Creamy Chicken Stew Recipe

There’s something soul-comforting about a big bowl of Creamy Chicken Stew—laden with tender chicken and hearty vegetables all wrapped up in a rich, velvety broth. This recipe is pure coziness, perfect for chilly evenings or days when you crave something warming, filling, and oh-so-satisfying.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long grocery list to make Creamy Chicken Stew—just a handful of pantry staples and wholesome vegetables that work together like magic. Each ingredient brings its own special touch, creating stew with rich flavor, bright color, and a texture that’ll keep you coming back for seconds.

• Chicken Breast (1 1/2 pounds): Cut into bite-size pieces, this is the heart of the stew—tender, juicy, and so satisfying.
• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt & Pepper: These classic seasonings infuse every morsel of chicken with robust, savory flavor and a subtle warmth from paprika.
• Olive Oil & Salted Butter: A flavorful duo for sautéing the chicken and vegetables, adding depth and richness right from the start.
• Celery, Carrots, & White Onion: The aromatic base—these veggies soften into the stew, releasing sweetness and building a classic savory backbone.
• Garlic, Dried Thyme, Sage, & Rosemary: Each herb brings a note of earthy, woodsy flavor—don’t skimp, they’re what make Creamy Chicken Stew irresistibly aromatic.
• White Wine: A splash of wine lifts the flavor, deglazing the pot and adding a gentle acidity for balance (just use broth if you prefer no alcohol!).
• Potatoes (1 pound): They melt into soft, creamy cubes that thicken the stew and soak up all that delicious broth.
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth: The savory, simmering base—low sodium lets you control the salt content perfectly.
• Heavy Cream (1 1/2 cups): Divided for ultimate creaminess; this is what gives the stew its rich, ultra-silky texture.
• All Purpose Flour (1/3 cup): Blended with cream and stirred in at the end, it thickens the base without any lumps.

Variations

This Creamy Chicken Stew is the very definition of adaptable! Whether you’re working with what’s in your fridge or want to tailor the flavors, it’s easy to swap ingredients and customize to your family’s tastes, dietary needs, or whatever you’re craving most.

• Make It Dairy Free: Use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream substitute for the heavy cream, and swap the butter for more olive oil.
• Boost the Veggies: Add mushrooms, green beans, peas, or even baby spinach for extra color and nutrition.
• Herb Swap: Try fresh dill, tarragon, or parsley in place of the dried herbs for a different flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter yet still satisfying bowl.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Stew

Step 1: Marinate and Season the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken breast with Italian seasoning, paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper in a big bowl. Give it 15-30 minutes while you prep your veggies—this short marinating time lets the flavors soak in, so every tender bite of chicken is perfectly seasoned.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until all sides are golden and cooked through. Scoop the chicken onto a plate and keep those tasty golden bits in the pot—they’ll make the stew even better!

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the butter to the pot, then toss in the celery, carrots, and onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables turn soft and the kitchen smells heavenly. Stir in the garlic, the rest of your salt and pepper, and let it all sauté for a minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze, Simmer, and Add Potatoes

Pour in the white wine, scraping up any delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Add your potatoes and chicken broth. Crank up the heat to bring it all to a rolling boil, then lower to a gentle simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are just fork-tender.

Step 5: Thicken and Finish the Stew

Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to blend. In a small bowl, whisk the flour into the remaining ½ cup of heavy cream until smooth—no lumps! Stir this mixture into the pot with the cooked chicken. Bring the stew to a gentle boil for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until luscious and thickened just right.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

When your Creamy Chicken Stew has reached your ideal thickness, turn off the heat. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh thyme for garnish, serving piping hot with your favorite crusty bread or rolls for the ultimate comfort experience.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stew

Garnishes

A shower of fresh thyme, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or even a drizzle of good olive oil will instantly brighten the bowl and add a pop of color. For a bit more indulgence, try a dusting of parmesan cheese on top of your Creamy Chicken Stew—it’s pure magic!

Side Dishes

This stew is made for dunking! Think thick slices of crusty sourdough or a slab of warm, buttery biscuits. Roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or even a scoop of fluffy mashed potatoes round out a generous, homey meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Creamy Chicken Stew in hollowed-out bread bowls for a playful, rustic touch. Or, ladle it over steamed rice for a hearty twist. Mini crocks garnished with fresh herbs make for a cozy dinner-party starter, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover stew cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days—just remember to give it a good stir before reheating, as the luscious broth may separate a bit as it sits.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Creamy Chicken Stew! Just be sure it’s cooled fully first. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to recombine the creamy broth. If it’s too thick after the fridge or freezer, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a dish that feels like a warm hug, this Creamy Chicken Stew is for you. It’s made for sharing—with friends, with family, or even just for yourself curled up with a cozy blanket. I hope this recipe brings as much comfort to your kitchen as it has to mine—give it a try and let your home fill with those irresistible, heartwarming aromas!

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