Chicken Stew is the ultimate comfort food—a warm, hearty, and satisfying dish that is perfect for any time of the year, especially during cooler months. This classic recipe features tender chunks of chicken, a medley of vegetables, and a flavorful broth that’s thickened to perfection. Whether served on its own, with crusty bread, or over rice, chicken stew is a wholesome meal that brings a sense of home to the table. It’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners or a comforting meal to share with family and friends.

### Chicken Stew Recipe

**Ingredients:**

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

– Salt and pepper, to taste

– 1 large onion, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 3 carrots, peeled and sliced

– 3 celery stalks, sliced

– 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

– 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

– 1 tablespoon tomato paste

– 4 cups chicken broth

– 1 cup water

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

– 2 bay leaves

– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

– ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Chicken:**

– Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

– Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot in batches, cooking until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

2. **Sauté the Vegetables:**

– In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

– Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

3. **Build the Stew:**

– Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to coat the vegetables.

– Add the diced potatoes to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir to combine.

– Return the browned chicken to the pot, along with the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.

– Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

4. **Thicken the Stew (Optional):**

– If you prefer a thicker stew, combine the flour with a few tablespoons of water in a small bowl, stirring to create a smooth slurry.

– Gradually stir the slurry into the simmering stew, continuing to cook for 5-10 minutes, until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency.

5. **Add the Peas:**

– In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas, allowing them to heat through.

6. **Serve:**

– Remove the bay leaves from the stew. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

– Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

– Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or on its own for a hearty, comforting meal.

### Conclusion

This Chicken Stew is a timeless dish that brings comfort and warmth with every spoonful. The tender chicken, flavorful broth, and hearty vegetables make it a meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers, this stew will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

### Introduction