Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

 

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting stew:

 

1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach your own for more control over flavor.

 

2 tablespoons olive oil

For sautéing the aromatics and adding heart-healthy fats.

 

1 large onion, chopped

Adds sweetness and depth to the base of the stew.

 

3 cloves garlic, minced

Essential for rich, aromatic flavor.

 

3 carrots, sliced

A classic stew vegetable for sweetness and color.

 

3 medium potatoes, cubed

Yukon golds or red potatoes work well as they hold their shape.

 

1 cup frozen peas

Added at the end to retain their bright color and sweetness.

 

4 cups chicken broth

The flavorful liquid base of the stew.

 

1 cup water

Helps balance out the broth for just the right consistency.

 

2 tablespoons tomato paste

Adds richness and umami depth.

 

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Earthy and fragrant — a great complement to chicken.

 

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Lends a pine-like, warm aroma to the broth.

 

Salt and pepper to taste

Essential for seasoning the stew to perfection.

 

Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish

Optional, but it adds freshness and color to the final dish.

 

👩‍🍳 Directions

 

Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.

 

Add Vegetables and Broth

Add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, 4 cups chicken broth, and 1 cup water to the pot.

Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp rosemary, and season with salt and pepper.

Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender.

 

Add Chicken and Peas

Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen peas. Let the stew simmer for another 5–10 minutes, until the chicken is warmed through and the peas are tender.

 

Serve

Ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley.

Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal!

 

⏱ Cooking Times & Nutritional Info

 

Prep Time: 10 minutes

 

Cook Time: 35 minutes

 

Total Time: 45 minutes

 

Servings: 6

 

Calories: ~300 kcal per serving (depending on ingredients and portion sizes)

 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

❓ Can I use raw chicken instead of pre-cooked?

 

Yes! You can use raw chicken breast or thighs. Simply dice and sauté the chicken in the pot first before adding the onions. Once browned and cooked through, remove it, continue with the rest of the recipe, and return the chicken to the pot with the peas.

 

❓ Can this be made in a slow cooker?

 

Absolutely. Add all ingredients (except peas and cooked chicken) to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Add the peas and chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

 

❓ Can I freeze the stew?

 

Yes! Let the stew cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

 

❓ What other vegetables can I add?

 

You can add:

 

Celery, for extra flavor

 

Corn, for a touch of sweetness

 

Green beans or zucchini, for more texture

 

Parsnips or turnips, for a rustic twist

 

❓ How can I thicken the stew?

 

If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the cooked potatoes with a fork, or mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.

 

🥣 Serving Suggestions

 

Crusty bread (baguette, sourdough, or dinner rolls)

 

Side salad with lemon vinaigrette

 

Steamed rice for a heartier meal

 

Crackers or biscuits for dipping

 

🌿 Final Thoughts

 

This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew is a wholesome, satisfying, and budget-friendly recipe that works well for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or feeding a crowd. It’s comforting, flexible, and full of flavor — a true family favorite!

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