Hearty & Creamy Chicken Stew: The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Food Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade chicken stew to warm you from the inside out. This isn’t just any stew; it’s a wonderfully thick and incredibly flavorful concoction, brimming with tender, juicy chicken pieces, a medley of garden vegetables, and satisfying potatoes, all enveloped in a rich, creamy broth. It offers all the comforting depth you’d expect from a classic stew but with a lighter, fresher profile compared to its beefy counterparts, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week.
Think of this chicken stew as a more robust, rustic, and incredibly satisfying upgrade to your favorite chicken soup. If you cherish easy-to-make soups and hearty stews that bring warmth and joy, you’ll also adore my creamy chicken wild rice soup. But for an unmatched experience in coziness and flavor, this chicken stew truly takes the crown.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stew Recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Chicken Stew
- How to Make Homemade Chicken Stew (Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for the Perfect Chicken Stew
- Delicious Serving Suggestions
- Storing and Reheating Your Chicken Stew
- More Cozy Soup and Stew Recipes to Try
- Chicken Stew Recipe Card
This chicken stew transcends the ordinary. It’s a comforting, rustic creation featuring a thick, luscious gravy generously filled with succulent chicken, tender root vegetables, earthy potatoes, and savory mushrooms. It’s the ultimate cool-weather companion, pairing exquisitely with warm, fluffy dinner rolls or golden, homemade biscuits on any chilly fall or winter day. The depth of flavor is truly remarkable, making it a dish you’ll want to savor for days on end without ever growing tired of it. And the best part? Leftovers are incredibly delicious, almost magically reheating to taste even better!
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Chicken Stew Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about making a meal; it’s about creating an experience of warmth and satisfaction. Here are a few compelling reasons why this chicken stew will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Effortless One-Pot Wonder: Similar to my beloved Instant Pot beef stew, this chicken stew shines as a fantastic one-pot recipe. You won’t need a myriad of pots and pans, just a single sturdy stockpot to bring this entire flavorful dish to life on your stovetop. This means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal without the hassle.
- Incredibly Hearty and Filling: Prepare for a truly substantial meal. This chicken stew is a complete culinary package, offering tender, slow-cooked potatoes, an abundance of nourishing vegetables, and generous chunks of perfectly cooked chicken, all swimming in a rich, gravy-like broth. It’s so satisfying that it easily stands alone as a meal, needing little more than a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce. It’s the kind of dish that truly fills you up and makes you feel content.
- Even Better as Leftovers: One of the magical qualities of a good stew is how its flavors deepen and meld overnight. This chicken stew is no exception. Store any leftovers in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners later in the week, or freeze portions for convenient, ready-made meals down the road. You’ll find that the flavors develop beautifully, making the second (or third!) serving an absolute treat. It’s an ideal candidate for meal prepping.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Chicken Stew
Crafting this incredibly flavorful chicken stew relies on a thoughtful combination of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s rich texture and comforting taste. Below are some important notes and tips on the ingredients. For the precise, printable list with exact amounts, please refer to the detailed recipe card located at the end of this post.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the star here. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Thighs are superior for stewing as their higher fat content ensures they remain incredibly tender and moist, even after a longer cooking period, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the broth. While chicken breasts can be used in a pinch, be mindful that they may dry out more easily.
- Olive Oil and Butter: This dynamic duo provides the perfect base for sautéing. The olive oil offers a higher smoke point, while the butter infuses the stew with a rich, nutty flavor that deepens the overall taste. Feel free to use just one or the other if preferred, but the combination is highly recommended for maximum flavor.
- Carrots, Celery, and Onion: This classic trio, often referred to as mirepoix, is the aromatic foundation of countless delicious dishes, from soups like this to robust sauces such as Bolognese. Peel and finely chop these vegetables to ensure they soften beautifully and release their sweet, savory essence into the stew. They provide essential depth and natural sweetness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable! It adds a pungent, savory aroma and flavor that elevates the entire dish. Don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is our secret weapon for achieving that wonderfully thick, luxurious stew consistency. The flour creates a roux with the butter and oil, which then thickens the broth into a rich, gravy-like sauce. If you prefer using cornstarch, you’ll need to use roughly half the amount of cornstarch compared to flour for similar thickening power, usually mixed with a little cold liquid first to create a slurry.
- Chicken Broth: Opt for a good-quality, low-sodium chicken broth or stock. A high-quality broth forms the backbone of your stew’s flavor, and low-sodium allows you to control the seasoning precisely. Vegetable broth can also be used for a slightly different, but still delicious, flavor profile.
- Herbs (Dried Parsley and Thyme): These classic herbs bring earthy, aromatic notes that are synonymous with comforting stews. Dried herbs are convenient, but you can certainly substitute with Italian seasoning for a slightly different blend, or fresh herbs for a brighter, more vibrant flavor (use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried).
