Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew Recipe 🍗🥕🍲

Nothing beats a warm, comforting stew on a chilly day. This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew is packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth that will keep you cozy and satisfied. The best part? It’s easy to make and perfect for meal prepping! Whether you’re looking for a filling family dinner or a wholesome dish for lunch, this hearty stew is just what you need.

Ingredients:

For the Stew:

• 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless and skinless), cut into bite-sized pieces 🍗
• 2 tbsp olive oil 🧴
• 1 large onion, chopped 🧅
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 🥕
• 2 celery stalks, chopped 🌿
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced 🥔
• 1 cup frozen peas 🍃
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) 🌽
• 1 zucchini, diced 🥒
• 1 bay leaf 🍂
• 1 tsp thyme 🌿
• 1 tsp rosemary 🌿
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste 🧂
• 1/2 tsp pepper, or to taste 🌶️
• 4 cups chicken broth 🍲
• 1 cup water 💧
• 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening) 🍚
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌿

Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

• In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
• Add the carrots, celery, and potato. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings

• Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add the chicken broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 4: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

• If you’d like a thicker stew, mix 2 tbsp flour with a small amount of water to form a slurry (a smooth paste). Stir the slurry into the stew, and let it cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the stew thickens up.

Step 5: Add the Remaining Vegetables

• Add the zucchini, peas, and corn kernels to the stew and continue to cook for another 10 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the peas and corn are heated through.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning

• Taste the stew and adjust the seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

• Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with some crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal!

Why You’ll Love Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew:

1. Comforting and Filling: This stew is packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth, making it the perfect meal to warm you up on cold days. 🍲

2. Nutritious and Wholesome: The combination of lean chicken and fiber-rich vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and zucchini makes this stew not only delicious but also nutritious. 🥕🥔

3. Customizable: You can easily swap out vegetables depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Add parsnips, sweet potatoes, or green beans for more variety! 🌿

4. One-Pot Meal: This stew is made in one pot, making for easy cleanup. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. 🧑‍🍳

5. Great for Leftovers: This stew actually gets better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, making it perfect for leftovers! 🥣

Pro Tips for the Perfect Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew:

1. Use Bone-In Chicken: For extra flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs. You can remove the bones after cooking and shred the chicken for an even heartier stew. 🍗

2. Add Greens: Throw in some fresh spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for added greens and nutritional value. 🌱

3. Control the Thickness: If you want a thinner broth, simply omit the flour. For a thicker consistency, add the flour slurry or mash a few of the potatoes in the stew. 🥔

4. Make Ahead: This stew is perfect for making ahead and will keep well in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! 🥄

5. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño if you like a bit of spice to your stew! 🌶️

Conclusion:

This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew is the ultimate comfort food—packed with tender chicken, a variety of vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. Whether you’re looking for a warm meal after a long day or prepping for a cozy family dinner, this stew is sure to hit the spot. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and can be customized to suit your tastes. 🍲

Enjoy this satisfying meal with family and friends and watch as they ask for seconds! 😋