Get ready to warm up your kitchen with a bowl of the most delightful chicken stew! With ultra-tender chicken and a crispy skin smothered in a rich, savory sauce, this recipe is comfort food at its finest! Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends, I promise this easy chicken stew will steal the show!
Ingredients for Quick and Easy Chicken Stew
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! This chicken stew is all about flavorful goodness and comfort, and luckily, you won’t need a ton of fancy stuff. Here’s what you’ll need to put together this delicious dish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for that perfect sizzle!
- 1.5 kg (3 lb) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks – the stars of the show!
- Salt and pepper – don’t skimp on these! They make everything better.
- 2 onions, halved and cut into wedges – for sweetness and flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – because garlic makes everything magical!
- 3 large carrots, chopped – they add a pop of color and nutrition!
- 4 celery stalks, cut into chunks – for that lovely crunch.
- ½ cup (125 ml) white wine (or water) – to bring out rich flavors.
- 3 tablespoons (35g) flour – to help thicken that wonderful sauce.
- 3 cups (750 ml) chicken broth – the heart of our stew!
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste – for a hint of tanginess.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce – because a splash of umami is never a bad idea!
- 3 sprigs thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) – fresh herbs, yay!
- 2 bay leaves – they add depth to the flavor.
- 600 g (1.2 lb) baby potatoes, halved – for a satisfying, filling meal.
- Fresh thyme or parsley (optional) – for a pretty garnish.
- Warm crusty bread – for dunking, of course!
Gather these simple ingredients and you’ll be one step closer to a cozy meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day! I love how these flavors meld together in the oven, and trust me, your kitchen will smell so amazing that you might just want to hang out there all afternoon! Ready to get cooking? I know I am!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Alright, it’s time to get cooking! Making this quick and easy chicken stew is super simple, and I promise, you will love how it all comes together. Let’s dive right in!
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This is a must to get everything cooking just right!
- Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-proof pot over high heat. I like to use something big and sturdy, so everything fits nicely!
- Brown the chicken pieces on both sides until they’re light golden. Don’t forget to sprinkle them with salt and pepper while they cook. If your pot isn’t big enough, do this in batches. We want them crispy, not crowded!
- Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Now, if there’s too much oil left in the pot, go ahead and discard some. We want just the right amount!
- Add the onions and garlic to the pot. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onions are translucent. Oh, that smell is divine already!
- Next, toss in the carrots and celery. Sauté them for another minute. Yum!
- Now, grab that white wine (or water), pour it in, and scrape the bottom of the pot. This pulls up all those delicious brown bits that we want in our stew. Cook for 1 minute until the liquid reduces a bit.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir it in. This will help thicken our luscious sauce.
- Then, add the chicken broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir it all up until the tomato paste is dissolved.
- Place the chicken back into the pot, keeping the skin above the liquid as much as possible. We need that crispy skin, remember?
- Bring everything to a simmer, cover it, and pop it in the oven. Let it cook for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, take it out of the oven, remove the lid, and add the baby potatoes. Push them down into the liquid, but make sure to rearrange the chicken so it can crisp up on top!
- Return the pot to the oven without the lid for another 40 minutes. When it’s done, the chicken skin should be golden and crispy, the potatoes soft, and the sauce thickened!
And there you have it! Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’re just about ready to enjoy this comforting chicken stew! Isn’t cooking fun? I can’t wait for you to taste it!
Tips for Achieving Crispy Chicken Skin
Let’s talk about the holy grail of chicken stew: crispy skin! I don’t know about you, but I can’t imagine a cozy chicken stew without that delicious, crunchy topping. Here are some of my favorite tips to help you achieve that perfect, crispy skin on your chicken!
- Start with Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: This is key! The skin helps lock in moisture during cooking, while the bones add rich flavor. Plus, it’s where the crispy magic happens!
- Brown the Chicken First: Never skip this step! Browning the chicken in hot oil creates a beautiful, golden crust. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot. If you do, the chicken will steam instead of brown, and we definitely want that crispy finish!
- Choose the Right Pot: A large, oven-proof pot or Dutch oven is your best friend for this recipe. It allows for even heat distribution, so your chicken cooks nicely without losing that crispiness.
- Uncover for the Last 40 Minutes: When it’s almost done cooking, take off the lid and let the heat do its work! The uncovered cooking lets the moisture evaporate, helping the skin to crisp up beautifully.
- Baste for Extra Love: If you want to take it up a notch, you can baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through the uncovered cooking time. This helps to infuse flavor while still promoting that delightful crispiness.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Once your chicken stew is done, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps keep that skin crispy when you serve it up.
Remember, crispy chicken skin is all about the right cooking method! Follow these tips, and you’ll have a chicken stew that’s not just delicious but also has that satisfying crunch we all love. Happy cooking! Who’s ready to dig in?
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Now that you have this delicious chicken stew ready, let’s talk about how to enjoy it! Trust me, there are so many fun ways to serve and customize this dish. Here are some ideas that will make your meal even more exciting!
Serving Ideas
- With Crusty Bread: What better way to soak up that delicious sauce than with some warm, crusty bread? I personally love tearing off a piece and dipping it right into the stew. It’s a game-changer!
- Over Rice or Quinoa: If you want to make it even heartier, serve your stew over rice or fluffy quinoa. The grains absorb the tasty sauce and add a nice texture.
- With a Side Salad: For a fresh twist, pair your chicken stew with a light garden salad. This adds crunch and balances the richness of the stew.
Variations to Explore
- Add Different Vegetables: Feel free to throw in other veggies! Mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers could be a great addition. Just keep the cooking time in mind, so they don’t turn mushy!
- Spice It Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add some heat! A touch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños can give your stew a spicy kick that’s simply delicious!
- Herb Swaps: Try experimenting with different herbs. If you’re not a fan of thyme, rosemary or oregano can also bring wonderful flavors to your stew.
- Creamy Twist: For a creamy texture, whisk in some heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving. It adds a whole new layer of flavor that’s rich and comforting!
With these serving suggestions and variations, your chicken stew will never get boring! I love how versatile it is, and I can’t wait for you to try these ideas out. So gather your loved ones, serve up that gorgeous stew, and enjoy a cozy meal together! What’s your favorite way to serve chicken stew? Let me know!