Savor the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Homemade Chicken Stew. This one-pot wonder is brimming with juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a velvety, flavorful broth that turns simple ingredients into a hearty meal everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a chilly night or just craving a bowl of cozy goodness, this stew proves that delicious home-cooked food doesn’t have to be complicated. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers—if you have any!

Easy Homemade Chicken Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Homemade Chicken Stew lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one adds its own personality to the pot, building layers of flavor, colorful appeal, and that soul-warming texture we all crave from a great homemade stew.

Olive oil: Use this to kickstart the flavor party with a rich base for browning the chicken and cooking the veggies.
Chicken thighs: Thighs stay wonderfully juicy and tender in the stew, adding a hearty texture and deeper flavor than breast meat.
Unsalted butter: A little butter gives the stew a silkier finish and enhances the savory notes.
Onion: Sweet and aromatic, onions form the foundation for that classic stew taste.
Celery: Offers a subtle herbal crunch that balances everything out.
Carrots: Bring both sweetness and vibrant pops of color to every bite.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that tantalizing aroma and depth of flavor.
Bay leaf: Infuses the stew with a gentle background flavor that makes it unmistakably comforting.
Sage: Just a pinch adds warmth and earthiness—don’t skip this tiny powerhouse!
Thyme: Delivers a familiar, rustic scent that feels like home.
Flour: Used to thicken the broth to that perfect stew consistency.
Chicken stock or broth: The backbone of the dish, making every spoonful taste like you’ve been simmering for hours.
Potatoes (Yukon Gold and Russet): These make the stew extra hearty and help it soak up all those lovely flavors.
Heavy cream: Adds that luscious, creamy touch right at the end for total decadence.
Frozen green peas: Brighten up the finished dish with sweetness and color.
Fresh parsley (optional): For a hit of fresh, herby flavor just before serving.
Kosher salt: Enhances all of the natural flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the richness.

How to Make Easy Homemade Chicken Stew

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Begin by heating your olive oil in a large Dutch oven or sturdy pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken thighs and brown them on both sides. This step locks in the meat’s juicy goodness and sets the stage for those crave-worthy flavors.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies

Remove the browned chicken and add unsalted butter to the same pot. Toss in the diced onion, celery, and carrots, stirring and cooking for about five minutes until everything is softened and fragrant. This builds a base that will make your Easy Homemade Chicken Stew taste like it cooked all day.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in the minced garlic, bay leaf, sage, and thyme. Let them cook for a minute until their aromas bloom. Sprinkle over the flour, then stir it in and let it cook for two minutes to lose any raw taste before you add the liquids.

Step 4: Add Stock and Simmer

Gradually pour in the chicken stock or broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Return the browned chicken and add the mixed potatoes. Increase the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and partially cover. Let your stew simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing all those beautiful flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Stir in the heavy cream and let the stew bubble away for another five minutes, transforming it into a creamy, dreamy pot of comfort. If you’re using fresh parsley, add it now for a touch of brightness. Finally, toss in the frozen peas and cook for five minutes until they’re just heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Chicken Stew

Garnishes

Top each bowl with chopped fresh parsley or a grind of black pepper for a fresh, aromatic touch. If you’re feeling decadent, a swirl of extra cream or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt turns this already satisfying stew into something truly special.

Side Dishes

To soak up every last bit of that luxurious broth, serve your Easy Homemade Chicken Stew with a hunk of warm crusty bread, homemade biscuits, or buttery mashed potatoes. A crisp green salad or simple roasted veggies work nicely on the side too, rounding out the meal in the most delicious way.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle the stew into oven-safe ramekins and top with buttery puff pastry for a playful, pot pie-style twist. Or, serve it in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, crowd-pleasing presentation—kids and adults both love it this way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Easy Homemade Chicken Stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored this way, it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3–4 days, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks.

Freezing

This stew is perfect for batch cooking! Portion the cooled stew into freezer-friendly containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2–3 months. For best quality, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—an ideal solution for those nights when you need a quick, nourishing meal.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the creamy texture. For smaller portions, the microwave works too—but cover the bowl to prevent splatters and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs give a juicier, more flavorful result in your Easy Homemade Chicken Stew, chicken breasts will also work. Just keep a close eye on them so they don’t dry out during cooking.

What vegetables can I add or substitute?

Feel free to customize with what you have on hand. Mushrooms, parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even corn can be delicious additions. Just be mindful of cook times, as some veggies may need less or more time in the pot.

Is it possible to make this stew dairy-free?

Yes! To make a dairy-free version of Easy Homemade Chicken Stew, simply leave out the heavy cream or swap it for your favorite unsweetened plant-based cream alternative. The stew will still taste rich and satisfying.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

You sure can! Brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics first on the stovetop, then assemble everything in your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, adding the cream and peas at the end.

How can I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?

If you’d like it thicker, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with a splash of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering stew and cook for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Chicken Stew has all the magic of classic comfort food without any fuss. It’s a dish meant to be shared, savored, and returned to again and again. Grab a pot, gather your loved ones, and give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed how something so easy turns into everyone’s favorite!

Easy Homemade Chicken Stew Recipe