Hearty & Creamy Chicken Stew: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe for Cozy Nights

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade stew to bring warmth and comfort on a chilly day. This chicken stew recipe is my absolute favorite, a truly thick, rich, and hearty dish brimming with tender, juicy chicken, an abundance of fresh vegetables, and satisfying potatoes, all enveloped in an incredibly flavorful, creamy gravy. It strikes the perfect balance, offering deep, robust flavors while feeling a touch lighter than a traditional beef stew, making it a beloved choice for any weeknight or special occasion.

Think of this chicken stew as a wonderfully rustic, elevated take on classic chicken soup. It delivers all the familiar comfort with an extra layer of richness and texture. If you’re a fan of comforting, easy-to-make soups and stews, you’ll also adore my creamy chicken wild rice soup. But for pure, unadulterated coziness in a bowl, this chicken stew truly shines. Its thick, savory gravy is packed with tender root vegetables, earthy mushrooms, and perfectly cooked potatoes, making it an irresistible meal. Serve it alongside some fluffy dinner rolls or warm, homemade biscuits, and you have the ideal dish for a crisp autumn evening or a cold winter night. The depth of flavor in every spoonful is simply incredible – I could easily enjoy this stew for days on end without tiring of it. Plus, the convenience of amazing leftovers that reheat beautifully makes it even more appealing!

A bowl of creamy chicken stew garnished with fresh herbs, ready to be enjoyed.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stew Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chicken Stew
Recipe Tips for the Best Chicken Stew
Serving Suggestions
Storing and Reheating Chicken Stew
More Cozy Soup Recipes
Chicken Stew Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Chicken Stew Recipe

This isn’t just another chicken stew; it’s a culinary experience designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen:

Effortless One-Pot Cooking. Stews are among my favorite types of one-pot recipes, and this chicken stew is no exception. It simplifies mealtime by requiring just a single pot from start to finish. This means less cleanup and more time to savor your delicious creation. You don’t need any fancy equipment, just one sturdy pot and a bit of time on the stovetop to let those incredible flavors meld together perfectly. It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal without a mountain of dishes.
Incredibly Hearty and Satisfying. This chicken stew is much more than a simple soup; it’s a complete meal in a bowl. Each spoonful is loaded with tender chunks of chicken, soft potatoes, and a vibrant medley of vegetables, all bathed in a thick, savory gravy. It’s incredibly nourishing and filling, ensuring everyone at the table feels completely satisfied. You’ll find it so robust and rich that you’ll need little else besides a crusty piece of bread to sop up every last drop of that amazing sauce.
Perfect for Meal Prep & Amazing Leftovers. One of the best qualities of this chicken stew is how wonderfully it keeps. The flavors deepen and harmonize even further after a day or two in the refrigerator, making the leftovers taste even better than the first serving. It’s an excellent recipe for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade comfort food throughout the week. You can easily store portions in the fridge for quick lunches or freeze them for convenient, ready-to-eat meals whenever hunger strikes.

Various raw ingredients for chicken stew laid out on a cutting board, including chicken thighs, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and mushrooms.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken Stew

Crafting this incredibly flavorful chicken stew relies on a blend of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a rich and satisfying dish. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with some helpful notes on each component. For precise measurements and the full printable recipe, please refer to the recipe card located at the end of this post.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – Cut into bite-sized pieces, chicken thighs are the star of this stew. They are highly recommended for stewing due to their higher fat content, which keeps them incredibly tender and flavorful even after extended cooking times. While chicken breasts can be used in a pinch, they may become slightly drier, so keep an eye on cooking times if you opt for them.
Olive Oil and Butter – This dynamic duo forms the perfect base for sautéing. Olive oil provides a high smoke point, while butter adds a luxurious richness and depth of flavor that enhances the browning of the chicken and vegetables. Feel free to use just one or the other if you prefer, but the combination truly elevates the taste.
Carrots, Celery, and Onion – This classic aromatic trio, often called mirepoix, is the foundation of countless delicious recipes, from savory soups to rich sauces like Bolognese. Ensure they are peeled and finely chopped to release their sweet and savory notes evenly into the stew.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is indispensable for adding a pungent, aromatic kick. Avoid pre-minced garlic if possible, as fresh cloves offer a much brighter and more intense flavor.
All-Purpose Flour – This serves as the primary thickening agent for our rich, gravy-like broth. It creates a roux with the butter and oil, binding the liquids and giving the stew its desired hearty consistency. If you need a gluten-free option or prefer cornstarch, remember to use half the amount of cornstarch as flour, mixed with a little cold water to create a slurry before adding.
Chicken Broth – A good quality, low-sodium chicken broth or stock is crucial for controlling the overall saltiness and building a robust flavor profile. Opting for low-sodium allows you to adjust the seasoning to your exact preference. Vegetable broth is also a suitable alternative.
Dried Herbs – We’ll be using dried parsley and thyme, which infuse the stew with wonderful earthy and aromatic notes. These dried herbs stand up well to longer cooking times, slowly releasing their flavors. For convenience, you can substitute with a good quality Italian seasoning blend, or elevate the dish with fresh herbs if readily available (use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried).
Potatoes – Waxy potatoes, such as baby potatoes or Yukon Golds, are ideal for stews because their skin is thinner and they hold their shape beautifully without becoming mushy. If you’re using starchier varieties like russets, I highly recommend peeling and dicing them into smaller pieces to prevent them from breaking down too much and altering the stew’s texture.
Mushrooms – Cremini (baby bellas) or any other variety you enjoy will work perfectly. Thinly chopped mushrooms add a wonderful umami depth and earthy texture to the stew. If mushrooms aren’t your preference, feel free to substitute them with another vegetable like bell peppers or green beans, or simply omit them entirely.
Heavy Cream – This is the secret to achieving that luxurious, creamy finish. Stirred in at the end, it adds richness and a silky texture to the gravy. Half-and-half can be used as a slightly lighter alternative if desired.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process. Always taste and adjust as you go to ensure a perfectly balanced flavor.

