Cottage Comfort Hearty Chicken Root Vegetable Stew

Recipe Introduction: Your New Go-To Stew

Fancy a bowl of something proper comforting? Ever wondered how to make a stew that warms you from the inside out? Then you need this Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew in your life.

Honestly, it's like a hug in a bowl. I made this Hearty Chicken Stew for my family and the plates were empty, and my kids wanted more!

Why This Stew Rocks

This isn't just any old Vegetable Stew Recipe . This Chicken Vegetable Stew is inspired by the good old British cottage kitchen.

Think rustic charm and flavour that’ll remind you of Sunday dinners at your nan’s. Its origin is the need for a complete meal using vegetables grown in our own garden and leftovers that we have in the fridge.

It’s super easy, even for kitchen novices. Prep takes about 20 minutes, and then it's either 6- 8 hours in the slow cooker or 1.

5- 2 hours on the hob. This Easy Chicken Stew Recipe yields 6-8 servings, perfect for the family.

Benefits That'll Make You Smile

This stew is packed with goodness. Chicken provides lean protein, while the veggies load you up with vitamins. Think of it as comfort food chicken stew with a healthy twist.

This is the perfect meal for a chilly evening. It's great for using leftover veg. A One-Pot Chicken Stew Recipe means fewer dishes.

Oh my gosh, less washing up is always a win. This recipe uses chicken thighs.

What Makes it Special?

The secret? Root vegetables. Parsnips and potatoes add sweetness and earthiness that takes it to another level, and the low and slow cooking method will transform a basic stew.

It is super great that the stew is healthy. This is where my Hearty Chicken and Root Vegetable Stew really shines.

Now, let's talk ingredients. It’s like building a flavour castle, brick by delicious brick.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Cottage Comfort Stew

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make this Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew . Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward, nothing too cheffy.

I promise, you'll be tucking into a bowl of comfort food in no time. It's so good.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

• 2 tablespoons olive oil. Use a decent one, not that stuff lurking in the back of the cupboard.
• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs are juicier, honestly.
• 1 large onion, chopped. About a cup, give or take.
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped. Again, about a cup's worth.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped. Yep, another cup. Notice a theme?
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. That's around 2 teaspoons .
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme. It adds that earthy note, you know?
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary. A little goes a long way.
• 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Seasoning is key, people!
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth. Low sodium is your friend.
• 1 lb (450g) Yukon Gold potatoes, diced. They hold their shape well.
• 1 lb (450g) parsnips, diced. Don't skip these, they're lush!
• 1 cup frozen peas. Added near the end for a pop of freshness.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. Optional, for thickening.
• Fresh parsley. For garnish, because we're fancy like that.

Seasoning Like a Pro

This Chicken Vegetable Stew relies on simple but effective flavors. Thyme and rosemary are the stars, bringing that classic comfort food vibe.

If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of smoked paprika adds a lovely depth. Want a kick? A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes is the ticket.

If you dont have that, try curry powder.

Don't be scared to taste and adjust! Honestly, every good Stew Chicken Recipe needs a bit of tweaking to your taste. It’s the perfect Hearty Chicken dish.

Essential Kit

• Large skillet. For browning that chicken, and you won't regret it.
• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger) OR Dutch oven. Your call, really. I do love my slow cooker, though. It just takes the fuss out of the Easy Chicken Stew Recipe .
• Cutting board and knife. Obviously.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Eye-balling works too, I guess.
• Wooden spoon or spatula. For stirring, naturally.

That's it! Simple, right? Now, go get your ingredients, and we'll get cooking! I can already smell that Hearty Chicken Stew simmering, can't you? You are going to like this One-Pot Chicken Stew Recipe .

Cottage Comfort: The Art of Slow Cooking Your Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew

Honestly, nothing beats a good, old-fashioned stew on a blustery day. It's proper comfort food Chicken Stew , innit? Today, we're diving into the magic of slow cooking a Hearty Chicken Stew , a method that transforms simple ingredients into a flavour explosion.

Slow cooking isn’t just a technique; it's a lifestyle. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Prep Like a Pro: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Mise en place, that's French for "everything in its place". Chop your 1 large onion (about 1 cup), 2 carrots (about 1 cup) and 2 celery stalks (about 1 cup) .

Cut the 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken thighs into 1 inch chunks. Measure out your herbs and spices. This saves time and reduces stress.

Remember, a clean workspace is a happy workspace. Plus, you won't accidentally set the kitchen on fire, touch wood!

Slow Cooking Magic: step-by-step

Right, let's get cracking. Here's how to turn your humble ingredients into a Hearty Chicken and Root Vegetable Stew :

1. Brown the chicken pieces in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium high heat. Season first with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Don't overcrowd the pan. Lightly browned is key.
2. Sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the same pan until softened (about 5- 7 minutes). Then add the minced garlic and dried herbs; 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker (6-quart or larger). Add the browned chicken, 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth, diced 1 lb (450g) Yukon Gold potatoes, and peeled and diced 1 lb (450g) parsnips.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or on high for 3- 4 hours . The chicken should be super tender and the vegetables cooked through.
5. Stir in 1 cup frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Ta-dah! You made a delicious easy Chicken Stew Recipe .
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Pro Tips for a Stellar Stew

Don’t skip browning the chicken; it adds a depth of flavour. For thickening, mix 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup cold water, add the slurry to the stew for the last 5- 10 minutes.

I always forget this bit, so it's worth setting a timer!

Avoid overcooking the vegetables. They should be tender but not mushy. This Vegetable Stew Recipe can be made a day ahead. Honestly, the flavours deepen overnight!

So there you have it, folks! A Stew Chicken Recipe that will warm your cockles. Enjoy your Hearty Chicken stew!

Recipe Notes to Make Your Stew Sing

Right then, let's chat about some bits and bobs to make your Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew absolutely top-notch! I reckon these little nuggets of wisdom will turn a good stew into a fantastic stew.

You know? Like the kind that makes you wanna curl up on the sofa with a blanket and a good book.

Serving Suggestions That'll Wow

Honestly, presentation is key. No one wants a stew slopped into a bowl. Garnish your bowl with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.

A swirl of cream is fancy, but a dollop of Greek yogurt will give it a nice tang and creaminess.

Serve it with crusty bread for dipping in the delicious broth, or go the extra mile and bake some cheesy scones.

A pint of ale, such as a pale ale, will also pair excellently with it.

Storage Tips: Keep That Stew Fresh!

Right, so you've got leftovers. No worries! Your Chicken Vegetable Stew will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days in an airtight container.

For longer storage, freezing is your friend. Freeze in portion sized containers for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Make sure it's piping hot all the way through before you tuck in. If it looks a little thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.

Variations: A Stew for Every Soul

One of the best things about a Vegetable Stew Recipe is how adaptable it is. You know? Don't like chicken? No worries! Use diced beef or lamb.

For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add lentils or chickpeas for protein. You can make it with butternut squash too, a good Seasonal ingredient swap .

If you're watching your carbs, swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets. Just add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

For those avoiding gluten, make sure your broth is gluten-free. If you need to thicken the stew, use cornstarch instead of flour.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel for Your Body

This Hearty Chicken Stew is packed with goodness. It's a great source of protein from the chicken, plus loads of vitamins and fiber from the vegetables. It's also relatively low in fat.

Just remember to use low-sodium broth to keep the sodium content in check. This is a pretty balanced meal that will keep you feeling full and satisfied, which is why it makes it the perfect Comfort Food Chicken Stew .

So there you have it. A few extra tips to elevate your Easy Chicken Stew Recipe . Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking, you lovely lot!