Description
Warm up with this hearty Chicken Stew with Potatoes & Carrots, featuring tender chicken simmered with starchy potatoes, sweet carrots, and savory aromatics in a rich, flavorful broth. This one-pot meal is simple, wholesome, and perfect for any season, offering comforting, nutritious flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1.5 to 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, bone-in preferred
Vegetables
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-sized chunks
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized chunks
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Fats
- 4 cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Herbs & Spices
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the potatoes and carrots into bite-sized chunks. Mince the garlic and slice the onion. Lightly season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to infuse flavor from the start.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides; this locks in juices and adds depth to the stew’s flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Remove the chicken temporarily. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the same pot and cook until softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the stew.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the chopped potatoes and carrots. Pour in the chicken broth until it covers all ingredients and add the thyme sprigs and bay leaf.
- Simmer Gently: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally to meld flavors and tenderize chicken and vegetables.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf and thyme stems before serving to enjoy a smooth, comforting stew.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
- Don’t rush the browning step as it builds essential flavor layers.
- Cut vegetables evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tenderness.
- Simmer low and slow to prevent drying out and meld flavors beautifully.
- Skim excess fat from the surface during cooking for a lighter stew.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken stew, potatoes, carrots, one pot meal, comfort food, hearty stew, easy dinner, gluten free
