Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew – Comfort in a Bowl
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew to warm your soul and satisfy your hunger. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory broth that brings everything together, this one-pot wonder is wholesome, nourishing, and deeply comforting.
Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd, this stew is as nutritious as it is delicious. Let’s dive into this comforting classic that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite.
🍲 Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Vegetable Stew
- Protein-rich and full of essential vitamins
- Loaded with colorful vegetables for added fiber and nutrients
- One-pot recipe — easy to cook and even easier to clean
- Perfect for batch cooking or freezing for later
- Delicious on its own or with crusty bread, rice, or biscuits
🛒 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked chicken breast or thighs | 1 lb, shredded |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion, chopped | 1 large |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Carrots, sliced | 3 |
| Potatoes, cubed | 3 medium |
| Celery, chopped | 2 stalks |
| Green beans, trimmed and halved | 1 cup (optional) |
| Chicken broth or stock | 4 cups |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley (for garnish) | Optional |
🥄 Optional Add-ins: Peas, corn, chopped spinach, or barley for extra flavor and nutrition.
👩🍳 How to Make Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew
🔹 Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onions, and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in garlic, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
🔹 Step 2: Add Vegetables
- Toss in carrots, potatoes, celery, and green beans (if using).
- Sauté for about 5–6 minutes to soften the edges and release natural sugars.
🔹 Step 3: Build the Broth
- Stir in tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
🔹 Step 4: Simmer Gently
- Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until potatoes and carrots are tender.
🔹 Step 5: Add Chicken
- Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and the chicken absorb the broth.
🔹 Step 6: Season and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with a slice of buttery cornbread or crusty baguette
- Ladle over a scoop of steamed rice or egg noodles for added heartiness
- Pair with a light salad for a balanced meal
🧊 Storage and Freezing Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled stew in portions for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave until piping hot.
🥕 Customize It Your Way
- Add legumes like chickpeas or lentils for plant-based protein
- Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a twist
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor (just remove bones before serving)
- Make it creamy by stirring in ½ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything (except chicken) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, then add the shredded chicken in the last 30 minutes.
Can I use raw chicken instead?
Yes. Add raw, boneless chicken breasts or thighs in step 3 with the broth. Simmer until cooked through (internal temp of 165°F), then remove, shred, and return to the pot.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes — as long as you use gluten-free broth and avoid any flour-based thickeners, it’s naturally gluten-free.
How do I thicken the stew?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash a few potatoes right in the pot or stir in 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water near the end of cooking.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew is everything you need in a satisfying, homemade meal — simple ingredients, robust flavor, and comforting warmth in every spoonful. It’s the kind of dish that not only feeds your body but soothes your soul.
Perfect for chilly days, busy weeks, or whenever you need a little extra nourishment and love in a bowl.