Hearty Spiced Chicken Stew

A Cozy Creation

Hearty Spiced Chicken Stew is one of my favorite recipes, and it never fails to warm my heart and home. As the cool autumn breeze starts to swirl outside, I gather my ingredients, excited to create this comforting dish. The aroma of chicken, garlic, and spices fills my kitchen, making my family gather around, eager for dinner. Hearty Spiced Chicken Stew combines succulent chicken with toasted pumpkin and sesame seeds, along with a vibrant mix of cherry tomatoes and tomatillos. Each spoonful is a burst of flavors that brings us together around the table.

The Journey Begins

The magic of Hearty Spiced Chicken Stew begins with the chicken. I season the boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper, letting them rest while I prepare the broth. As I chop the garlic, cilantro, and parsley, I can almost taste the comforting blend already. I heat up my trusty cast-iron skillet, toasting the seeds and spices until they release their fragrant oils. This step is essential; it sets the stage for the rich flavors to come. With each step, I feel like I’m crafting a delicious masterpiece that my family will cherish.

A Medley of Flavors

Once the broth simmers, I add the seasoned chicken, letting it cook gently. The anticipation builds as I char the vegetables, their vibrant colors bringing life to my kitchen. Blending them together creates a creamy sauce that complements the chicken perfectly. Adding the ground pumpkin seeds thickens the stew beautifully, creating a texture that is both hearty and smooth. With a final touch of chopped herbs and a sprinkle of smoked paprika, I know this Hearty Spiced Chicken Stew is ready to be savored.

Gathering Around the Table

As I ladle the stew into bowls, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride. Hearty Spiced Chicken Stew is more than just a meal; it’s a moment of connection. I serve it alongside warm corn tortillas and fluffy white rice, inviting everyone to dig in. The first bite confirms my efforts were worthwhile—tender chicken enveloped in a creamy, spiced broth brings smiles all around. This dish is not just comforting; it’s a reminder of the warmth of family and home, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.

Chef’s Notes- Hearty Spiced Chicken Stew

• Marination: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken breasts with the seasoning (salt, black pepper, smoked paprika) for at least 1 hour or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
• Toasting Seeds: When toasting the pumpkin and sesame seeds, keep an eye on them to prevent burning; they should be lightly browned and fragrant. This enhances their flavor and texture.
• Vegetable Char: Charring the vegetables adds a smoky depth to the stew. Don’t rush this step; let them develop a nice char for the best flavor.
• Blending Consistency: When blending the charred vegetables, add a little of the broth if it’s too thick to achieve a smooth consistency without straining your blender.
• Thickening: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can blend a portion of the cooked chicken with the vegetable mixture or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the last simmer.
• Garnishing: Fresh herbs make a big difference! Garnish the stew with chopped cilantro and parsley just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
• Storage: This stew tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.

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Hearty Spiced Chicken Stew

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Main Course, Side DishCuisine: Tex-MexDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Calories

600

kcal

Resting Time

10

minutes

Total time

2

hours 

10

minutes

Delight in the rich flavors of Hearty Spiced Chicken Stew, a comforting dish that brings warmth and depth to any meal. This stew combines succulent chicken breasts with a vibrant blend of toasted seeds and aromatic herbs, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Whether you’re seeking a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe delivers hearty satisfaction without sacrificing simplicity. Elevate your cooking repertoire with this savory, easy-to-make stew that promises to become a favorite in your kitchen. Get ready to savor every spoonful of this delicious, flavor-packed creation!

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds

• 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 2 teaspoons kosher sea salt

• 1 large bunch fresh cilantro leaves

• 1 small bunch fresh parsley

• 2 bulbs garlic separated

• 1 small bunch scallions green parts trimmed to 3-inch lengths

• 1 medium white onion ends removed, peeled, and halved horizontally

• 2/3 pound cherry tomatoes cored

• 1/3 pound fresh tomatillos husked

• 1/4 cup roasted red bell peppers roughly chopped

• 2 quarts filtered water

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika as achiote paste substitute

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Boneless chicken breasts can be substituted with tofu for a vegan option.

• Pumpkin seeds can be replaced with sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies.

• Smoked paprika serves as a substitute for achiote paste.

• Parsley can replace spearmint if preferred.

• Gluten-free corn tortillas can be used instead of regular tortillas to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

Directions

• **Seasoning the Chicken** – Begin by seasoning the boneless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of kosher sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow them to rest while you prepare the broth. In a large stockpot, combine the separated bulb of garlic, filtered water, cilantro bunch, parsley bunch, scallions, half of the halved onion, 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and let it simmer for 20 minutes to infuse the flavors.
• **Cooking the Chicken** – Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pot and bring back to a boil. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 30 minutes, skimming off any foam that appears to ensure a clear broth. Once tender, remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside, covering them with plastic wrap. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the broken cinnamon stick, remaining black peppercorns, and allspice, stirring constantly until fragrant, approximately 15 seconds. Transfer to a plate and let cool. In the same skillet, toast the pumpkin seeds and white sesame seeds until lightly browned, about 40 seconds. Let them cool before grinding them into a coarse paste using a spice grinde
• **Charrying the Vegetables** – Add half of the cherry tomatoes, tomatillos, and the remaining half of the onion to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally until they are lightly charred, about 10 minutes. Blend the charred vegetables with the roasted red bell pepper, peeled garlic cloves, and the ground cinnamon mixture until smooth. Stir the blended vegetable mixture into the strained chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to medium heat and let it simmer for another 30 minutes to meld the flavors. In a small bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika and 1/4 cup of the simmering broth until smooth, then incorporate this achiote mixture and the ground pumpkin seed paste into the stew. Continue to simmer until the stew thickens to a creamy consistency, about 30 minutes. Adjust seasoning with the remaining sea salt.
• **Finalizing the Stew** – Gently add the cooked chicken breasts back into the stew and heat through over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
• **Serving** – Ladle the stew over the chicken in serving bowls, garnishing with chopped cilantro and parsley. Serve alongside chile-cacao spice mix, warm corn tortillas, and steamed long-grain white rice for a complete meal.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• Cast Iron Skillet
• spice grinder
• Mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons
• Immersion Blender
• colander

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 600kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Potassium: 700mg
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 35g
• Vitamin A: 500IU
• Vitamin C: 30mg
• Calcium: 150mg
• Iron: 5mg

FAQs- Hearty Spiced Chicken Stew

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?

Yes! Bone-in chicken will add more flavor to the broth. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.

What can I substitute for pumpkin seeds if I have allergies?

Sunflower seeds work well as a substitute for pumpkin seeds and will provide a similar texture and nutty flavor.

Is this stew suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! It stores well and can be easily reheated. Just store the stew and any accompaniments (like tortillas and rice) separately to maintain their textures.

How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking to increase the heat level. For an additional kick, consider a splash of your favorite hot sauce just before serving.

What can I serve with this stew besides tortillas and rice?

This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. A side of quinoa or polenta would also complement the dish nicely.