Oh, let me tell you about my ultimate comfort food: rustic chicken potato stew with carrot herbs! There’s just something so magical about a big pot of stew simmering on the stove, filling the entire house with the most mouthwatering aroma. I remember the first time I made this; the warmth of the chicken and the earthy flavors of the herbs wrapped around me like a cozy blanket. It’s hearty and satisfying, perfect for those chillier evenings when you want something that just feels like a hug in a bowl. And the best part? It’s so simple to whip up! You won’t believe the depth of flavor you can achieve with just a few fresh ingredients. Trust me, you’ll be making this one over and over again!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious rustic chicken potato stew with carrot herbs, and trust me, it’s worth it! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on for that rich flavor)
- 4 medium potatoes (diced into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 large carrots (sliced thinly for even cooking)
- 1 onion (chopped, because a good stew needs a base)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced, to amp up the flavor)
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought works great)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (for that aromatic kick)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (perfectly complements the chicken)
- Salt (to taste, don’t skimp on this!)
- Pepper (to taste, adds just the right amount of heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the chicken and sautéing)
With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set for a delightful cooking experience!
How to Prepare rustic chicken potato stew with carrot herbs
Now, let’s get down to the fun part: making this delightful rustic chicken potato stew with carrot herbs! I promise, it’s easier than you think, and the end result is oh-so-satisfying. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab a large pot and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and hot for the chicken.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken thighs. Brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for flavor, so don’t rush it! Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, toss in the onion and garlic. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. You’ll love how fragrant the kitchen becomes!
- Now, add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir them around for a couple of minutes to get everything coated in that yummy oil.
- Next, return the browned chicken thighs to the pot. This is where the magic starts to happen!
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the fresh rosemary and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. You’ll want to stir occasionally, and just let those flavors meld together beautifully.
- Lastly, before serving, remember to remove the herbs. They’ve done their job, and now it’s time for the stew to shine!
And there you have it! A warm, hearty stew that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep for the week ahead!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and filling, perfect for chilly nights
- Loaded with tender chicken, vibrant carrots, and hearty potatoes
- Simple, straightforward preparation that anyone can master
- Rich, comforting flavors that develop beautifully as it simmers
- Great for meal prepping or serving a crowd
Tips for Success
To make your rustic chicken potato stew with carrot herbs truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always opt for fresh herbs—trust me, they make a world of difference in flavor. If you don’t have fresh, dried herbs will work, but you might want to use a bit less since they’re more concentrated. Next, don’t be shy with the seasoning; taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. And remember, letting the stew simmer is key—this is where all those delicious flavors meld together, so give it time! Lastly, feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or even a splash of white wine for an extra layer of flavor!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to put your own twist on this rustic chicken potato stew with carrot herbs, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! First off, try adding in parsnips or sweet potatoes for a different kind of sweetness and texture. You could also toss in some green beans or peas during the last few minutes of cooking for a pop of color and freshness. For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes. And if you’re in the mood for a creamy version, a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving can make it even more indulgent. Get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? Yes, please! To store your rustic chicken potato stew with carrot herbs, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to use a freezer-safe container! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but make sure to cover it to prevent splatters. Enjoy that cozy goodness again!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note on the nutritional info! Keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so it’s not provided precisely. But on average, one bowl of this rustic chicken potato stew with carrot herbs contains about 420 calories, 30g of protein, and 18g of fat. It’s a hearty meal that satisfies, but always feel free to adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work, but they might dry out a bit more than thighs. Just be sure to check for doneness a little earlier.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! Just brown the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours.
What can I serve with this stew?
I love serving it with crusty bread for dipping! You could also pair it with a simple green salad for a light side.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely! This stew actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy.
How do I thicken my stew?
If you prefer a thicker stew, try adding a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water) during the last few minutes of cooking, stirring until it thickens!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Creamy Chicken Pasta for a comforting meal!
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Rustic Chicken Potato Stew with Carrot Herbs: 7 Comforting Tips
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty rustic chicken potato stew with carrots and herbs.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and brown on all sides.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.
- Add carrots and potatoes, stir for a few minutes.
- Return chicken to the pot.
- Pour in chicken broth and add herbs.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Remove herbs before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: rustic chicken potato stew, chicken stew, potato stew, hearty stew