- Potatoes: For the best results in stews and soups, waxy potatoes like baby potatoes or Yukon Golds are ideal. Their thinner skins tend to stay intact during cooking, and they hold their shape well, providing a pleasant texture without becoming mushy. If you opt for starchier varieties like russets, I highly recommend peeling and dicing them before adding them to avoid altering the stew’s texture too much.
- Mushrooms (Cremini or Baby Bellas): These add a wonderful umami depth and a delightful texture to the stew. Slice them thinly before cooking to ensure they integrate well. If mushrooms aren’t your preference, feel free to either omit them entirely or substitute them with another firm vegetable like bell peppers or green beans for added color and nutrients.
- Heavy Cream: The final touch that transforms this stew into a truly creamy, indulgent experience. Stirring in heavy cream at the end adds richness and a silky smoothness. Half-and-half can be used as a lighter alternative, but heavy cream delivers the ultimate luscious texture.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process. Always taste and adjust to your preference.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Stew (Step-by-Step)
Creating this delightful creamy chicken stew is a straightforward process, designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. I’ve outlined a step-by-step overview to guide you through each stage. By following these instructions, you’ll achieve a perfect, hearty stew every time. For the complete, printable recipe with detailed measurements and instructions, please scroll down to the recipe card below.
- Sear the Chicken: Start by generously seasoning your cut chicken thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot pan and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are beautifully browned. The goal here isn’t to cook the chicken through, but to develop a rich, flavorful crust, which is essential for the stew’s depth. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
- Cook the Aromatic Veggies: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same pot, allowing it to melt and combine with any leftover chicken drippings. Stir in the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté these vegetables for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and the onions become translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant – be careful not to burn it! This step builds the foundational flavors of your stew.
- Create the Roux and Add Broth: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly for about 1 minute, ensuring no white streaks of flour remain, allowing it to cook slightly and absorb the fats – this creates a roux that will thicken your stew. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps until everything is well combined and the mixture begins to thicken slightly.
- Bring it All Together and Simmer: Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Stir in the dried parsley, dried thyme, and your halved baby potatoes. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 10 minutes. After this initial simmer, add the thinly chopped mushrooms to the pot, stir them in, re-cover, and continue to cook for another 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the chicken is fully cooked through. This slow simmering allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: Just before serving, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the heavy cream. This adds a wonderful richness and silky texture to the stew. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed to achieve your perfect balance of flavors. Ladle the hot, creamy chicken stew into bowls and serve immediately, enjoying the fruits of your labor!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Chicken Stew
To ensure your homemade chicken stew is nothing short of perfection, keep these expert tips in mind:
- The Importance of Searing the Chicken: Don’t skip this crucial first step! The initial sear isn’t about fully cooking the chicken; it’s about developing a deep, golden-brown crust on the exterior of the chicken pieces. This browning, known as the Maillard reaction, creates incredible depth of flavor and helps lock in the chicken’s juices, contributing significantly to the stew’s overall richness. A few minutes on each side is all you need, as the chicken will finish cooking slowly in the broth later.
- Clever Use of Leftover Cooked Chicken: If you’re looking to significantly reduce your prep and cooking time, this recipe is incredibly adaptable to using pre-cooked chicken. Whether you have leftover Instant Pot chicken thighs, roasted whole chicken, or even rotisserie chicken, it works wonderfully. In this case, you can completely bypass the searing step. Simply shred or cube your cooked chicken and stir it into the stew during the final 10-15 minutes of simmering, just enough time for it to warm through and absorb some of the delicious stew flavors.
- Customize with Different Vegetables: While carrots, celery, and onions form the traditional base, this chicken stew is incredibly versatile when it comes to vegetables. Feel free to experiment and add more of your favorites! Consider incorporating colorful bell peppers for a touch of sweetness and crunch, hearty sweet potatoes or butternut squash for extra nutrients and creaminess, leeks for a milder onion flavor, or even leafy greens like fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for a vibrant boost. Remember to adjust cooking times for any new additions to ensure they are tender.
- Achieving the Perfect Thick Consistency: The flour is key to thickening. Make sure to cook the flour with the butter and oil for a minute or two before adding the broth to eliminate any raw flour taste. If your stew isn’t as thick as you’d like it to be after simmering, you can create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and whisk it into the simmering stew, letting it cook for another minute or two until thickened to your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Don’t forget to taste your stew before serving! Salt and pepper are crucial, but you might also consider a pinch of extra dried herbs or even a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors. The taste can evolve as it simmers, so a final adjustment is always a good idea.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Stew
This chicken stew is so complete and satisfying, it truly shines as a stand-alone meal. However, a few accompaniments can elevate the dining experience even further. My absolute favorite way to serve it is with a generous side of crusty bread – whether it’s warm French bread dinner rolls, garlic bread, or simple artisan bread. These are perfect for sopping up every last drop of the rich, savory gravy, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
If you’re looking to round out the meal with something fresh, a crisp simple tossed salad with a light vinaigrette is an excellent choice. The vibrant greens and tangy dressing provide a wonderful contrast to the hearty stew, balancing the meal beautifully.
