Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew – A Comforting Classic
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chicken and vegetable stew to comfort the soul. This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew is packed with tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this stew is a satisfying, nourishing choice that is both easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Perfect for cold nights, this stew is rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a healthy option for everyone at the table. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can have a wholesome, homemade meal ready in no time.
Let’s dive into this flavorful, one-pot wonder that will soon become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Protein & Base:
✅ 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded
✅ 2 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables:
✅ 1 large onion, chopped
✅ 3 cloves garlic, minced
✅ 3 carrots, sliced
✅ 3 medium potatoes, cubed
✅ 2 celery stalks, chopped
✅ 1 cup frozen peas
✅ 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
Broth & Seasoning:
✅ 4 cups chicken broth
✅ 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
✅ 1 tsp dried thyme
✅ 1 tsp dried rosemary
✅ 1 tsp smoked paprika
✅ 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
✅ 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
✅ 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
✅ 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
✅ 1 tbsp tomato paste
✅ 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy stew)
For Garnish:
✅ 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
✅ Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
1️⃣ If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, season it lightly with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks.
2️⃣ If using rotisserie chicken, simply remove the skin and shred the meat. Set the chicken aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
1️⃣ In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
3️⃣ Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
1️⃣ Toss in the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Stir well to coat them with the oil and aromatics.
2️⃣ Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 4: Build the Flavor
1️⃣ Add the tomato paste and stir well, letting it cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
2️⃣ Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, followed by the diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir everything together.
3️⃣ Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 5: Simmer the Stew
1️⃣ Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
2️⃣ Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 25-30 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
Step 6: Add Chicken & Final Touches
1️⃣ Once the vegetables are fork-tender, stir in the shredded chicken, frozen peas, and green beans.
2️⃣ Let the stew simmer uncovered for another 5-10 minutes to allow all the flavors to combine.
3️⃣ If you prefer a creamy stew, stir in the heavy cream at this stage and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
1️⃣ Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if needed.
2️⃣ Ladle the hot, hearty chicken and vegetable stew into bowls.
3️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
4️⃣ Serve with warm crusty bread or biscuits for the ultimate comfort meal!
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew
❤️ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables.
⏳ One-Pot Wonder – Easy to make and requires minimal cleanup.
🔥 Full of Flavor – The combination of spices, herbs, and a slow simmer brings out a deep, delicious taste.
🥣 Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day!
🌿 Customizable – Swap in your favorite vegetables, adjust spices, or make it creamy or brothy depending on your preference.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerator:
Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 4-5 days in the fridge.
Freezer:
For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
✅ Stovetop: Reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if needed.
✅ Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until fully heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes! Add raw chicken breasts or thighs directly into the stew when you add the broth. Let it cook in the stew for about 20 minutes, then shred it and return it to the pot.
2. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sauté the onions and garlic first, then add all ingredients (except peas, green beans, and cream) into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then stir in the final ingredients before serving.
3. What can I serve with this stew?
This stew pairs wonderfully with:
🍞 Crusty bread
🥔 Mashed potatoes
🥗 A simple green salad
🧀 A side of cheese biscuits
4. Can I make this stew gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your Worcestershire sauce and broth are gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew is the perfect dish to warm you up on chilly days. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, meal prepping for the week, or freezing it for later, this stew delivers bold flavors, nutritious ingredients, and ultimate comfort in every bite.
Give this easy, one-pot meal a try and let me know how you liked it! Don’t forget to pair it with some crusty bread for the ultimate comforting meal.