A hearty, soul-soothing one-pot meal that brings cozy comfort to your table with every spoonful.
Before we dive into this warm and nourishing bowl of comfort, I just want to say how much I appreciate you being here. Recipes like this chicken stew are why I fell in love with cooking—there’s just something timeless about gathering around a pot of simmering goodness that makes the house smell like home. 🏡✨
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Why You’ll Love This Rustic Chicken Stew
Classic, Cozy, and Made to Share
This chicken stew is everything a comfort food should be—tender chunks of chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, herby broth that feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of meal that simmers low and slow and fills your kitchen with incredible aromas.
Whether you’re making it for family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, it’s the ultimate one-pot wonder.
What It Tastes Like
Each spoonful delivers fall-apart chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a broth that’s deeply savory thanks to dried herbs, garlic, and a hint of smoked paprika. The tomatoes add brightness, the potatoes bring that soft, starchy goodness, and the zucchini and green beans lighten it all up.
Benefits of This Stew
- Balanced with protein, fiber, and veggies
- Budget-friendly, using pantry staples and humble ingredients
- Freezer-friendly and great for leftovers
- Gluten-free and naturally dairy-free
Ingredients 🛒
Here’s everything you’ll need to build this cozy bowl of stew:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need 🧂
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Ladle for serving
Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions
Make it your own with these swaps and additions:
- Swap the protein: Use turkey, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Add grains: Stir in cooked barley, brown rice, or pasta near the end for extra heartiness.
- Use different veggies: Mushrooms, peas, kale, or corn can be added depending on the season.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for warmth.
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
1. Brown the Chicken
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and brown them on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the Veggies
Stir in carrots, celery, potatoes, zucchini, and green beans. Cook for 5 minutes, letting the veggies soak up all the flavor.
4. Build the Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer Low and Slow
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes until the chicken is fork-tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
6. Taste and Finish
Adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
What to Serve With Chicken Stew 🍞
This stew is hearty on its own, but here are a few delicious accompaniments:
- Crusty artisan bread or warm dinner rolls
- Buttery mashed potatoes for double comfort
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli on the side
Storage Tips 🍱
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in batches for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs 🙋♀️
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the chicken and sauté the onion and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Definitely. Chicken breasts work well, but thighs tend to stay juicier after long cooking.
How do I thicken the stew?
If you like a thicker broth, mash a few of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) at the end.
Final Thoughts 💛
There’s something so deeply satisfying about a rustic chicken stew—it’s the food equivalent of a blanket and a deep breath. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer, this one-pot wonder is a tried-and-true recipe that brings comfort, nutrition, and nostalgia in every bite.
So next time the weather turns chilly or you just need a little cozy in your life, you know what to do. This chicken stew’s got your back. ❤️
More Cozy Dinner Recipes to Try:
- Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Hearty Beef and Barley Stew
- Slow-Cooker Tuscan White Bean Soup
Show Us Your Stew! 📸
Did you try this recipe? Snap a pic and tag me on Pinterest—I love seeing your creations. Don’t forget to leave a review and let me know how it turned out!
Nutritional Info (per serving – approx.) 🔍
Calories: 370 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 26g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: ~600mg
Here’s to full bellies, warm kitchens, and good company around the table. 🍽️❤️
