Classic Chicken Stew

This Classic Chicken Stew is perfect for those chilly days when you need something warm and comforting. It’s super easy to make, and it’s packed with delicious flavors that everyone will love.

What I love about this chicken stew is how simple and straightforward it is. You don’t need any fancy ingredients, just some chicken, vegetables, and a few basic spices. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you might have in your fridge.

Making this stew is like giving your taste buds a big, cozy hug. The tender chicken and hearty vegetables cook together in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good from the inside out.

One of the best parts about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can add your favorite vegetables or even throw in some potatoes for extra heartiness. And if you have any leftovers, they taste even better the next day!

Classic Chicken Stew

So, if you’re looking for an easy, delicious meal that will warm you up and fill you up, give this Classic Chicken Stew a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Chef’s Notes – Classic Chicken Stew

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh chicken, vegetables, and herbs. Fresh parsley for garnish adds a burst of color and freshness.
  • Prep Ahead: Dice your vegetables and chicken before you start cooking. This makes the cooking process smoother and quicker.
  • Sauté for Flavor: Sautéing the chicken and vegetables before pressure cooking enhances the depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step!
  • Pressure Release: Allow natural pressure release for about 5 minutes before quick releasing the remaining pressure. This helps retain the moisture and tenderness of the chicken.
  • Thickening the Stew: When adding the cream and flour mixture, stir continuously to avoid lumps. If the stew is too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.
  • Season to Taste: Taste the stew before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes, a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper can make a big difference.
  • Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have available or what’s in season. Green beans, peas, or corn can be great additions.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version. It will add a slight coconut flavor, which pairs nicely with the spices.
  • Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or more hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to make it vegetarian.

Classic Chicken Stew

5.0 from 1 vote
Course: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes
Calories

350

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

Dive into the comforting embrace of this Classic Chicken Stew! Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this stew is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s a wholesome meal that brings the family together. Quick to prepare in your Instant Pot, it’s a fuss-free dish that promises to satisfy your cravings!

Ingredients

  • Chicken
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • Seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Root Vegetables
  • 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 4 medium carrots, sliced diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces

  • Aromatics
  • 4 stalks celery, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces

  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth

  • Flavor Enhancers
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • Herbs
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

  • Spices
  • 3/4 teaspoon sweet paprika

  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds Optional

  • Thickener
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • Vegetables
  • 1 cup frozen green peas

  • Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

  • Alternative Ingredients
  • Turkey or pork can be used as an alternative

  • Can be substituted with butter or any other cooking oil

  • Sweet potatoes or turnips as alternatives

  • Cornstarch or gluten-free flour for thickening

  • Green beans or corn as substitutes

Directions

  • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Add the chicken in batches and sauté until browned on all sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch.Classic Chicken Stew
  • To the pot, add potatoes, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and fennel seeds (if using). Stir to combine everything well. Close the lid and set your Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 30 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before doing a quick release.Classic Chicken Stewnn
  • Mix flour with a small amount of stew broth to create a slurry. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode again and stir in the slurry. Cook until the stew thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes.Classic Chicken Stew
  • Stir in the green peas and let them warm through for about a minute. Adjust seasoning if necessary.Classic Chicken Stewnn
  • Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot.Classic Chicken Stewnn

Equipment

  • instant pot

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 350kcal
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Potassium: 900mg
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Vitamin A: 4500IU
  • Vitamin C: 20mg
  • Calcium: 50mg
  • Iron: 3mg

FAQ – Classic Chicken Stew

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, you will need to increase the pressure cooking time by about 5 minutes. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.

Can I make this stew without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this stew on the stovetop. Follow the same steps, but simmer the stew on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, you can freeze the stew. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What can I serve with this stew?

This stew pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad. You can also serve it over rice or noodles for a more substantial meal.

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