Creamy Herb Chicken Stew

$- 4 skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 carrots, sliced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 3 medium potatoes, cubed - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For this creamy herb chicken stew, I start with chicken thighs. They give the stew a rich flavor. I use skinless thighs for a healthier dish. Olive oil provides a nice base for cooking the onions and garlic. Next, I add vegetables. The onion, garlic, carrots, and celery create a savory base. Potatoes add heartiness. They soak up the broth and cream well. I use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for aroma and taste. A pinch of salt and pepper rounds out the flavors. - Additional herbs - Other vegetables - Protein variations To make this stew your own, you can add more herbs. Fresh parsley or basil can brighten the dish. You can also swap in other vegetables, like green beans or bell peppers. If you want more protein, try using chicken breast or turkey. Each option brings a new taste. You can even use beans for a plant-based twist. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add your diced onion to the pot. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it looks clear. 3. Next, toss in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Cook these veggies for 5 minutes. Stir them often until they begin to soften. 4. Now, raise the heat to medium-high. Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Season them with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. 5. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown. 1. Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth next. 2. Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and cover the pot. 3. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. The potatoes should be soft, and the chicken should be fully cooked. 4. Now, stir in the heavy cream. Let the stew simmer for another 5-10 minutes. This will help it thicken a bit. 5. Taste the stew. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if you need to. 1. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. 2. Serve the stew in bowls. 3. Top it off with fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your creamy herb chicken stew! To ensure perfect chicken texture, cut the chicken thighs into small, even pieces. This helps them cook through without drying out. Always brown the chicken well before adding broth. This step builds rich flavor. I recommend using a medium-high heat for this part. The goal is to get a nice sear on each piece. Enhancing flavor with herbs is simple. Use dried thyme and rosemary for a great start. These herbs add depth to your stew. Fresh herbs can also elevate the dish. Add parsley just before serving for a fresh touch. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. When the chicken cooks too long, it becomes rubbery and dry. Keep an eye on the cooking time and check for doneness. Insufficient seasoning can leave your stew bland. Always taste as you go. Add salt and pepper to enhance the dish's flavor. Remember, the broth can vary in saltiness, so adjust your seasoning accordingly. Pro Tips Season the Chicken: To enhance the flavor, season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking to allow the spices to penetrate the meat. Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, substitute dried herbs with fresh ones for a more vibrant flavor profile in your stew. Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking. Rest Before Serving: Allow the stew to rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps the flavors meld and improves the overall taste. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this stew. Try using turkey or even tofu. These swaps still give you a hearty meal. Each protein brings its own taste and texture. For vegetables, feel free to mix things up. You could add green beans or peas for extra color. Sweet potatoes work well too. They add a sweet touch and a creamy texture. Want to spice things up? Add paprika for a smoky flavor. A pinch of cayenne pepper can give a kick. You can also try curry powder for a unique twist. Changing the broth makes a big difference. Use vegetable broth for a lighter taste. Beef broth adds depth and richness. Each option helps you create a new flavor profile in your stew. To store leftover creamy herb chicken stew, let it cool first. Use airtight containers for best results. Place the stew in the container, leaving some space at the top. Seal it tightly to keep out air. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over medium heat. Stir it often to heat evenly. If you want to keep the stew longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the stew cool completely. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. Label the containers with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove when ready to serve. You can use milk and butter as a substitute. Mix ¾ cup of milk with ¼ cup of melted butter. This blend gives you a creamy texture similar to heavy cream. You can also try using coconut milk for a dairy-free option. It adds a unique flavor too. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. It will add more flavor to the stew. Just remember to cook it longer. Bone-in chicken takes more time to get tender. Make sure to remove the bones before serving. This stew can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before putting it in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. This blog post covered the essentials for making creamy herb chicken stew. We explored key ingredients like chicken thighs, oils, and veggies. You learned easy steps to prepare, cook, and garnish the stew. I shared tips for the best texture and flavor, plus common mistakes to avoid. Remember, you can vary ingredients for unique twists. With proper storage info, you can enjoy leftovers too. Now, get cooking and enjoy this tasty dish with your loved ones!$

A comforting and creamy stew filled with tender chicken and fresh herbs.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

4 thighs skinless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, diced
3 medium potatoes, cubed
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
Add the minced garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables start to soften.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Cook until browned (approximately 5-7 minutes).
Add the cubed potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Stir in the heavy cream and let the stew simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
Remove from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the stew in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, creamy, herbs, stew