Old Fashioned Chicken Stew is a comforting and hearty dish that brings warmth to any meal. With tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this classic stew is the perfect way to enjoy a cozy family dinner. It’s simple to prepare, full of nutrients, and provides the kind of home-cooked goodness that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Packed with wholesome ingredients like carrots, potatoes, and onions, this chicken stew is a nourishing and satisfying dish that will become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Comfort Food: This stew offers the kind of warmth and heartiness that makes you feel right at home, perfect for a family dinner.
Simple Ingredients: With easy-to-find ingredients, you won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen preparing a delicious, satisfying meal.
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with lean chicken, vegetables, and flavorful broth, this dish is both wholesome and filling.
One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in one pot, making clean-up easy and convenient.
Versatile: Customize the recipe by adding other vegetables, herbs, or seasonings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts (or a mix)
Carrots
Potatoes
Celery
Onion
Garlic
Chicken broth
Olive oil or butter
Salt and pepper
Dried thyme
Bay leaves
Fresh parsley (optional)

Variations

Vegetable Additions: You can add peas, green beans, or corn for added color and texture.
Herb Variations: Swap out the thyme for rosemary or add a sprinkle of sage for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Chicken Stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a little heat.
Creamy Stew: Stir in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by chopping the carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic, and set everything aside. If you’re using bone-in chicken, remove the skin for a healthier option.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, then add them to the pot. Brown the chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes per side). This step enhances the flavor, so be sure not to skip it. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a little more oil if necessary and sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic over medium heat until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5-6 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Add the chicken broth to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (they’re full of flavor). Return the chicken to the pot, and add the potatoes, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the stew simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the stew and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning

Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs, if necessary. You can also remove the bay leaves at this point.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Bone-in Chicken: Bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the stew, but you can use boneless chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few of the potatoes or use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Flavor Boost: For added depth of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine or a spoonful of tomato paste when sautéing the vegetables.

How to Serve

With Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious broth.
On Its Own: This stew is hearty enough to stand alone as a filling, nutritious meal.
With a Salad: Pair with a light side salad to balance the richness of the stew.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the stew cools completely before storing.

Freezing

You can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat leftover stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the stew thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken for this stew?

Yes, boneless chicken works well too, but you may lose some of the flavor that bone-in chicken provides. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

2. Can I add other vegetables to this stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as peas, corn, or green beans. Just add them during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering to avoid overcooking.

3. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make this in a slow cooker, brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked and vegetables are tender.

4. Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, this stew can be made a day or two ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together.

5. Can I use store-bought chicken broth?

Yes, store-bought chicken broth is fine, but homemade broth will add a richer flavor if you have the time to make it.

6. Can I make this stew without potatoes?

Yes, you can omit the potatoes and replace them with another vegetable, like turnips or parsnips, or simply make a lighter version without starchy vegetables.

7. How do I make this stew spicier?

To add heat, stir in some red pepper flakes, chili powder, or even diced jalapeños along with the garlic and onions.

8. Can I add cream to make it creamy?

Yes, to make this stew creamy, you can add heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Stir it in for a rich, velvety finish.

9. How can I thicken the broth?

If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a portion of the potatoes with a fork, or mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

10. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the stew at the end of cooking, simmering it for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Chicken Stew is the perfect dish for any occasion, offering comfort, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth, it’s a wholesome and nourishing meal that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or preparing a meal ahead of time, this stew is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.