Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for an easy chicken stew, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Chicken – Since you will be cooking the chicken into a stew, it’s best to use boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, instead of bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. Olive Oil – For sauteing. Avocado oil would also work. Vegetables – This chicken stew uses a medley of classic stew vegetables: Potatoes (you can use either Yukon gold or russet potatoes), carrots, celery, fresh or frozen peas, and onions. You could also add other veggies, such as mushrooms, green beans, or bell peppers to customize the flavor and texture to your liking. Garlic – I used fresh minced garlic, but you can easily use 1 teaspoon of jarred minced garlic for convenience. Fresh Thyme – You can also use other fresh herbs, like rosemary, oregano, or sage. If you only have dried herbs on hand, those will work — just use 1/3 of the amount because their flavor is more concentrated. Sea Salt & Black Pepper Chicken Broth – I make homemade chicken broth when I have time, but store-bought reduced-sodium broth work fine. You can also use bone broth for added nutrition. Bay Leaves – They’re optional, but add a subtle depth to the stew’s flavor. Heavy Cream – Optional, for a rich and creamy chicken stew.
How To Make Chicken Stew
This section shows how to cook chicken stew with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Storage Tips
Store: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat: Simply warm the stew in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Freeze: You can freeze chicken stew, but it’s best to do so without any added cream. Cool completely, pour into freezer bags, and store in the freezer for 3-4 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and if you want cream, add that fresh.
More Soup and Stew Recipes
Want more warm and comforting dinner ideas? Try some of these recipes: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition info does not include optional ingredients. 📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Winter Ebook Bundle!