Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew

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Serves: 4-6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes

This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew is a comforting dish packed with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and warm flavors. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep for the week.

Ingredients

For the Stew:

1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 carrots, sliced

3 medium potatoes, cubed

1 cup frozen peas

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup water (or more, if needed)

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional, for added flavor)

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup green beans or zucchini, chopped

A handful of fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

2. Build the Base:

Add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and optional celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pour in the chicken broth, water, and canned diced tomatoes (if using). Stir well.

3. Season the Stew:

Add the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

4. Add Chicken and Peas:

Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen peas. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve hot with crusty bread or a side of rice for a complete meal.

Why This Recipe Works

Nutritious and Filling: Packed with lean protein and a variety of vegetables.

Versatile: Easily customizable with additional vegetables or herbs based on your preference.

Perfect for Batch Cooking: Makes great leftovers and reheats well.

Tips for Recipe Success

Make It Creamy: Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamier texture.

Thicken the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few potato cubes or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water).

Roast the Chicken: For deeper flavor, use roasted chicken instead of plain shredded chicken.

Broth Matters: Use a high-quality chicken broth or homemade stock for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

With Bread: Serve with crusty sourdough, cornbread, or garlic bread.

Over Grains: Ladle the stew over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for added heartiness.

As a Pair: Pair with a light green salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Fiber: 6g

Warm, hearty, and full of flavor, this Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew is a comforting meal that’s sure to be a family favorite. 🍲✨

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