How to Make This Flavorful One-Pot Chicken Stew

Making this creamy chicken stew is a straightforward process, designed for ease and maximum flavor. I’ve outlined the steps below with helpful tips to guide you through. For the complete, printable recipe with detailed measurements and instructions, scroll down to the recipe card.

Chicken pieces searing in a large pot with olive oil. — Sear the seasoned chicken until beautifully browned.

Sautéed carrots, celery, and onion cooking in a large pot with melted butter. — Sear the seasoned chicken until beautifully browned.

Sear the chicken for rich flavor. Begin by heating olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season your bite-sized chicken thigh pieces generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the chicken to the hot pan and sear for about 3-4 minutes, just until a nice golden-brown crust forms on the outside. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the stew. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
Cook the aromatic vegetables. Reduce the heat slightly if necessary, then add the butter to the same pot and let it melt. Stir in the chopped carrots, celery, and onion, cooking for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until you can smell its inviting aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Browned chicken and halved baby potatoes added to the pot with vegetables and broth. — Add the broth, return the chicken, and incorporate potatoes and herbs.

Chicken stew simmering in a large pot, with mushrooms recently added. — Add the broth, return the chicken, and incorporate potatoes and herbs.

Build the rich, creamy base. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables and stir constantly for about one minute. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and helps create a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to ensure everything is well blended and there are no lumps. The mixture will start to thicken as it heats.
Bring it all together to simmer. Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Stir in the dried parsley, dried thyme, and the halved baby potatoes. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, stir in the thinly chopped mushrooms, cover again, and continue to simmer for an additional 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Finish with cream and serve. Just before serving, stir in the heavy cream until it’s fully incorporated, lending a beautiful creaminess to the stew. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and ladle generous portions into bowls.

A ladle lifts a spoonful of rich chicken stew from a large pot.

Recipe Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Stew

Achieving the perfect chicken stew is easy with a few key techniques. Here are some invaluable tips to ensure your stew turns out incredibly flavorful and satisfying every time:

Always Sear Your Chicken First. This initial step is non-negotiable for maximizing flavor. You don’t need to cook the chicken completely through during this stage; the goal is to develop a deep golden-brown crust on the outside. This browning creates a rich, complex flavor profile through the Maillard reaction, locking in juices and adding a layer of savory depth that can’t be achieved otherwise. Just a few minutes of searing on each side is all it takes, as the chicken will finish cooking slowly and gently once it’s returned to the stew.
Utilize Leftover Cooked Chicken for Quick Prep. If you’re short on time or have leftover cooked chicken on hand, this recipe can be made even faster! Using pre-cooked chicken thighs, roasted whole chicken, or even rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. In this scenario, you can skip the initial searing step entirely. Simply shred or cube the cooked chicken and stir it into the stew during the final 10-15 minutes of simmering, allowing it just enough time to heat through and absorb the delicious flavors without becoming dry.
Don’t Be Afraid to Customize with Different Veggies. While carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes form the classic foundation of this stew, feel free to experiment with additional vegetables to enhance flavor, nutrition, and texture. Consider adding colorful bell peppers, sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness, hearty leeks, diced butternut squash, or leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. Adding more vegetables is a great way to make this already wholesome meal even more nutritious and diverse.
Adjust the Consistency to Your Liking. If you find your stew is too thick, simply add a bit more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s thinner than you’d prefer, you can simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate, or mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry and stir it in slowly until thickened.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning. Always taste your stew before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Broths can vary in sodium content, and individual preferences for seasoning differ. A final pinch of salt or pepper can truly make all the flavors pop!

