There are few dishes as universally comforting as a warm bowl of hearty chicken and vegetable stew. Rich, savory broth. Tender shredded chicken. Soft potatoes, sweet carrots, and bursts of green peas — all simmered together into a deeply satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
This classic chicken stew recipe is not only delicious, but also nutrient-dense, budget-friendly, and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a healthy chicken dinner, a one-pot comfort food recipe, or a cozy winter stew, this dish checks every box.
Serve it with crusty bread, over rice, or simply on its own — this stew is rustic, filling, and endlessly adaptable.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Vegetable Stew
✔️ One-pot meal – minimal cleanup
✔️ High protein, nutrient-rich ingredients
✔️ Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
✔️ Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
✔️ Customizable with seasonal vegetables
✔️ Ideal for healthy comfort food cravings
This recipe is inspired by traditional homestyle stews but modernized for simplicity and flavor.
Ingredients for Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew
Protein
2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or breasts (skinless preferred)
Optional: rotisserie chicken for faster prep
Vegetables
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
3 carrots, sliced into rounds
1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Broth & Flavor Base
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for depth)
1 tablespoon flour (for thickening)
Herbs & Seasonings
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs)
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: rosemary, parsley, or Italian seasoning
Step-by-Step Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear until lightly golden on both sides (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
🔥 Searing locks in flavor and adds richness to the broth.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and tomato paste and cook for another 30 seconds.
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. This helps create a naturally thick stew without heavy cream.
Step 3: Simmer the Stew
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, paprika, and return the chicken to the pot.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 35–45 minutes until chicken is tender and potatoes are fork-soft.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the stew. Add peas and simmer uncovered for another 5–10 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or biscuits.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Stew
Use bone-in chicken for richer flavor
Don’t rush the simmer — slow cooking builds depth
Add peas at the end to keep them bright and fresh
For thicker stew, mash a few potatoes directly in the pot
Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving
Variations and Substitutions
Healthy Chicken Stew
Use skinless chicken breast
Reduce potatoes and add cauliflower
Skip flour and thicken naturally
Creamy Chicken Stew
Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk
Add mushrooms for umami depth
Slow Cooker Version
Add all ingredients except peas
Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours
Shred chicken, add peas, cook 10 more minutes
Gluten-Free Option
Skip flour or use cornstarch slurry
Nutritional Benefits
This stew is packed with:
Lean protein from chicken
Fiber and vitamins from vegetables
Immune-boosting minerals from broth
Naturally low in sugar
Perfect for those seeking healthy homemade meals, high-protein dinners, or clean eating recipes.
Storage & Meal Prep
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in airtight container
Freezer: Up to 3 months
Reheat: Stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth
This makes it ideal for weekly meal prep and budget-friendly cooking.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breast works well, but thighs provide more flavor and tenderness.
2. How do I thicken chicken stew naturally?
Mash some potatoes, simmer uncovered, or add a cornstarch slurry.
3. Is chicken and vegetable stew healthy?
Absolutely. It’s high in protein, rich in vegetables, and low in processed ingredients.
4. Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes — it tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
5. What vegetables work best in chicken stew?
Potatoes, carrots, celery, peas, green beans, corn, and parsnips are all excellent.
6. Can I freeze chicken stew?
Yes. Cool completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and freeze up to 3 months.
7. What bread pairs best with chicken stew?
Crusty sourdough, French bread, or garlic toast.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew is everything a comfort meal should be — warm, nourishing, deeply flavorful, and simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy, this recipe delivers every single time.
