The Coziest Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Stew Recipe for Winter

Winter nights call for a soul-warming chicken and vegetable stew that brings comfort right to your plate.

Chilly temperatures spark cravings for robust, filling meals packed with rich flavors.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with colorful vegetables, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Fragrant herbs and robust seasonings infuse each spoonful with warmth and depth.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal that nourishes both body and spirit.

Quick to prepare and even faster to disappear, this stew becomes an instant favorite around the dinner table.

Jump in and savor every delicious bite of this hearty, home-cooked classic.

Why Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew Is So Nourishing

• Nourish with Wholesome Comfort: Packed with lean protein from chicken and a rainbow of vegetables, this stew delivers a nutritious punch that keeps you satisfied and energized.
• Simplify Cooking Routine: One-pot wonder that minimizes kitchen cleanup and requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious, stress-free meals.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping vegetables, adjusting seasonings, or adding extra ingredients to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Hearty, warm, and universally appealing stew that brings everyone together around the table, creating memorable mealtime moments with its comforting flavors.

Ingredients for Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that helps sauté aromatics and provides a rich flavor foundation for the stew.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the stew's base, creating a flavorful starting point.
• Garlic: Introduces a pungent and aromatic element that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Potatoes, Carrots: Hearty root vegetables that provide substance, texture, and nutritional value to the stew.
• Frozen Peas: A sweet and tender vegetable that adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken the stew's base.

• Cooked Chicken: The main protein that makes the stew filling and satisfying.
• Chicken Broth, Water: Creates the liquid base for the stew, adding depth and helping to cook the vegetables.
• Dried Thyme, Dried Rosemary: Classic herbs that provide earthy and aromatic notes to the stew.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley or Thyme: A bright, fresh garnish that adds a final layer of flavor and visual appeal.

How to Make Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew

Step 1: Awaken the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and let them dance and soften for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.

Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute, releasing its delightful aroma.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Diced potatoes
• Sliced carrots
• Chicken broth
• Water
• Tomato paste
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary

Sprinkle salt and pepper to your taste.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes until the vegetables become tender and soft.

Step 3: Introduce Protein and Sweetness

• Shredded cooked chicken
• Frozen peas

Cover the pot and let it simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to intermingle and create a harmonious blend.

Step 4: Create the Perfect Serving

Ladle the steaming stew into bowls.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve piping hot alongside crusty bread or a fluffy bed of rice for a satisfying meal that warms both body and soul.

Tips to Make Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew Perfect

• Choose bone-in chicken breasts or thighs for richer, more flavorful meat that stays tender during cooking.
• Swap frozen peas with fresh or other seasonal vegetables like zucchini or green beans for variety.
• Enhance the stew's depth by adding a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce during sautéing.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of traditional thickeners and confirming broth ingredients.
• Prep vegetables in advance and store in the refrigerator to reduce cooking time and simplify meal preparation.

Variations to Try on Chicken and Vegetable Stew

• Vegetarian Stew: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth for a plant-based version. Add extra protein-rich legumes like chickpeas or white beans for more substance.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially broth and seasonings. Use cornstarch as a thickener if needed, replacing any potential wheat-based ingredients.
• Mediterranean Remix: Swap dried herbs with fresh oregano and add kalamata olives. Include diced zucchini and bell peppers for a Greek-inspired flavor profile. Finish with crumbled feta cheese on top.

What Goes Best with Chicken and Vegetable Stew

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Côtes du Rhône that complements the hearty chicken and vegetable flavors without overpowering the delicate herbs.
• Serve with Rustic Sourdough: Select a crusty, tangy sourdough bread that provides perfect texture contrast and helps soak up the rich, savory stew broth.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, vinaigrette dressing, and toasted almonds to balance the stew's warmth and add fresh, bright notes to the meal.
• Recommend Herbal Iced Tea: Brew a refreshing mint or chamomile iced tea that offers a cool, soothing counterpoint to the stew's warmth and helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Proper Storage Methods for Chicken Vegetable Stew

• Store the stew in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer the cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months, labeling the container with the date of preparation.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use different vegetables in this stew?

Yes, you can easily swap vegetables based on your preference or what’s available. Root vegetables like parsnips or turnips work well, and you can also add celery or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Is this stew healthy?

Absolutely! This stew is packed with lean protein from chicken, nutrient-rich vegetables, and uses minimal oil. It’s a balanced, wholesome meal that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and protein.

• Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Definitely. This stew reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets cuisine in this soul-warming hearty chicken and vegetable stew straight from grandma’s kitchen. Robust ingredients mingle with aromatic herbs, creating a nourishing meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

Vegetables:

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 large carrots, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (32 fluid ounces) chicken broth
• 2 cups (16 fluid ounces) water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature. Sauté chopped onions until translucent and aromatic, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing its fragrant essence.
2. Introduce diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chicken broth, and water into the pot. Incorporate tomato paste, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Season with salt and pepper according to preference. Elevate heat to boiling point, then reduce to low, covering the pot and allowing vegetables to simmer for 20 minutes until tender.
3. Gently fold shredded cooked chicken and frozen peas into the simmering mixture. Continue cooking for 5-10 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and meld together thoroughly.
4. Transfer the rich, hearty stew into serving bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves. Accompany with crusty bread or steamed rice for a satisfying, complete meal experience.

Notes

• Slow-cook vegetables with chicken broth to enhance their natural sweetness and create deeper flavor profiles for the stew.
• Use bone-in chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken for richer, more tender meat that adds extra depth to the dish.
• Customize vegetable selection based on seasonal availability or personal preference, keeping similar cooking times to maintain consistent texture.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling salt content during seasoning, making the stew heart-healthy and diet-friendly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg