Hearty Chicken Vegetable Stew Recipe

Luscious Creamy Chicken Vegetable Stew Recipe: Cozy Bowl of Joy

When comfort meets nutrition in a hearty chicken vegetable stew, culinary magic happens.

Packed with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, this stew delivers warmth in every spoonful.

Seasonal produce and rich, velvety broth combine to create a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Each ingredient plays a symphony of flavors, promising a delightful dining experience.

The aroma will fill your kitchen with inviting scents of home-cooked goodness.

Loaded with protein and nutrients, this stew becomes more than just a meal – it’s a nourishing embrace on a chilly evening.

Grab your pot and get ready to savor a bowl of pure deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 482 kcal

Servings: 7

Creamy Chicken Stew: What You’ll Need

For Proteins:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein that becomes tender and juicy when slow-cooked, providing a hearty base for the stew.
For Base Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic foundations that build deep, rich flavor layers in the stew.
  • Carrots, Celery, Potatoes: Classic stew vegetables that add earthy sweetness, crunch, and comforting texture.
For Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential taste boosters that highlight the natural flavors of ingredients.
  • Smoked Paprika, Thyme: Warm, smoky spices that introduce complexity and herbal notes to the dish.
For Liquid and Thickening Agents:
  • Chicken Stock: Provides a rich, savory liquid base that infuses the stew with depth.
  • Flour, Heavy Cream: Magical combination that creates a silky, luxurious texture and helps thicken the stew.
For Final Touch Vegetables:
  • Corn, Peas: Sweet, bright vegetables that add color, freshness, and delightful pop of flavor at the end of cooking.

Equipment Essentials for Stew

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for effortless, hands-off cooking of this comforting stew.
  • Forks: Perfect for easily shredding tender chicken after slow cooking.
  • Small Bowl: Ideal for whisking flour and cream to create a smooth thickening mixture.
  • Whisk: Helps blend flour and cream without lumps for a silky stew texture.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for balanced flavors.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into uniform pieces.

Simple Cooking Instructions for Chicken Stew

  • Veggie and Chicken Base

Toss a colorful mix of chopped carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and potatoes into your trusty slow cooker. This vibrant foundation will create a delicious backdrop for your hearty stew.

  • Chicken Layer

Gently place chicken pieces on top of the veggie bed. Sprinkle some magic with seasonings like salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme to infuse deep, rich flavors.

  • Liquid Love

Pour chicken stock over the ingredients, creating a warm bath for your stew. Give everything a gentle swirl to ensure everything is nestled together perfectly.

  • Slow and Steady Cooking

Set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Let the flavors mingle and dance, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece.

  • Chicken Transformation

Carefully remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the tender, pulled meat back into the stew, adding more substance and texture.

  • Creamy Finish

Whisk together flour and heavy cream until silky smooth. Pour this luxurious mixture into the stew, then add corn and peas for extra bursts of color and sweetness.

  • Final Touch

Cook on high for a final 20-30 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken and develop a rich, velvety consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings to make it perfectly yours.

Adjusting Flavors in Your Veggie Chicken Stew

  • Swap chicken with turkey, lean beef, or plant-based protein like tofu for a different flavor profile and dietary preference.
  • Replace or add zucchini, butternut squash, or bell peppers to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful stew.
  • Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or cumin to transform the stew's flavor while maintaining its creamy texture.
  • Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • For extra richness, stir in cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream just before serving to elevate the stew's smoothness and depth.

Serving Creamy Stew in Comfort Bowls

  • Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve this hearty stew alongside thick slices of warm, buttered sourdough or rustic whole grain bread to soak up the rich, creamy broth.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or green onions on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that brightens the entire dish.
  • Create a Complete Meal: Round out the stew with a simple side salad featuring crisp mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the stew's creaminess.
  • Customize with Toppings: Let diners add their personal touch by offering optional garnishes like shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream.

Reheating Stew That Still Tastes Great

  • Refrigerate Smart: Store leftover stew in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for quick weeknight dinners.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated stew in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock to restore creamy consistency if needed.
  • Portion and Pack: Divide stew into individual meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick family meals during busy weeks.
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Hearty Chicken Vegetable Stew Recipe

Hearty Chicken Vegetable Stew Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty chicken vegetable stew brings warmth and comfort to winter dinner tables with its rich, satisfying blend of tender meat and seasonal vegetables. Delicious spoonfuls promise nourishment and deep flavor that connects home cooks with traditional culinary comfort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) chicken fillets or thighs, skinless, boneless
  • 2 cups potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold), chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken stock
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 ¾ cups white flour
  • 1 tsp dry thyme
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Optional: biscuits, puff pastry, or splinters for topping


Instructions

  1. Preparation: Gather and prepare all ingredients, ensuring vegetables are chopped and chicken is ready for cooking.
  2. Vegetable Foundation: Layer carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and potatoes across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a flavorful base for the stew.
  3. Protein Placement: Position chicken pieces over the vegetables, generously seasoning with salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme to build a robust flavor profile.
  4. Liquid Infusion: Pour chicken stock over the ingredients, creating a rich cooking medium that will tenderize and enhance the overall taste.
  5. Slow Cooking Transformation: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deep, complex flavors.
  6. Chicken Preparation: Remove chicken, shred into tender pieces using two forks, then return to the cooking vessel.
  7. Creamy Thickening: Whisk flour and heavy cream into a smooth slurry, carefully incorporating into the stew to create a luxurious, velvety texture.
  8. Final Vegetable Integration: Stir in corn and green peas, distributing evenly throughout the stew.
  9. Finishing Touch: Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes on high, allowing the stew to reach optimal thickness and marry all flavors completely.

Notes

  • Prep Like a Pro: Chop and measure all ingredients beforehand to ensure smooth, stress-free cooking and minimize kitchen chaos.
  • Meat Mastery: Shred chicken completely with two forks for tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that blends seamlessly with vegetables.
  • Cream Control: Whisk flour and cream separately to prevent lumps, creating a silky-smooth sauce that elevates the entire stew’s consistency.
  • Seasoning Secrets: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end for a perfectly balanced flavor that brings out the best in every ingredient.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 482
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 730 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 83 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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