Name: Hearty Beef Stew Recipe- Simple & Delicious Comfort Food
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 ribs celery, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1.75 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch pieces; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1/2 teaspoon dried sage; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked; 2 cups beef broth

Chicken Stew, that comforting embrace in a bowl, is more than just a meal; it’s a hug from your kitchen. There’s something inherently soul-satisfying about a rich, flavorful chicken stew that draws people in, warming them from the inside out. Whether it’s a chilly evening, a day you need a little extra comfort, or you’re simply craving something wholesome and delicious, this dish never disappoints. We love chicken stew because it’s incredibly versatile, allowing for endless variations, and it’s the ultimate vehicle for tender, fall-apart chicken and a medley of beautifully cooked vegetables swimming in a savory broth. What truly makes this particular chicken stew special is the perfect balance of herbs and spices, creating a depth of flavor that elevates simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. Get ready to create your new favorite go-to comfort food.

Ingredients:

1 yellow onion, finely chopped
3 ribs celery, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1.75 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
2 cups chicken broth

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables

The foundation of a great chicken stew starts with properly preparing your ingredients. This ensures even cooking and that all the flavors meld together beautifully. First, take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and trim away any excess fat you might find. Then, cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces, roughly 1.5 inches. This size is perfect for soaking up the delicious stew flavors without becoming too small and disappearing into the broth. Set these seasoned chicken pieces aside for now.

Next, let’s tackle the aromatics and vegetables. Finely chop the yellow onion. The finer the chop, the more readily the onion will soften and release its sweetness into the stew. Mince the garlic cloves; this releases their pungent aroma and flavor. Peel the carrots and cut them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Uniformity in vegetable size is key for even cooking, so try to keep them similar in shape. If you’re using larger baby potatoes, cut them in half or quarters so they cook at a similar rate to the carrots. Having all your vegetables prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Building the Flavor Base

Now we’re going to create a rich flavor base for our chicken stew. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, add your chopped onions and celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and translucent. This process, known as sweating the vegetables, is crucial for developing their natural sweetness and building the aromatic foundation of the stew.

Once the onions and celery have softened, add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir it in and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste. Now, it’s time to add the chicken pieces. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the all-purpose flour over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together well, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are coated in the flour. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step toasts the flour slightly, which helps to thicken the stew later on and removes any raw flour taste.

Simmering the Chicken Stew

With our flavor base established and the chicken lightly coated, we’re ready to bring it all together. Pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with your spoon to loosen any browned bits. These browned bits, called fond, are packed with flavor and will contribute significantly to the depth of the stew.

Add the prepared baby potatoes and all the dried herbs: parsley, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Season generously with the freshly cracked black pepper. Stir everything to combine, ensuring the potatoes and chicken are submerged in the liquid as much as possible. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. The stew should be gently bubbling, not vigorously boiling. This slow, gentle simmer is essential for tenderizing the chicken and allowing the flavors to meld together without becoming watery.

Achieving the Perfect Consistency and Tenderness

Allow the chicken stew to simmer for at least 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the chicken is cooked through and very tender. During this simmering time, the flour you added earlier will work its magic, creating a slightly thickened, rich broth that coats every ingredient beautifully.

About halfway through the simmering process, I like to lift the lid and give everything a good stir. This prevents any sticking on the bottom and ensures even cooking. You can also check the tenderness of the potatoes at this point. If the stew seems a little too thin for your liking once the potatoes and chicken are cooked, you have a couple of options. You can remove the lid and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and the stew to thicken naturally. Alternatively, in a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with about 1/4 cup of the hot stew liquid until smooth. Then, stir this slurry back into the pot and simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the stew has reached your desired thickness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – a little more salt or pepper can make all the difference.

Serving Your Hearty Chicken Stew

Once your chicken stew has reached the perfect consistency and all the ingredients are tender and flavorful, it’s time to serve. Ladle generous portions of the hearty chicken stew into bowls. The aroma alone will be inviting, a testament to the fresh ingredients and slow simmering. This chicken stew is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious broth. A simple green salad would also make a lovely accompaniment to cut through the richness of the stew. This recipe yields a comforting and nourishing meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening or any time you’re craving some delicious homemade comfort food. Enjoy every spoonful!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a delicious and comforting bowl of Chicken Stew, ready to warm you from the inside out! We’ve walked through creating this hearty meal step-by-step, from the initial sautéing of aromatic vegetables to the final simmer that melds all those wonderful flavors together. This Chicken Stew is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for a chilly evening or a Sunday family dinner. I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring every spoonful of this classic dish. Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, so don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!

For serving, this Chicken Stew is magnificent on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping, fluffy mashed potatoes, or even a side of rice. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an extra pop of flavor and freshness. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your preference – a pinch more salt, a dash of pepper, or even a touch of your favorite spice can elevate it further. Embrace the process and have fun in the kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Can I make this Chicken Stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, Chicken Stew often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating if it has thickened too much.

Q2: What are some good variations for this Chicken Stew?

The possibilities are endless! You can add other vegetables like peas, corn, green beans, or even sweet potatoes. For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white grape juice during the deglazing step. If you prefer a creamy stew, a swirl of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water towards the end of cooking will do the trick. Some people also like to add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves during the simmering process for added depth.