If you crave a bowl of comfort that wraps you up like a warm hug, this Easy Homemade Chicken Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender chicken pieces, tender carrots, potatoes, and a creamy broth infused with fresh herbs, every spoonful offers heartwarming satisfaction. This dish is the ultimate weeknight hero—perfectly balanced between rich flavors and simple ingredients, it makes cooking feel effortless without compromising on taste or texture. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro looking for a trusty staple, this recipe delivers the cozy home-cooked goodness you’ll want again and again.

A thick creamy soup with a light beige base filled with visible chunks of orange carrots, bright green peas, and pale yellow potatoes, mixed with tender pieces of light brown meat and small green herb flecks, all held in a black ladle over the same soup in a white pot; the soup looks warm and hearty, with a smooth texture and small specks of black pepper throughout. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Homemade Chicken Stew Recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create incredible depth of flavor. Each item adds its own unique touch—whether it’s the crispy sear on the chicken thighs, the sweetness from carrots and onions, or the creamy finish from heavy cream.

Olive oil: Essential for browning the chicken and adding richness.
Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, perfect for slow simmering without drying out.
Unsalted butter: Adds a smooth, silky texture to the vegetable base.
Onion: Brings mild sweetness and aromatic depth when softened.
Celery: Adds a crunchy foundation and fresh undertones.
Carrots: Contribute natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Garlic: Provides a punch of savory aroma that brightens the stew.
Bay leaf: Infuses subtle herbal notes.
Sage and thyme: Earthy herbs that complement the chicken perfectly.
Flour: Thickens the stew for that luscious, hearty texture.
Chicken stock: The flavorful liquid base that brings everything together.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold and Russet combo gives a mix of creaminess and fluffiness.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and a velvety finish to the broth.
Frozen green peas: For a pop of color and a sweet burst at the end.
Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens the whole dish with fresh green notes.
Kosher salt and black pepper: To perfectly season and enhance all flavors.

How to Make Easy Homemade Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Heat Olive Oil and Brown the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add your chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces. Brown them on both sides until they develop a golden crust—this step locks in flavor and gives the stew that gorgeous, deep taste. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot, melt butter and toss in diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook these until tender and fragrant, about five minutes. This is where the sweet, earthy base of your stew starts to form, ensuring every bite is packed with warmth and comfort.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in minced garlic, a bay leaf, sage, and thyme. Cook everything together for one more minute to release those powerful aromas, layering the dish with herbal complexity before thickening.

Step 4: Sprinkle in Flour and Build the Roux

Sprinkle flour evenly over the veggies and stir to coat everything. Cooking the flour for two minutes removes any raw taste and helps create the thick, luscious sauce that clings perfectly to your chicken and veggies.

Step 5: Slowly Add Chicken Stock

Gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. This step transforms your roux into a rich, velvety stew base filled with savory goodness.

Step 6: Add Potatoes and Chicken Back to Pot

Chop the potatoes into bite-sized chunks and add them directly to the pot along with the browned chicken. This ensures the potatoes soak up those delicious flavors while becoming tender and creamy during cooking.

Step 7: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and partially cover. Let everything simmer gently for 30 minutes. This slow cook melds the flavors beautifully and tenderizes the chicken until melt-in-your-mouth soft.

Step 8: Stir in Cream and Peas

After simmering, stir in the heavy cream for that silky finish. Then add frozen green peas and cook for an additional five minutes. The peas add a sweet pop and lovely green contrast that wakes up the whole dish.

Step 9: Final Seasoning and Optional Parsley

Season your stew generously with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. If you’re feeling fancy, stir in freshly chopped parsley right before serving to brighten and freshen up the flavors.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Chicken Stew Recipe

Easy Homemade Chicken Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic garnish for this stew, adding a hint of herbal brightness. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika can also add a delightful finishing touch and subtle warmth.

Side Dishes

This stew shines on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls helps soak up the heavenly broth. For a lighter contrast, a crisp green salad with vinaigrette brings freshness alongside the richness of the stew.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Easy Homemade Chicken Stew Recipe in individual bread bowls for an adorable, edible presentation. Alternatively, pile it over creamy mashed potatoes or even creamy polenta for a luxurious twist that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can refrigerate leftover chicken stew in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the leftovers just as good—not to mention comforting—as the day you made it.

Freezing

This stew freezes really well. Transfer cooled stew into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. To keep the texture perfect, avoid adding cream before freezing; you can stir it in after reheating.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your stew again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Stir in fresh cream at this stage for that velvety touch, and add a pinch of fresh herbs if you like.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine but it’s leaner, so be careful not to overcook to avoid dryness. Chicken thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy in long, slow cooks.

Is it necessary to brown the chicken first?

Browning adds incredible flavor through caramelization, which really elevates the stew. Skipping this step is possible but you’ll lose some depth of flavor and that beautiful color.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, fresh herbs can be used but add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavor. Dried herbs need time to release their aroma, so they work best earlier in the cooking process.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option, but the stew won’t be as rich and creamy. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free substitute that adds a lovely silky texture with a subtle sweetness.

Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the chicken and sauté veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender and potatoes are cooked through.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Chicken Stew Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s rich, wholesome, and surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Give this recipe a try and discover just how rewarding it is to create comfort food that tastes so incredible from scratch. Your cozy nights in just found their perfect companion!