Overhead view of a hearty bowl of chicken stew, ready to be served.

Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Stew

While this creamy chicken stew is undoubtedly a complete and satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with a few simple sides can elevate the dining experience. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this comforting dish:

Crusty Bread is a Must. My top recommendation is always a generous side of crusty bread, such as warm French bread or dinner rolls. The hearty crust and soft interior are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich, creamy gravy, ensuring no flavor goes to waste. A slice of warm garlic bread would also be fantastic!
Fresh Salad for Balance. To round out the meal and add a touch of freshness, I often prepare a simple tossed salad. A light vinaigrette dressing and crisp greens offer a lovely contrast to the richness of the stew, providing a refreshing balance.
Hearty Lunch Leftovers. Don’t forget that this stew makes incredible leftovers for lunch the next day. It pairs wonderfully with a classic turkey club sandwich or a gooey, comforting air fryer grilled cheese sandwich. The warmth of the stew alongside a delicious sandwich makes for a truly satisfying midday meal.
Rice or Noodles. For an even heartier meal, serve the stew over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or wide egg noodles. The grains or pasta will absorb the flavorful broth, adding another layer of texture and substance.

A close-up shot of chicken stew in a white bowl, showing tender chicken and vegetables.

Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Chicken Stew

One of the many benefits of this chicken stew is how well it stores and reheats, often tasting even better the next day! Here’s how to properly keep your leftovers fresh:

Refrigerate for Up to 5 Days. Once the stew has cooled completely, transfer it into individual serving-sized airtight containers. This not only makes meal prep easier but also helps maintain freshness. Stored properly in the refrigerator, this chicken stew will stay delicious for up to 5 days. The flavors tend to meld and deepen further, making subsequent meals a real treat.
Effortless Reheating. To reheat, you have a couple of convenient options. For best results, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. If you’re short on time, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the stew in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until piping hot. If the stew seems a bit too thick after reheating, you can stir in a splash of extra chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
Freeze for Longer Storage. This chicken stew freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for future quick meals. Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about an inch of headspace if using containers to allow for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also reheat it directly from frozen over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently, which may take a bit longer but is perfectly safe.

More Cozy Soup and Stew Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of warm, comforting bowls, explore some of my other favorite soup and stew creations:

Hearty Chicken and Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Easy Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup
Classic Minestrone Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)
Comforting Beef and Noodle Soup
Wholesome Beef Barley Soup

No ratings yet

Chicken Stew

By Erin Sellin

This cozy and creamy chicken stew recipe is a hearty bowlful packed with juicy chicken, tender veggies, and potatoes, all in a rich gravy, perfect for a comforting meal.

Prep: 20 minutes

Cook: 45 minutes

Total: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 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 until golden. It will not be cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
1 ½ boneless chicken thighs, 1 Tablespoon olive oil
Add the butter to the same pot and melt. Stir in the chopped carrots, celery, and onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring, until fragrant.
3 Tablespoons butter, 2 carrots, 2 ribs celery, 1 small onion, 3 cloves garlic
Stir in the all-purpose flour until no white streaks remain and it coats the vegetables. Cook for one minute, then gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly until well blended and the sauce begins to thicken.
3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour, 4 cups chicken broth
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Stir in the dried parsley, dried thyme, and the halved baby potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, add the thinly chopped mushrooms. Cover and continue to cook for another 25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
1 teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, 1 ½ pound baby potatoes, 8 oz mushrooms
Just before serving, stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated. Taste the stew and season with additional salt and pepper to your preference.
½ cup heavy cream, Salt and pepper
Remove from the heat and serve immediately.

Notes

I prefer using baby potatoes because their thin skin stays intact beautifully during cooking, and they hold their shape well. If you choose to use russet potatoes, I highly recommend peeling and dicing them into smaller pieces before adding them to the stew. This will prevent them from breaking down too much and ensure the stew maintains its desired creamy, rather than starchy, texture.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Erin Sellin

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 253

Keyword: chicken stew, creamy chicken stew, hearty chicken stew

Love this cozy chicken stew? Share your thoughts below!

I’ve created a fun and engaging community group on Facebook, and I would absolutely love for you to join us! It’s a fantastic space where you can share your own favorite recipes, ask questions, get inspiration, and stay updated on all the new recipes and happenings at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts, ensuring you never miss out on a delicious creation!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and don’t forget to tag #dinnersdishes in your posts! This way, I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU create and share your culinary successes with our community!

To ensure you’re always in the loop and never miss a delicious update, be sure to follow me on all my social media channels!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram