Cozy Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew Recipe For Cold Days

Crafting a soul-warming chicken and vegetable stew can transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with comforting aromas.

Rich flavors mingle in this classic dish that promises satisfaction on chilly evenings.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among colorful vegetables, creating a wholesome meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Fresh ingredients dance together, building layers of depth and nutrition in every spoonful.

Seasonal vegetables add vibrant textures and unexpected brightness to this traditional comfort food.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected spices elevate the stew from simple to spectacular.

Hungry for a meal that nourishes both body and spirit?

This recipe might just become your new favorite winter companion.

Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew Comfort

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with lean protein from chicken and a rainbow of vegetables, this stew delivers essential nutrients in every comforting spoonful.
• Master One-Pot Magic: Simplify your cooking with a single pot that handles the entire meal, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables, adjust seasonings, or add different proteins to make this recipe your own personal culinary creation that suits any taste preference.
• Comfort Food Champion: Warm, hearty, and soul-satisfying, this stew wraps you in delicious comfort perfect for gathering family around the dinner table or enjoying a cozy meal solo.

Ingredients for Wholesome Chicken and Vegetable Stew

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

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base ingredients that provide a deep, savory foundation for the stew.
• Carrots, Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that add texture and nutritional value to the dish.
• Frozen Peas: Sweet green vegetables that bring a pop of color and freshness to the stew.

• Thyme, Rosemary: Fragrant herbs that infuse the stew with earthy and aromatic flavors.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
• Tomato Paste: A rich, concentrated ingredient that adds depth and umami to the stew.

• Olive Oil: A healthy fat used for sautéing and adding a subtle richness to the stew.
• Chicken Broth, Water: Liquid base that creates the stew's comforting and nourishing consistency.

How to Make Chicken and Vegetable Stew

Step 1: Awaken the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Gently toss in chopped onions and dance them around until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Sprinkle minced garlic into the pot and let its fragrance bloom for another minute, filling your kitchen with wonderful scents.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Diced carrots
• Chunky potato pieces
• 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 seasonings, which will take around 20 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce Protein and Sweet Peas

Fold in shredded chicken and bright green frozen peas. Let everything mingle and warm through for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to become best friends.

Step 4: Create a Comforting Meal

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

Serve alongside a crusty bread that’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich, hearty broth.

Tips for Rich and Flavorful Stew

• Add a splash of white wine or a dash of Worcestershire sauce during the sautéing stage to enhance the stew's overall taste profile.
• Adjust the stew's consistency by adding more broth for a lighter texture or mashing some potatoes to create a thicker, heartier version.
• Replace regular broth with gluten-free chicken stock and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Cook and shred chicken in advance, storing it separately to quickly assemble the stew when you're ready to eat, saving precious cooking time.
• Experiment with seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, parsnips, or kale to keep the stew exciting and nutritionally diverse throughout the year.

Variations on Classic Chicken Stew

• Spicy Southwest Stew: Replace thyme and rosemary with cumin, chili powder, and a diced jalapeño. Add black beans and corn for a Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Chicken Stew: Swap herbs for oregano and basil. Include diced zucchini, olives, and a splash of white wine. Top with crumbled feta cheese.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Stew: Stir in heavy cream and sautéed mushrooms near the end of cooking. Use cremini or shiitake mushrooms for rich depth.
• Autumn Root Vegetable Stew: Substitute carrots and potatoes with butternut squash, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. Add a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg for warm seasonal flavors.

What Goes Best with Chicken Stew

• Elevate Rustic Bread Pairing: Grab a crusty sourdough or rustic country bread to soak up the rich, savory stew broth. The hearty texture and slightly tangy flavor perfectly complement the chicken and vegetable medley.
• Wine Wonderland: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Viognier to balance the stew's robust flavors. These wines offer crisp acidity and subtle oak notes that enhance the dish's herbal undertones.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose an amber ale or Belgian-style wheat beer to match the stew's warmth. These brews provide a malty sweetness and light hoppy character that cuts through the stew's richness while refreshing the palate.

Proper Storage for Chicken Stew Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the stew is completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chicken in this stew?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or even raw chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding to the stew.

• Is this stew healthy for kids?

Absolutely! The stew is packed with vegetables and lean protein, making it a nutritious meal for children. The soft texture and mild flavors are kid-friendly.

• How can I make this stew more filling?

Consider adding a cup of cooked quinoa or barley to the stew to increase its heartiness and provide extra protein and fiber. You can also serve it with a slice of whole grain bread.

Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets flavor in this soulful chicken and vegetable stew, blending rustic ingredients into a warming culinary embrace. Rich with tender chicken, farm-fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, you’ll savor each spoonful of pure homestyle nourishment.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 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. Prepare the aromatic base by gently sautéing finely chopped onions in olive oil over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes until they become translucent and softened.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute, allowing the fragrant oils to release and enhance the flavor profile of the stew.
3. Add diced carrots and cubed potatoes to the pot, followed by chicken broth and water, creating a rich liquid foundation for the hearty dish.
4. Blend in tomato paste and season with dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute the herbs and spices evenly.
5. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the vegetables to tenderize for 20 minutes until they reach a soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
6. Introduce shredded chicken and frozen peas to the simmering stew, mixing carefully to integrate the protein and additional vegetable elements.
7. Continue cooking for 5-10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly heated and the peas are warmed through while maintaining the stew’s robust texture.
8. Carefully ladle the steaming stew into serving bowls, garnishing with fresh thyme or chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
9. Serve immediately alongside crusty, rustic bread to soak up the flavorful broth and complete this comforting meal.

Notes

• Boost vegetable nutrition by adding extra colorful veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more diverse flavors and nutrients.
• Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian version that maintains protein content and hearty texture.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake, perfect for those monitoring dietary sodium levels.
• Make it gluten-free by ensuring your broth and ingredients are certified gluten-free, ideal for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg