Spicy Slow-Cooked Chicken and Vegetable Stew: A Hearty Comfort Dish

Dive into a world of rich flavors and tender textures with this mouth-watering slow-cooked chicken stew. Packed with aromatic spices and colorful vegetables, this dish promises to warm your soul and delight your taste buds with every single bite.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken and Vegetables

  • 4 chicken drumsticks
  • 4 potatoes, cut into large chunks
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 400 ml chicken broth
  • 200 ml tomato passata
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Detailed Cooking Instructions

  1. Preparing the Chicken
    • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
    • Brown chicken drumsticks for 5 minutes on each side
    • Remove and set aside
  2. Sautéing Vegetables
    • In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery
    • Cook for 5 minutes until soft and slightly colored
  3. Adding Spices
    • Sprinkle smoked paprika, cumin, and turmeric
    • Stir to coat vegetables evenly
    • Add diced tomatoes, tomato passata, and bay leaf
    • Season with salt and pepper
  4. Simmering the Stew
    • Return chicken to the pot
    • Pour in chicken broth
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat
    • Cover and simmer for 45 minutes
  5. Adding Potatoes
    • Add potato chunks
    • Continue cooking for 25 more minutes
    • Sauce will thicken slightly
  6. Finishing and Serving
    • Remove bay leaf
    • Taste and adjust seasoning
    • Garnish with fresh parsley

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g

Cooking Tips and Tricks

  • For a creamier sauce, add a tablespoon of sour cream at the end
  • Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce
  • Experiment with additional vegetables like carrots or mushrooms

Variations and Substitutions

  • Protein Alternatives:
    • Use chicken thighs or turkey
    • Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas
  • Spice Adjustments:
    • Add chili flakes for extra heat
    • Use different spice blends like Ras el Hanout
  • Dietary Modifications:
    • Gluten-free
    • Low-carb: Replace potatoes with cauliflower

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, follow steps 1-3, then transfer to slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How long can I store the stew?

Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.

What to serve with this stew?

Crusty bread, rice, or quinoa are great accompaniments.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?

Use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs, but fresh is always best.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
  • Store in airtight container
  • Reheat gently on stovetop
  • Add a splash of broth to prevent sauce from thickening too much
  • Consume within 3 days

Bon appétit and enjoy your delicious chicken stew!