Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew

🍲🌿 Hearty Chicken & Vegetable Stew (Mediterranean Style)

Wholesome, cozy, and packed with olive oil, herbs, and colorful vegetables

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⏱ Time

• Prep: 15 minutes

• Cook: 45–50 minutes

• Serves: 4–6

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🧾 Ingredients

• 700 g (1½ lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, sliced

• 2 medium potatoes, cubed (or zucchini for low-carb)

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 cup green beans, trimmed

• 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Finish

• 1 cup fresh spinach or kale

• Juice of ½ lemon

• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the Chicken

   • Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

   • Season chicken with salt and pepper and brown lightly (not fully cooked). Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables

   • Add remaining olive oil to the pot.

   • Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.

   • Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

3. Build the Stew

   • Stir in potatoes (or zucchini), bell pepper, oregano, thyme, paprika, and bay leaf.

   • Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth.

4. Simmer

   • Return chicken to the pot.

   • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30–35 minutes, until chicken is tender and vegetables are cooked.

5. Finish & Serve

   • Stir in spinach and cook 2 minutes until wilted.

   • Add lemon juice, remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and garnish with herbs.

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🌟 Serving Ideas

• Serve with crusty whole-grain bread or brown rice

• Excellent for meal prep and freezing

• Cozy yet light enough for everyday dinners

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🥗 Mediterranean Nutrition Highlights

• Lean protein & fiber-rich vegetables

• Olive oil for heart-healthy fats

• Herbs & lemon for flavor without heaviness

• Naturally dairy-free