Autumn brings a chill, but a warm tomato-based chicken stew makes it cozy. Last week, I had a long day and didn’t want to cook. But then I thought of my favorite chicken stew recipe.
It’s quick to make, needing just 30 minutes of simmering. I added fresh veggies, and soon dinner was ready. The smell of garlic, chicken, and tomatoes filled my home.
This stew is more than food; it’s a way to feel better. It’s perfect for cozy nights with family. Let me share my favorite chicken stew recipe with you.
What is Tomato-Based Chicken Stew?
Tomato-based chicken stew is a tasty dish. It has tender chicken, tomatoes, and veggies in a flavorful broth. It’s a comfort food that’s perfect for family meals or cozy nights.
Canned tomatoes add sweetness and a bit of tanginess. I use a 14-ounce can for that classic taste. Chicken, veggies, and tomatoes make it nourishing and soul-warming.
It takes about 55 minutes to make. You need around 15 ingredients, like garlic and onions. It’s great over rice or pasta, pleasing everyone.
Why I Love This Chicken Stew Recipe
I love this chicken stew recipe because it’s so comforting. It’s also super easy to make. This means I spend less time cleaning up and get a healthy meal.
This stew is great for busy days because you can use different chicken parts. You can use thighs, breasts, or even shredded chicken from a rotisserie.
The stew has tender chicken, colorful veggies, and yummy seasonings. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a sweet flavor. Cannellini beans make it creamy. You can use fresh or frozen veggies for a nutritious meal.
Making the stew is easy, thanks to chopping veggies ahead of time. I enjoy the first meal and have leftovers for another day. Plus, leftovers last up to five days. The flavors get even better the next day.
Ingredients for Tomato-Based Chicken Stew
Making a tasty homemade chicken stew starts with the right stuff. For my favorite tomato-based stew, I use fresh and healthy ingredients. This makes the stew taste great and is good for you. Here are the key ingredients and some veggie options to make your stew even better.
Essential Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 6 tablespoons olive oil (4 for browning, 2 for sautéing)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 3.5 lbs San Marzano tomatoes or 26 oz canned whole tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth, preferably low sodium
- Fresh thyme and parsley for seasoning
- Spices such as paprika and oregano to enhance flavor
Vegetable Variations
Want to make your chicken stew your own? Try adding different veggies. Here are some ideas:
| Vegetable | Preparation Method |
|---|---|
| Carrots | Diced or sliced |
| Green Beans | Chopped |
| Spinach | Added towards the end of cooking |
| Peas | Frozen, added in the last 5 minutes |
Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Stew
Making chicken stew is fun and rewarding. Follow these steps to make a tasty one-pot chicken stew. It will impress everyone. Each step is important for the stew’s rich flavors.
Preparing the Chicken
I start by drying the chicken thighs and drumsticks. They weigh about 1.5 kg. I season them with salt and pepper.
Then, I heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. When it’s hot, I add the chicken. I brown it on both sides for 5-7 minutes.
After it’s golden, I take the chicken out. I let it rest on a plate.
Sautéing the Vegetables
In the same pot, I add chopped onions and garlic. I cook them for 2 minutes until they smell good. Then, I add chopped carrots, red peppers, and zucchini.
I let them cook for 5 minutes until they’re soft. I stir them now and then. I season with salt and pepper to add flavor.
Cooking Techniques for a Hearty Stew
To make a hearty chicken stew, you need some key cooking steps. Browning the chicken and veggies first is very important. It makes them taste better and adds depth to the stew. This step takes about 5-6 minutes for the chicken and 4-5 minutes for the veggies.
After browning, I use tomatoes and chicken broth to deglaze the pot. This step is key because it adds the tasty bits from the bottom to the stew. Then, I simmer the stew with all the ingredients. This simmering takes about 25 minutes over medium-low heat, making the stew rich and tasty.
The whole cooking process, including extra time for potatoes to get tender, makes a meal that’s loved by all. With almost 200 five-star reviews, this method is proven to make a delicious stew every time.
