Cozy Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew Recipe for Soul-Warming Comfort

Winters call for comfort on a plate, and this hearty chicken and vegetable stew recipe delivers pure warmth with every spoonful.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with vibrant seasonal vegetables in a rich, savory broth that promises satisfaction.

Packed with nutrition and robust flavors, this stew cuts through cold days like a culinary embrace.

Each ingredient plays a harmonious role in creating a meal that feels like a loving hug from the kitchen.

Chopped herbs and carefully selected spices elevate the dish from simple to spectacular.

You’ll find this stew comes together effortlessly, transforming basic ingredients into a deeply comforting meal.

Grab a ladle and let this stew become your new cold-weather companion.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Thaw it completely first, then shred or cut into bite-sized pieces before adding to the stew.

• Is this stew gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your broth and tomato paste labels to confirm no gluten-containing ingredients are present.

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

Add a can of drained white beans or lentils to increase protein content. You can also use more chicken or include diced cooked bacon for extra protein.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work perfectly fine. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs in the recipe.

Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew to Warm You Up

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Create a restaurant-quality dish with rich Marsala wine sauce that transforms simple chicken into a gourmet experience.
• Master Culinary Skills: Learn professional cooking techniques like dredging, sautéing, and creating pan sauces with minimal kitchen expertise.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a delicious meal in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner without extensive preparation.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Impress dinner guests or enjoy a comforting family meal that appeals to various taste preferences and works beautifully with multiple side dishes.

Ingredients for Chicken and Vegetable Stew

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that adds heartiness to the stew.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients provide a rich and deep flavor base for the stew.

• Carrots, Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that add substance and nutrition to the dish.
• Frozen Peas: A sweet and tender vegetable that brings color and freshness to the stew.

• Thyme, Rosemary: Aromatic herbs that infuse the stew with a warm and earthy flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Chicken Broth, Water: The liquid base that creates the stew's comforting consistency.
• Tomato Paste: A concentrated ingredient that adds depth and slight tanginess to the stew.

• Olive Oil: A healthy oil used to sauté the aromatics and provide a smooth cooking base.

• Fresh Thyme, Parsley: Optional herbs that add a fresh and bright finish 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 let them dance until they turn soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute, releasing its aromatic magic.

Step 2: Build the Stew Foundation

• Chopped carrots
• Diced potatoes
• Chicken broth
• Water

Stir in tomato paste and sprinkle in thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently. Allow the vegetables to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors, around 20 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce Protein and Sweetness

Fold in shredded chicken and frozen peas. Let the stew bubble softly for 5-10 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through and the flavors mingle beautifully.

Step 4: Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming stew into warm bowls. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve alongside crusty bread for the perfect comfort meal.

Tips for the Best Chicken and Vegetable Stew

• Add a splash of white wine or dry sherry while sautéing aromatics to enhance the stew's rich taste profile.
• Substitute root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for potatoes to create different nutritional variations and textures.
• Prepare this stew a day in advance, as flavors intensify and develop more complexity when allowed to rest overnight in the refrigerator.
• Replace chicken with rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted turkey, or plant-based protein like tofu for dietary adaptations.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust seasoning gradually to control salt content and prevent over-salting the stew.

Variations to Try with Chicken and Vegetable Stew

• Vegetarian Comfort Pot: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Keep all other ingredients and cooking method the same for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Southwest Stew: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder. Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes and include black beans for a zesty southwestern-inspired variation.
• Low-Carb Lean Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, use bone broth for extra protein, and add extra vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to maintain volume and nutrition.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate kalamata olives, swap thyme with oregano, add diced eggplant, and finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-style transformation.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken and Vegetable Stew

• Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Côtes du Rhône to complement the stew's rich, hearty flavors and enhance the chicken's savory profile.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Choose a thick, artisan sourdough bread to soak up the stew's flavorful broth, providing a delightful textural contrast and additional warmth to the meal.
• Complement with Fresh Green Salad: Create a light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the stew's richness and add a fresh, zesty element to the dining experience.

Storage Guidelines for Chicken and Vegetable Stew

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place stew in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour stew into a pot. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the stew seems too thick. Heat until steaming and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Stew Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets flavor in this hearty chicken and vegetable stew, perfectly blending tender chicken with a medley of seasonal vegetables. Rich broth and carefully selected herbs create a soul-warming dish that brings warmth to your table and joy to your palate.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) 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

Liquids and Seasonings:

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

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium flame, gently sautéing diced onions until they turn translucent and soft, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and allow it to release its aromatic essence for an additional 60 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
3. Pour chicken broth and water into the pot, then incorporate chopped carrots, cubed potatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
4. Elevate the liquid to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to create a gentle simmer. Allow the vegetables to tenderize for 20 minutes, ensuring they reach a perfect soft consistency.
5. Fold in shredded chicken and frozen green peas, maintaining a low simmer for 5-7 minutes to harmonize flavors and thoroughly warm the protein.
6. Transfer the robust stew into serving bowls, adorning with fresh thyme or parsley sprigs for a vibrant finishing touch.
7. Accompany the stew with rustic, crusty bread to soak up the rich, savory broth, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Customize the stew’s thickness by adjusting broth amount or adding a cornstarch slurry for a heartier texture.
• Enhance flavor depth by using bone-in chicken and searing meat before shredding for richer taste profile.
• use sweet potatoes for regular potatoes, add quinoa for extra protein, or replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Prep vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stew.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg