Craving a comforting meal that will warm your soul and bring your family together? Look no further than this mouthwatering Chicken Stew that promises to be the ultimate comfort food experience! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken pieces nestled among perfectly cooked vegetables, swimming in a rich, flavorful broth that will have everyone asking for seconds. This classic American dish is not just a recipe—it's a culinary hug that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal that will become an instant family favorite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing, peeling, and chopping vegetables. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides until golden, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return browned chicken to the pot. Pour in chicken broth, ensuring chicken is mostly covered. Add thyme, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the stew simmer slowly for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Stir occasionally and check that vegetables are tender and chicken is completely cooked through. The liquid should reduce and thicken slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or crusty bread on the side.
Tips
- • For maximum flavor, take your time browning the chicken - those golden edges create deep, rich taste profiles. • Use bone-in chicken thighs if possible, as they provide more flavor and remain incredibly tender during slow cooking. • Don't rush the simmering process; low and slow is the secret to a truly spectacular stew. • If the stew seems too thin, you can create a quick slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking. • Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme make an excellent garnish and add a bright, fresh finish to your stew. • Leftovers taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop overnight.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 110mg
