Immerse yourself in the heartwarming flavors of this classic chicken and vegetable stew, where tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs come together to create a truly satisfying meal that will transport you to a cozy countryside kitchen.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Stew
- 500g chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 100g green peas
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 750ml chicken broth
- 200ml heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 fresh thyme branch
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving
- 4 slices of rustic bread
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Ingredient Preparation
- Cut chicken into uniform chunks
- Chop onion and garlic
- Dice vegetables to similar sizes
- Browning the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot
- Sauté chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden
- Remove and set aside
- Preparing the Base
- In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic for 2 minutes
- Sprinkle flour and mix to coat
- Add carrots and potatoes
- Pour in chicken broth, stirring to dissolve flour
- Simmering
- Return chicken to the pot
- Add thyme, bay leaf
- Season with salt and pepper
- Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes
- Stir occasionally
- Finishing the Stew
- Add green peas and heavy cream
- Mix well
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes
- Adjust seasoning if needed
- Serving
- Serve hot with toasted rustic bread
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 380 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- For a thicker sauce, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water
- Enhance flavor with a pinch of nutmeg or a squeeze of lemon juice
- Use fresh thyme for the best aromatic experience
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Alternatives:
- Use chicken thighs for more flavor
- Substitute with turkey or plant-based protein
- Dietary Modifications:
- Gluten-free: Use cornstarch instead of flour
- Dairy-free: Replace cream with coconut milk
- Low-carb: Reduce potato quantity, add more low-carb vegetables
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 6-7 hours.
How long can I store the stew?
Refrigerate for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.
What herbs can I use instead of thyme?
Rosemary or oregano work well as alternatives.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Replace chicken with firm tofu or additional vegetables.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
- Store in airtight container
- Reheat gently on stovetop
- Add a splash of broth or cream to maintain consistency
- Consume within 2 days
Bon appétit and enjoy your comforting chicken stew!