There’s just something about a warm, comforting bowl of stew that speaks to the soul — and I’m excited to share this Easy Chicken Stew Recipe that I’ve come to absolutely love. It’s simple, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for those days when you want a hearty meal without fussing too much in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a go-to comfort dish you’ll want to make over and over again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy—everything is probably already in your kitchen.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal, not washing dishes.
Comforting & Filling: Loaded with veggies, tender chicken, and creamy broth—perfect for chilly nights.
Very Versatile: You can tweak it to your taste or dietary needs with effortless swaps.

The image shows a black pot filled with creamy chicken soup made of several visible layers. The soup has white creamy broth with floating pieces of shredded white chicken, sliced orange carrots, and soft brown mushrooms scattered evenly throughout. Small bits of green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding color contrast. A black ladle dips into the soup from the upper right, scooping up a portion with a carrot slice, chicken pieces, mushroom, and broth. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Stew, hearty chicken stew, simple chicken stew, comfort food recipes, one-pot chicken stew

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Easy Chicken Stew Recipe plays its part to build layers of flavor and texture. I love using fresh veggies for that natural sweetness and a good quality chicken broth for richness. Here are the essential players in this dish:

Flat lay of fresh uncooked chicken breasts, peeled and diced Russet potatoes, sliced white mushrooms, peeled and sliced bright orange carrots, chopped celery stalks, chopped half medium onion, whole garlic cloves, and a small bunch of Italian seasoning herbs, all beautifully arranged in a natural, colorful spread placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Stew, hearty chicken stew, simple chicken stew, comfort food recipes, one-pot chicken stew

Olive Oil: Adds a fruity note and helps sauté the veggies without burning them.
Butter: Gives a silky smooth base and enhances flavor when combined with olive oil.
Onion: The secret foundation of taste—chopped finely so it melts into the stew.
Celery: Adds crunch and a slight earthiness that balances the sweetness of carrots.
Carrots: Peel and slice to bring natural sweetness and color.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic lends that unmistakable savory depth.
Flour: This is your thickening agent—helps the broth develop that lovely stew-like body.
Chicken Broth/Stock: Go for a good-quality, preferably low-sodium broth for the best flavor control.
Heavy/Whipping Cream: Adds creaminess and richness, making the stew feel indulgent yet cozy.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brightens the dish without overpowering it.
Mushrooms: Sliced white or cremini mushrooms for umami and a meaty texture.
Russet Potatoes: Peeled and diced; they absorb flavors beautifully and help make the stew hearty.
Chicken Breasts: I use fresh, boneless breasts for tenderness—they cook quickly and stay juicy.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring everything together with balance.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The beauty of this Easy Chicken Stew Recipe is how customizable it is. I’ve tried a few tweaks over time, and each one brings something new to the table. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Swap Chicken for Thighs: I’ve switched to thighs when I wanted richer, juicier meat with a little more fat.
Dairy-Free Version: Try coconut milk instead of cream—I was surprised at how creamy and comforting it still turned out.
Extra Veggies: Sometimes I toss in green beans or peas near the end of cooking for added color and crunch.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce wakes up the flavors nicely.

How to Make Easy Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven or heavy soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the veggies soften and the onions turn translucent. I love this step because it creates a fragrant, flavorful base. Just keep an eye so the garlic doesn’t burn—it can turn bitter fast.

Step 2: Thicken with Flour and Add Broth

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the veggies and stir well to coat everything. Let it cook for about a minute; this cooks out the raw flour taste and forms a nice roux. Then, slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to dissolve any lumps. It’s important to stir well here because you want a smooth stew without any flour clumps. This is where the soup starts to thicken up beautifully.

