Easy Homemade Pot Chicken Stew Recipe For Cozy Dinners

Cozy winter nights call for a hearty pot chicken stew that warms you from the inside out.

Aromatic herbs and tender meat create an irresistible comfort dish.

Succulent chicken pieces swim in a rich, velvety broth packed with seasonal vegetables.

Layers of flavor develop slowly, promising a deeply satisfying meal.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen come flooding back with each spoonful of this classic recipe.

Home cooking doesn’t get more delicious than this soul-warming combination of ingredients.

Ladle up a bowl and let the magic of this stew transport you to pure culinary bliss.

How to Make Pot Chicken Stew from Scratch

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika

Sear chicken pieces until golden brown on each side

Remove chicken and set aside on a plate

Step 2: Saute the Vegetable Base

• Onions
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Potatoes
• Celery

Cook vegetables until they start to soften

Step 3: Infuse with Herbal Flavors

Sprinkle in thyme, oregano, and bay leaf

Stir and cook for one minute to release aromatics

Step 4: Create the Liquid Foundation

Pour in chicken broth

Add tomato paste

Stir until well combined

Step 5: Merge Chicken and Liquid

Return chicken pieces to the pot

Bring mixture to a boil

Step 6: Slow Simmer

Reduce heat to low

Cover pot

Let stew simmer until vegetables are tender and chicken is fully cooked

Step 7: Final Touches

Add frozen peas

Cook for additional few minutes

Optional: Thicken stew by mixing flour with broth and stirring back into pot

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove bay leaf

Garnish with fresh parsley

Serve hot with crusty bread or rice

Cooking Tips for Flavorful Pot Chicken Stew

• Master the Chicken Stew Technique
• Perfectly Brown Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry before searing to achieve a beautiful golden crust that locks in maximum flavor and creates delicious caramelization.
• Control Vegetable Texture: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking, preventing some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast herbs like thyme and oregano briefly in the pot before adding liquids to release their essential oils and intensify the overall taste profile.
• Avoid Watery Stew: If the stew seems too thin, use cornstarch instead of flour for a smoother, more reliable thickening method that prevents lumps and provides a glossy finish.
• Smart Seasoning Strategy: Season chicken pieces generously before searing and taste the broth before final simmer, adjusting salt and pepper to create a perfectly balanced dish that's not too bland or too salty.

How to Store and Reheat Pot Chicken Stew

• Store leftover chicken stew in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 34 days.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm slowly in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Pour stew into a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or vented plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Best Side Dishes for Pot Chicken Stew

• Choose a medium-bodied red like Côtes du Rhône or Merlot that complements the rich, hearty chicken stew with its warm fruit notes and subtle tannins.
• Select a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious stew broth, adding texture and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Create a light side of mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the stew's heavy flavors and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top to add a bright, fresh element that cuts through the stew's richness and provides a beautiful visual pop.

Variations of Pot Chicken Stew You Should Try

Low-Carb Chicken Cauliflower Stew: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content, perfect for keto and low-carb diets.

Herb-Infused Mediterranean Chicken Stew: Swap traditional herbs with rosemary, basil, and za’atar for a Mediterranean flavor profile, serving over quinoa instead of rice.

Dairy-Free Chicken Vegetable Stew: Eliminate dairy-based thickeners, using arrowroot powder or cornstarch as alternative binding agents for individuals with lactose intolerance.

Slow Cooker Adaptation: Transform the stovetop recipe into a convenient slow cooker method, allowing ingredients to simmer on low heat for 6-8 hours, creating a tender and deeply flavored stew.

Pot Chicken Stew Questions Answered

• What makes this chicken stew so flavorful?

The combination of herbs like thyme and oregano, along with seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika, creates a rich depth of flavor. Searing the chicken before simmering also helps develop a more intense taste profile.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even boneless chicken pieces. Just ensure the chicken is cut to similar sizes for even cooking and adjust cooking time if using smaller pieces.

• Is this chicken stew healthy?

Yes, it’s a nutritious one-pot meal packed with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, celery, and peas. The dish provides a good balance of protein from chicken and nutrients from the vegetables, making it a wholesome meal option.

• How can I make this stew more protein-rich?

You can add extra protein by including beans like white kidney beans or chickpeas during the sautéing stage. Alternatively, serve the stew with quinoa or add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for additional protein.

What Makes Pot Chicken Stew a Comfort Favorite

• Transform ordinary chicken and vegetables into a hearty, soul-warming meal with minimal kitchen effort.
• Create a complete dinner using just one pot, reducing washing time and simplifying your cooking process.
• Pack multiple vegetables and lean protein into a single dish that appeals to kids and adults alike, ensuring balanced nutrition with delicious flavors.
• Prepare a complete meal in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking wholesome, home-cooked dinners without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Hearty Pot Chicken Stew

• Chicken: The star of the dish, provides hearty and tender meat for the stew. Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for more flavor.

• Onions, Garlic: Create a flavor base for the stew. Fresh garlic and yellow onions work best.
• Carrots, Potatoes, Celery: Add texture and heartiness to the stew. Choose firm, fresh vegetables for the best results.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing overall flavor. Use fresh ground pepper and sweet paprika.
• Thyme, Oregano, Bay Leaf: Provide herbal depth and complexity. Fresh herbs are preferable but dried work well.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing chicken and sautéing vegetables. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness.
• Chicken Broth: Creates the stew's liquid base. Homemade or low-sodium store-bought broth recommended.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and slight acidity. Concentrate provides more intense flavor.
• Frozen Peas: Optional addition for extra color and nutrition.
• Flour: Used for thickening the stew if desired. All-purpose flour works perfectly.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and freshness to finish the dish.

Pot Chicken Stew Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Portuguese pot chicken stew delivers comfort with rich, aromatic flavors simmered to perfection. Tender chicken, herbs, and traditional spices create a soul-warming meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into chunks
• 4 cups (950 milliliters) chicken broth

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• ½ cup frozen peas (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf

Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Warm a generously sized pot or Dutch oven with olive oil over robust medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with a robust blend of salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring complete seasoning coverage.
3. Expertly sear chicken segments until they develop a golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, then carefully transfer to a holding plate.
4. Utilize the same pot to transform onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and celery into a fragrant vegetable medley, sautéing until ingredients become slightly translucent and tender.
5. Introduce aromatic thyme, oregano, and a single bay leaf to elevate the flavor profile, allowing herbs to release their essential oils for approximately one minute.
6. Incorporate chicken broth and tomato paste, stirring vigorously to create a harmonious liquid base that will become the stew’s foundation.
7. Gently reintroduce the seared chicken pieces into the bubbling liquid mixture, bringing the entire concoction to a rolling boil.
8. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and allow ingredients to meld together for 25-30 minutes, ensuring vegetables reach peak tenderness and chicken cooks completely.
9. Integrate frozen peas during the final cooking stage, providing a burst of color and subtle sweetness.
10. For those desiring a more substantial consistency, whisk flour with a small amount of broth, then fold into the stew, allowing the mixture to thicken for an additional 5 minutes.
11. Discard the bay leaf, sprinkle fresh parsley as a vibrant garnish, and serve this hearty stew alongside crusty bread or fluffy rice.

Notes

• Enhance chicken flavor by marinating in herbs and spices for 30 minutes before cooking to boost depth and tenderness.
• Select bone-in chicken pieces for richer, more robust taste and extra moisture during slow cooking process.
• Customize stew for dietary needs by replacing chicken with tofu or plant-based protein alternatives for vegetarian version.
• Control stew consistency by adjusting liquid levels – add more broth for soupier texture or reduce for thicker, heartier meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg