Country Chicken Stew is a rustic, hearty dish that brings classic comfort to the table with tender chicken, chunky vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. This homestyle favorite is perfect for a cozy family dinner, offering warmth, nourishment, and timeless flavor in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This stew is everything a comforting meal should be: simple, satisfying, and loaded with texture and flavor. It’s great for chilly days, easy to make in one pot, and flexible enough to suit your favorite seasonal vegetables.
- Classic, homestyle flavor
- One-pot, easy-to-make meal
- Hearty and family-friendly
- Freezer-friendly and great for leftovers
- Naturally gluten-free
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- Potatoes, peeled and chopped
- Carrots, sliced
- Celery, chopped
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Chicken broth (low-sodium)
- Olive oil or butter
- Bay leaf
- Dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional: peas, green beans, or corn (added near the end)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
directions
- In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Return chicken to the pot.
- Pour in chicken broth to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 30–40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Remove chicken, shred or chop if desired, then return to the pot.
- Stir in peas or other quick-cooking vegetables, and simmer for 5–10 more minutes.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Variations
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream or milk at the end for a richer texture.
- With Dumplings: Add biscuit or dumpling dough during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Add Grains: Stir in cooked barley, rice, or quinoa for more bulk.
- Instant Pot Version: Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes with natural release.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes.
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating and add fresh herbs to revive flavor.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, add shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking to warm through.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely—this stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well and add creaminess.
Can I make this stew creamy?
Yes, add a splash of cream, milk, or a spoonful of sour cream at the end.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless thighs or breasts work well and reduce cooking time slightly.
How do I thicken the stew?
Mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry if desired.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely—parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms all make great additions.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken and veggies are tender.
What can I serve with this stew?
Crusty bread, biscuits, or a simple green salad pair perfectly.
Conclusion
Country Chicken Stew is a timeless, satisfying meal that brings warmth and nourishment to your table. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth, it’s the kind of home-cooked comfort food that never goes out of style. Make a big pot and enjoy a bowlful of rustic charm, perfect for any day of the week.
Print
Country Chicken Stew
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rustic, nourishing stew is packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, navy beans, and savory bacon. It’s the kind of one-pot comfort food that feels like a hug — simple, satisfying, and perfect for Sunday dinner or make-ahead meals during the week.
Ingredients
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8 oz dried navy beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
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4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
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1 large onion, thinly sliced
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4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
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1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), skin removed if desired
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3 carrots, sliced
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1/3 head green cabbage, shredded
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2 bay leaves
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4 sprigs thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons lemon juice or red wine vinegar (for finishing)
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Water, to cover
Instructions
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Soak the beans (if using dried):
Soak the beans overnight in water. Drain and rinse before using. -
Cook the bacon:
In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, cook bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot. -
Sauté aromatics:
Add sliced onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. -
Build the stew base:
Add the whole chicken, soaked beans, bay leaves, and thyme. Pour in enough water to cover. Season with salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently, covered, for 1 hour. -
Add vegetables:
Add carrots and cabbage. Simmer uncovered for 30 more minutes, or until vegetables and beans are tender and chicken is cooked through. -
Shred chicken:
Remove chicken, discard skin and bones, and shred meat. Return shredded chicken and bacon to the pot. -
Finish and serve:
Stir in lemon juice or vinegar for brightness. Season with more salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or rice.
Notes
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Use rotisserie chicken and canned beans to speed things up.
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Add potatoes or parsnips for even more rustic flavor.
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Leftovers taste even better the next day!