Step 3: Add the Cream, Herbs, and Main Ingredients

Next, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Toss in the sliced mushrooms, diced potatoes, and uncooked chicken breasts. When I first made this, I was nervous about putting raw chicken in the pot, but it works perfectly—it cooks while the potatoes soften.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the stew to a gentle boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and let it simmer with the lid slightly ajar for about 25 minutes. Pro tip: Stir every now and then to prevent sticking on the bottom. At this point, the chicken should be cooked through and the potatoes fork-tender.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken and Season

Remove the chicken breasts carefully and chop or shred them into bite-sized pieces. Return them to the pot and stir everything together. Taste the stew and season with salt and pepper to your preference. This finishing step is where all the flavors come alive, so don’t rush it!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Stew Recipe

Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot: I’ve found that a Dutch oven distributes heat evenly, helping to cook the stew without burning.
Don’t Skip Sautéing: The step where you cook the aromatics really transforms the flavor from ordinary to homemade-delicious.
Cut Potatoes Uniformly: This ensures they cook evenly—no one wants half raw, half mushy potatoes.
Taste Before Final Seasoning: After simmering, the flavors concentrate, so add salt and pepper at the end to avoid over-seasoning.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Stew Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy chicken soup showing about four layers of ingredients. The top layer has several large orange carrot slices evenly spread, along with white chicken pieces that have a slightly rough texture and light pepper specks. The middle layer contains chopped white potatoes and small pieces of dark brown mushrooms nestled in the creamy yellow broth with herbs floating around. The broth itself has a smooth, slightly oily surface with specks of green parsley and black pepper scattered, giving a fresh and colorful look. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, slightly submerged in the soup. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Stew, hearty chicken stew, simple chicken stew, comfort food recipes, one-pot chicken stew

Garnishes

I like sprinkling a handful of fresh chopped parsley or a little chopped chive on top—it adds a burst of color and fresh aroma that brightens the creamy stew. Sometimes a little grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good olive oil finishes it beautifully, especially when serving dinner guests.

Side Dishes

This chicken stew is hearty enough to stand on its own, but I love pairing it with crusty bread or flaky biscuits to soak up every last drop of the broth. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette also adds a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve ladled this stew into individual rustic bread bowls—it’s fun, cozy, and perfect for sharing. Another favorite is serving it over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for a twist that makes the meal feel even more abundant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken stew in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ve noticed the flavors even deepen overnight, so sometimes it tastes better the next day! Just be sure to cool it quickly before refrigerating.

Freezing

This stew freezes surprisingly well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and it keeps for up to 3 months. When I pulled it out from the freezer, I reheated it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to refresh the texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftover stew on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. This keeps the chicken tender and the potatoes intact. Microwave works in a pinch, but slowing reheating on the stove always brings back that fresh, homemade taste for me.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Easy Chicken Stew Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a little more fat and flavor, making the stew richer and juicier. They also tend to stay tender without drying out. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if your thighs are bone-in to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is it okay to use store-bought chicken broth, or should I make my own?

Using a good-quality store-bought chicken broth works perfectly and keeps the recipe simple. If you have homemade broth, even better—it will amplify the flavor. Just watch the salt content so you can season the stew properly at the end.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Start by sautéing the veggies and then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add cream toward the end to prevent curdling and shred the chicken before serving for the best texture.
What can I serve with this chicken stew?

Crusty bread, dinner rolls, or buttery biscuits are perfect for sopping up the stew. A simple side salad or steamed green vegetables can add freshness to the meal. You could also try serving over mashed potatoes or noodles for extra heartiness.
How do I thicken the stew if it seems too thin?

If your stew turns out thinner than you like, whisk a little extra flour with cold water to make a slurry and stir it in while simmering for a few more minutes. Another trick I use is cooking it uncovered a bit longer to allow some liquid to evaporate, naturally thickening the stew.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t get enough of this Easy Chicken Stew Recipe—it’s become my family’s comfort food classic, especially on chilly evenings when we want something that feels like a warm hug. The best part is, it’s straightforward, uses everyday ingredients, and can be personalized to whatever you have on hand. Give it a try soon, and I’m sure you’ll love how satisfying and delicious it turns out. Happy cooking, friend!