Beyond dinner, don’t underestimate the versatility of leftover stew! It makes for an incredibly delicious and comforting lunch. Pair it with a classic turkey club sandwich for a satisfying combo, or alongside a gooey air fryer grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food pairing.
Storing and Reheating Your Hearty Chicken Stew
One of the many benefits of this chicken stew recipe is how wonderfully it keeps, often tasting even better the next day! Here’s how to properly store and reheat your leftovers:
- Refrigerate for Optimal Flavor: Indeed, the flavors of this chicken stew truly deepen and meld after a night in the fridge. To store, allow the stew to cool completely to room temperature (this is crucial to prevent bacterial growth). Then, transfer individual portions into serving-sized airtight containers. This makes grabbing a quick meal incredibly convenient. It will keep beautifully refrigerated for up to 5 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
- Effortless Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat the chicken stew on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave: transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-2 minute increments, stirring between each, until piping hot. If the stew has thickened too much in the fridge, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water during reheating to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
- Freeze for Future Meals: This chicken stew freezes exceptionally well, providing a convenient option for busy days. Once cooled, transfer the stew into freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags (removing as much air as possible). It can be frozen for 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, you can either thaw the stew completely in the refrigerator overnight before warming it on the stovetop or in the microwave, or reheat it directly from frozen over very low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently until thawed and heated through. Be patient, and add a little extra liquid if needed.
More Cozy Soup and Stew Recipes to Try
If you’re a fan of comforting, hearty bowls like this chicken stew, you’ll love exploring these other delightful soup and stew recipes perfect for any season:
- Chicken and Rice Soup: A classic, comforting soup perfect for chilly days or when you need a little pick-me-up.
- Chicken Pot Pie Soup: All the savory, creamy goodness of a chicken pot pie, but in an easy-to-eat soup form.
- Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup: A quick and hearty beef and vegetable soup made effortlessly in your Instant Pot.
- Minestrone Soup: A vibrant and nutritious Italian vegetable soup, bursting with fresh flavors.
- Beef and Noodle Soup: A wonderfully satisfying soup featuring tender beef and comforting noodles.
- Beef Barley Soup: A hearty and wholesome soup, rich with tender beef and plump barley.
Chicken Stew
Erin Sellin
20 minutes
45 minutes
1 hour
5 minutes
8
servings
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
-
1 ½
boneless chicken thighs,
cut into small pieces -
1
Tablespoon
olive oil
-
3
Tablespoons
butter
-
2
carrots
,
peeled and chopped -
2
ribs celery,
chopped -
1
small onion
,
finely chopped -
3
cloves
garlic
,
minced -
3
Tablespoons
all-purpose flour
-
4
cups
chicken broth
-
1
teaspoon
dried parsley
-
½
teaspoon
dried thyme
-
1 ½
pound
baby potatoes
,
halved -
8
oz
mushrooms
,
thinly chopped -
½
cup
heavy cream
-
Salt and pepper
Instructions
-
Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add to the hot pan and brown for 3-4 minutes. It will not be cooked thru. Remove from the pan.1 ½ boneless chicken thighs,
1 Tablespoon olive oil -
Add the butter to the pan and melt. Stir in carrots, celery and onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until the onions are soft. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until you can start to smell it.3 Tablespoons butter,
2 carrots,
2 ribs celery,
1 small onion,
3 cloves garlic -
Stir in flour until no white streaks remain. Pour in the chicken broth and mix until everything is well blended.3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour,
4 cups chicken broth -
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Stir in the parsley, thyme and potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, add in the mushrooms. Cover and continue to cook for 25 minutes.1 teaspoon dried parsley,
½ teaspoon dried thyme,
1 ½ pound baby potatoes,
8 oz mushrooms -
Stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste.½ cup heavy cream,
Salt and pepper -
Remove from the heat and serve.
Notes
- I like to use baby potatoes because the skin stays intact while cooking. If you use russet potatoes, I recommend peeling and dicing the potatoes first, or it will change the texture of the soup.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the very end can brighten all the flavors.
Nutrition
Calories:
253
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
22
g
|
Protein:
8
g
|
Fat:
15
g
|
Saturated Fat:
7
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
5
g
|
Trans Fat:
0.2
g
|
Cholesterol:
51
mg
|
Sodium:
509
mg
|
Potassium:
608
mg
|
Fiber:
3
g
|
Sugar:
4
g
|
Vitamin A:
2926
IU
|
Vitamin C:
20
mg
|
Calcium:
41
mg
|
Iron:
1
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
20 minutes
45 minutes
1 hour
5 minutes
Dinner Recipes
American
8
servings
253
chicken stew, hearty stew, creamy chicken, comfort food
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