Description
Old Fashioned Chicken Stew is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a savory broth. This classic recipe offers a taste of nostalgia, perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 medium rutabaga, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 medium turnip, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: In a large stockpot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot and brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, parsnips, rutabaga, turnip, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 2–3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add the Stock and Chicken: Pour in the chicken stock, stirring to combine and dissolve the flour. Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Finish the Stew: Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Shred the chicken meat, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice, if desired.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the stew for extra heat.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves during simmering.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Creamy Twist: Substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for the heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Root Vegetable Medley: Experiment with other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips for added variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg