Chicken stew is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a medley of vegetables and a flavourful broth. It’s the perfect meal for chilly days, offering warmth and nourishment. The combination of simmered chicken, potatoes, carrots, onions, and herbs creates a rich, savoury base, making this stew an easy yet satisfying one-pot meal.

Chicken Stew Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in or boneless), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Simmer the Stew: Return the chicken to the pot and add the chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Add Peas (optional): In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the peas if using. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve: Remove the bay leaf and ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

Enjoy your comforting chicken stew!