Chicken Stew: Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

Chicken stew is the epitome of comfort food—a savory and satisfying dish that warms both the body and the soul. With its tender chunks of chicken, flavorful vegetables, and rich broth, chicken stew is a go-to meal for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a hearty and wholesome dish.

What makes a stew? Chicken stew is a one-pot dish that combines chicken, vegetables, herbs, and spices in a flavorful broth. It is cooked slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and warming stew. 

The ingredients can vary depending on regional and personal preferences but commonly includes vegetables like carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery. 

Cooking Chicken Stew

Each chicken stew recipe will vary a little – some might focus on Mexican ingredients or go heavier on the vegetables, for example. Others might be more Irish in nature or contain more meat and potatoes. But the general process is typically fairly similar across the board.

1. Ingredients: Chicken stew typically starts with boneless, skinless chicken pieces, which are seared to develop a golden crust and enhance the flavor. Along with the chicken, a medley of vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, peas, and onions, are added to the stew. The broth, often made from chicken stock or broth (which you can make yourself!) forms the base. Herbs and spices like thyme, bay leaves, and black pepper add depth of flavor.

2. Cooking Process: To make chicken stew, start by searing the chicken in a hot pan until it develops a golden-brown color. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, sauté the vegetables until they become tender and aromatic. Return the chicken to the pan, add the broth, herbs, and spices, and bring it to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the stew cook on low heat for a couple of hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.

3. Getting the Perfect Texture: The key to a delicious chicken stew lies in achieving the perfect texture. The chicken should be tender and juicy, and the vegetables should be cooked but still retain some bite. 

Can You Use Raw Chicken in Stew?

Yes, you can use raw chicken in stew and cook it in the sauce. It’s a good way for the meat to absorb more flavor! However, it’s important to ensure that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent any risk of foodborne illness. 

When using raw chicken in stew, it’s recommended to brown the chicken first by searing it in a hot pan before adding it to the stew. This helps develop a rich flavor and texture. Additionally, ensure that the stew reaches a rolling boil initially, and then simmers for enough time to cook the chicken thoroughly.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Stew

To get the best results, first season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it in a hot pan to develop deep layers of flavor. And remember: ‘to boil is to spoil!’. Instead, keep your stew at a light simmer rather than a rolling boil. When you saute or sear anything, be sure not to overcrowd the pot too. Adding too many ingredients means they tend to steam and cook unevenly rather than sear. 

Serving and Enjoying Chicken Stew

Chicken stew pairs well with crusty bread, rice, mashed potatoes, or even buttery noodles. These accompaniments help soak up the flavorful broth and provide a satisfying meal. If you already have potatoes in the stew, you might want to serve it with something lighter. In that case, some good options are always crunchy green beans or pumpkin mash. Any other squash works too – butternut, swede, and spaghetti squash are good options.

Garnish your chicken stew with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme to add a pop of freshness and to make it look even more appetizing. You can also sprinkle grated parmesan or mature cheddar cheese on top or add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.

Remember that chicken stew often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.