Hearty Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Stew

Why Make This Recipe

Hearty Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Stew is the perfect dish for those chilly evenings when you need something warm and comforting. It’s packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and rich flavors. This stew is easy to make and will keep you and your family satisfied. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means fewer dishes to wash afterward!

How to Make Hearty Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Stew

Ingredients :

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 carrots, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 celery ribs, diced
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 cups green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley, plus extra for garnish

Directions :

1. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat and add 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Season the chicken lightly with salt and black pepper. Add it to the pot and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Add the remaining olive oil to the pot. Stir in the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavor to deepen.
5. Sprinkle in 4 tablespoons of the flour along with the rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
6. Add the diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, browned chicken, chicken broth, and vinegar or lemon juice. Stir to combine.
7. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.
8. Remove the lid and stir in the green beans and heavy cream. Simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
9. Stir in the chopped parsley.
10. Optional: If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour with 1 cup cold water or broth until smooth. Gradually stir it into the simmering stew and cook for several minutes until thickened.

How to Serve Hearty Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Stew

Serve this delicious stew hot, garnished with extra fresh parsley if desired. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad to complete your meal.

How to Store Hearty Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Stew

To store the stew, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. The stew can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore the creaminess.

Tips to Make Hearty Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Stew

• For added flavor, try using homemade chicken broth if you have it on hand.
• You can mix and match vegetables according to your preference or what you have available.
• If you love spice, consider adding red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.

Variation

Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra color and nutrition. You can also substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breast if you prefer white meat.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for the stew?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking and safety.

2. Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
While heavy cream adds richness, you can use half-and-half or even non-dairy milk for a lighter version.

3. How can I make this stew vegetarian?
You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.