently: Once everything is in the pot, maintain a low simmer to prevent the chicken from toughening and ensure the potatoes cook evenly.
• Final Seasoning: Always taste and adjust the salt and pepper at the very end, just before serving, for a perfectly balanced Chicken Stew.

How to Store and Reheat Your Stew

• Store: Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight.
• Freeze: Freeze in portion sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it has thickened too much.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can chop the vegetables and season the chicken a day in advance to streamline the cooking process, just like when preparing Traditional Italian Meatballs.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Cozy Comfort Food Recipes

• Beef Stew
• Turkey Taco Soup
• Ginger Chicken Soup
• Chicken Pot Pie Soup
• Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Gather Around This Cozy Chicken Stew

With its tender chicken and rich, savory broth, this Chicken Stew consistently delivers the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s a reliable recipe for a satisfying family dinner that fills your home with an inviting aroma. I hope it becomes a cherished, hearty meal in your own kitchen, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.