Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew is a soul-warming dish that’s loved for its comforting flavors and nourishing ingredients. Popular for its robust taste and satisfying texture, this stew is perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a wholesome meal that brings a sense of comfort. What makes it special is the delightful blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered to perfection in a rich broth.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew at home offers numerous benefits. It provides a nutritious, well-balanced meal loaded with proteins and vitamins from the chicken and vegetables. This homemade stew is not only more flavorful than store-bought options but also cost-effective. Plus, it’s an excellent dish for busy days since it can be made in a big batch and easily reheated for later meals.
How to Make Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew
Preparing this stew involves simmering shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and herbs together in a savory broth. The process is straightforward: sauté the aromatics, add in the vegetables and broth, then simmer until tender. This simple method ensures the flavors meld beautifully. The result is a hearty and satisfying stew that warms you up from the inside.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add carrots, potatoes, chicken broth, and water.
- Stir in tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in shredded chicken and frozen peas.
- Let simmer for another 5-10 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.
- Serve hot with crusty bread on the side!
How to Serve Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew
For the best experience, serve this stew steaming hot with a slice of crusty bread or warm biscuits. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or a glass of crisp white wine to complement the savory flavors. The garnish of fresh herbs adds a vibrant color and fresh aroma, enhancing the overall presentation and taste.
How to Store Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew
Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the stew in portions within suitable freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to restore the desired consistency.
Tips to Make Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew
- For extra depth of flavor, consider browning the chicken pieces before shredding and adding to the stew.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking by experimenting with different herbs or adding a dash of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
- Let the stew rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Variation
Customize your stew by adding different vegetables like bell peppers or corn. For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also swap chicken for turkey or make it vegetarian by using beans in place of poultry and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
FAQs
How long does Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew last?
The stew lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer when stored properly.
Can I substitute an ingredient in Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew?
Yes, feel free to swap or add vegetables like bell peppers, swap chicken with turkey, or use beans for a vegetarian version.
What can I serve with Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew?
Serve it with crusty bread or warm biscuits, a fresh salad, or a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add carrots, potatoes, chicken broth, and water.
- Stir in tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in shredded chicken and frozen peas.
- Let simmer for another 5-10 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
Customize with vegetables like corn or bell pepper. Add cream at the end for richness. Great for freezing—just cool completely before storing.
