Old Fashioned Chicken Stew is the perfect hearty and comforting dish to enjoy with family and friends. This classic recipe has been passed down through generations, and for good reason—it’s the epitome of home-cooked warmth. Packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and rich broth, every spoonful is a reminder of the simple pleasures of a well-loved meal. The chicken stews gently with potatoes, carrots, and onions, creating a savory base that’s both satisfying and filling. The addition of fresh herbs and seasonings gives this dish its timeless, comforting flavor.

This recipe brings together all the ingredients of a traditional chicken stew but is easy to make and budget-friendly. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a cozy dinner for two, this dish is perfect for chilly nights when you need something to warm you up. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken or make a big batch for meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Filling

With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this stew is a satisfying meal that will keep you full and cozy for hours.

2. Simple, Wholesome Ingredients

This recipe uses basic pantry and fridge staples, making it an accessible meal for any home cook. No fancy ingredients, just good old-fashioned comfort food.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep

Make a big batch of this stew and enjoy it for several meals throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and the flavors even improve as it sits!

4. Customizable

You can easily swap in or add vegetables to suit your taste or what you have on hand. It’s a versatile recipe that can be tailored to your preferences.

5. Kid-Friendly

The mild, comforting flavors of this stew make it a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies without anyone noticing!

Ingredients

Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts (or leftover chicken)
Olive oil or butter
Onion, diced
Carrots, peeled and chopped
Celery, chopped
Garlic, minced
Potatoes, peeled and diced
Chicken broth
Bay leaves
Fresh thyme (or dried)
Salt and black pepper
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Optional: Frozen peas or corn for extra texture and color

Variations

Add More Veggies: Feel free to add in other vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or green beans for more flavor and texture.
Use Chicken Breast: If you prefer white meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs.
Add a Creamy Twist: For a creamier stew, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half near the end of cooking.
Spicy Chicken Stew: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a mild heat to balance out the richness of the broth.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If using bone-in chicken, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add olive oil or butter. Brown the chicken on all sides for 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Broth

Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the chicken broth. Stir everything together and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot, as they add flavor to the stew. Add the bay leaves and fresh thyme.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

Return the chicken to the pot, skin-side up if using bone-in pieces. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. If using boneless chicken, it will cook faster, so check the stew after 25-30 minutes.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred the meat off the bones (if using bone-in chicken). Discard the bones and skin, then return the shredded chicken to the stew. Stir everything to combine.

Step 6: Adjust the Seasoning

Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or fresh thyme if needed. If you want a creamier stew, add a splash of cream at this point.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the stew into bowls, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: If you’re using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, be sure not to overcook them, as they can dry out. Bone-in chicken is more forgiving and adds flavor to the stew.
Build the Flavor with Herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaves are essential for building the savory flavor of the stew. If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme, but the fresh variety really shines in this dish.
Simmer Slowly: Let the stew simmer slowly to allow the flavors to meld together. Patience is key for a rich, comforting stew.
Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken, this recipe is a great way to use it up. Simply add the chicken to the stew near the end of cooking and let it heat through.

How to Serve

Old Fashioned Chicken Stew is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up all the flavorful broth. For a complete meal, serve with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or even a warm biscuit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The stew will continue to absorb flavors as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This stew freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Reheating

Reheat the stew on the stove over medium heat, adding a bit of broth or water if needed to loosen it up. Stir occasionally to ensure it’s heated evenly.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be sure to check for doneness early, as they cook faster.

2. Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or green beans to the stew for more variety and flavor.

3. How can I make the stew creamier?

Add a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk to the stew near the end of cooking for a creamier texture.

4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Brown the chicken in a skillet before adding everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender.

5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also check that the meat shreds easily with a fork.

6. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables like peas or corn can be added in the last 10 minutes of cooking to save time and add more flavor.

7. Can I make this stew with leftover chicken?

Yes, using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to make this stew quickly. Simply add it toward the end of cooking and let it warm through.

8. Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes! This stew actually tastes even better the next day, so it’s a great make-ahead meal. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

9. What can I serve with chicken stew?

Chicken stew pairs well with crusty bread, cornbread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.

10. Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Chicken Stew is the epitome of comfort food, with its tender chicken, flavorful broth, and hearty vegetables. It’s a perfect meal for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to enjoy a cozy dinner at home. This recipe is easy to make, versatile, and perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have a delicious, satisfying dish ready to enjoy whenever you need it. It’s a timeless classic that will never go out of style, and it’s sure to become a staple in your home.