Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Stew Recipe

Warm Up with a Bowl of Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew Recipe

When hunger strikes on a chilly evening, a comforting chicken and vegetable stew becomes the ultimate solution to warm your soul.

This robust stew packed with tender chicken blends perfectly with a medley of fresh seasonal vegetables.

Every spoonful carries rich, deep flavors that dance across your palate with surprising complexity.

Chunky vegetables and succulent meat simmer together, creating a hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Nutrient-dense ingredients transform simple components into a spectacular dinner option.

We crafted this recipe to deliver maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

You’ll savor every delicious bite of this nourishing stew that promises to become a new comfort food favorite.

FAQs

  • Is this stew nutritious?

Yes, it’s packed with protein from chicken and a variety of vegetables like carrots and potatoes, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and balanced nutrition in one comforting dish.

  • Can I use different types of chicken?

Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or even quickly boil and shred chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe.

  • What if I don't have fresh herbs?

No problem. Dried herbs work perfectly fine in this stew. The recipe already calls for dried thyme and rosemary, which will provide excellent flavor.

  • How can I make this stew more filling?

Consider adding more vegetables like celery or bell peppers, or include a small amount of pearl barley or diced potatoes to increase the heartiness of the stew.

Why Chicken Veggie Stew Fills You Up Right

  • Simplify Meal Prep: This chicken and vegetable stew cuts down cooking time with minimal chopping and easy one-pot technique, perfect for busy home cooks wanting delicious comfort food without complicated steps.
  • Nutritious Family Pleaser: Packed with protein from chicken, loaded with colorful vegetables, and offering balanced nutrition, this hearty stew satisfies both kids and adults while providing essential nutrients.
  • Versatile Comfort Dish: Works wonderfully for different occasions like weeknight dinners, cozy gatherings, or meal prep, adapting easily to personal taste preferences by swapping vegetables or adding extra herbs.
  • Budget-Friendly Cooking: Uses affordable ingredients like chicken, seasonal vegetables, and pantry staples, making it an economical meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or quality.

Ingredients for This Hearty Chicken Stew

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender and juicy meat that adds heartiness to the stew.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds deep flavor.
  • Carrots, Potatoes: Classic stew vegetables with earthy sweetness.
  • Frozen Peas: Sweet and bright green addition to the dish.
Liquid and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Broth, Water: Flavorful liquid foundation of the stew.
  • Tomato Paste: Rich and concentrated tomato essence.
  • Dried Thyme, Rosemary: Herbaceous and woodsy flavor enhancers.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Smooth and healthy cooking fat.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Thyme, Parsley: Bright and fresh herb topping for extra flavor.

How to Make Chicken and Vegetable Stew

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium warmth.

Toss in chopped onions and dance them around until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Sprinkle minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute, releasing those incredible aromatic notes.

Step 2: Build the Stew Foundation

Add these delightful ingredients to the pot:
  • Diced carrots
  • Cubed potatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Water
  • Tomato paste
  • Dried thyme
  • Rosemary
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Bring everything to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently.

Allow the vegetables to become tender and develop deep, rich flavors, around 20 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce Protein and Final Touches

Fold in shredded chicken and frozen green peas.

Stir everything together and let the ingredients get acquainted for 5-10 minutes.

Ensure the stew is heated completely and the flavors harmonize beautifully.

Step 4: Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming stew into welcoming bowls.

Sprinkle fresh thyme or parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve alongside crusty bread or warm rolls for a soul-satisfying meal that hugs you from the inside out.

Tips for a Rich and Chunky Stew

  • Select high-quality, firm vegetables and recently cooked chicken for maximum flavor and texture in your stew.
  • Swap or add vegetables like zucchini, celery, or bell peppers to personalize the stew and boost nutritional value.
  • Adjust broth quantity for thicker or thinner stew – add more liquid for a soupier version or reduce for a heartier texture.
  • Deglaze the pot with white wine after sautéing aromatics to intensify the stew's rich, complex taste profile.
  • Prepare the stew in advance and store in refrigerator for 3-4 days, allowing flavors to develop and making weeknight dinners easier.

How to Store and Warm Up This Stew

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the stew fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
  • Gently warm the stew over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating throughout.
  • Place stew in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

What to Serve With Chicken Stew

  • Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Côtes du Rhône or Pinot Noir that complements the hearty chicken stew's rich flavors and cuts through its robust profile.
  • Create Bread Harmony: Select a crusty sourdough or rustic whole wheat bread to soak up the stew's savory broth, adding delightful texture and enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Elevate with Herbal Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and chives, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting stew.
  • Boost Beverage Experience: Offer a crisp, dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or an amber craft beer with herbal notes to cleanse the palate and complement the stew's hearty ingredients.

Ways to Switch Up Chicken and Veggie Stew

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra nutrients. Perfect for keto and low-carb diet followers.
  • Vegetarian Protein Version: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternatives. Add extra beans or lentils for additional protein and texture.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure chicken broth is gluten-free certified. Use cornstarch instead of traditional thickeners and verify all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Skip any potential dairy-based garnishes. Use coconut cream or nutritional yeast for added richness without dairy ingredients.
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Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Stew Recipe

Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Stew Recipe


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4.9 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew warms souls with rich, slow-simmered flavors that blend tender chicken and seasonal vegetables. Hearty spoonfuls promise a delicious journey through rustic culinary traditions you’ll savor to the last bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 lb (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)

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium flame, gently transforming chopped onions until they become translucent and softened, releasing their sweet aromatics.
  2. Introduce minced garlic to the pot, allowing its pungent essence to perfume the kitchen for approximately one minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
  3. Incorporate diced carrots and cubed potatoes into the aromatic base, creating a colorful foundation for the hearty stew.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and water, blending in tomato paste to develop a rich, complex flavor profile. Sprinkle dried thyme and rosemary, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the taste.
  5. Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing vegetables to tenderize and flavors to harmonize for about 20 minutes.
  6. Fold in shredded chicken and vibrant green peas, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the stew.
  7. Continue simmering for an additional 5-10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly heated and the peas are warmed through.
  8. Carefully ladle the steaming stew into serving bowls, garnishing with delicate fresh thyme or parsley sprigs for a touch of brightness.
  9. Present alongside crusty artisan bread or warm, pillowy rolls to complete this comforting one-pot meal.

Notes

  • Customize the stew’s thickness by adjusting broth quantity, adding more liquid for a soup-like consistency or reducing for a heartier texture.
  • Enhance flavor depth by using rotisserie chicken or roasting chicken before shredding, which introduces a smoky, caramelized undertone.
  • Make the recipe gluten-free by substituting tomato paste with pureed fresh tomatoes and ensuring broth contains no wheat-based additives.
  • Boost nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or kale, increasing fiber and micronutrient content.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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