Slow Cooker Tomato-Based Chicken Stew
This slow cooker tomato-based chicken stew is easy and tasty. It’s great for busy days. The slow cooker makes it simple to cook without watching it.
How to Adapt the Recipe
Start by browning chicken in a pan. Then put it in the slow cooker. Add diced carrots, celery, and onion.
Use a 14 oz can of diced tomatoes. Add tomato paste, chicken broth, and spices like rosemary and thyme. Cover it and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
This makes the chicken tender and the stew flavorful.
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional information for this dish:
| Nutritional Element | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 382 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 109 mg |
| Sodium | 1202 mg |
| Potassium | 1724 mg |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Vitamin A | 5454 IU |
| Vitamin C | 51 mg |
| Calcium | 62 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
This easy chicken stew recipe is perfect for busy days. It’s comforting and delicious.
Health Benefits of Chicken Stew
Chicken stew is great for your health. It has lots of protein from the chicken. This protein helps fix muscles and keeps you healthy.
The stew also has many veggies. Tomatoes are a big part of it. They have antioxidants that might help fight cancer.
I add veggies like corn, peas, carrots, and broccoli to my stew. They make it taste good and add fiber. Fiber helps your digestion and keeps you regular.
The broth in the stew is full of collagen and water. This is good for your joints and skin. Unlike creamy soups, my stew is light but filling.
When I make chicken stew, I choose what goes in it. I can avoid too much salt and bad additives. This way, I know I’m eating a healthy, tasty meal.
| Ingredient | Health Benefit |
|---|---|
| Chicken | High in protein for muscle health |
| Tomatoes | Rich in antioxidants like lycopene |
| Vegetables (corn, peas, broccoli) | Enhance fiber intake, improve digestion |
| Homemade broth | Source of collagen and hydration |
| Low sodium options | Reduce unhealthy sodium intake |
Ideal Serving Suggestions
I love serving my tomato-based chicken stew with crusty bread. It’s great for dipping into the rich broth. Serving it over rice or couscous is also good. It lets the grains soak up all the juices.
Adding fresh parsley on top is a nice touch. It makes the dish look better and adds flavor.
A crisp salad next to the stew is a great idea. It adds freshness to the meal. Try a light vinaigrette or lemon dressing for a better taste.
How to Store Leftovers
After enjoying a delicious meal of tomato-based chicken stew, it’s key to store leftovers right. I let the stew cool down before putting it in a sealed container. This keeps it fresh and tasty for when I want more.
It’s vital to follow the rules for storing stew leftovers. They say to keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. I label each container with the date. This makes it easy to enjoy the stew’s comforting taste, even on busy days.
Refrigeration Tips
- Let the stew cool completely before sealing.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain quality.
- Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
- Consume within 3-5 days to enjoy optimal taste.
Freezing and Reheating Tips
Freezing chicken stew is a great way to have a tasty meal ready. Let the stew cool for 30-60 minutes before putting it in freezer-safe containers. Make sure there’s room for it to expand.
This stew can stay frozen for up to 2 months. But for the best taste, eat it within 3 months.
To reheat, thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight. It might take up to 2 days, depending on the container size. Then, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s hot all the way through.
Some ingredients don’t freeze well. Avoid adding cooked grains like pasta or rice because they get mushy. If there’s dairy, like cream or milk, add it after reheating to avoid it splitting.
Don’t add fresh greens and herbs until after reheating. They stay crisp better. If the stew gets too thin after thawing, a cornstarch slurry can thicken it up.
Perfect Pairings for Your Chicken Stew
Enjoying chicken stew is better with the right sides. Fresh, crusty bread is great. It soaks up the broth well. Hearty grains like quinoa or farro add a nice texture.
Vegetable sides make the meal better. Sautéed greens like spinach or kale are healthy. A fresh salad adds a nice contrast. For a treat, try creamy yogurt or cheese. They make the stew richer.
These sides make the meal complete. They make sure the stew is filling and tasty. With these sides, every bite is special and warm.
Additional Variations of Tomato Chicken Stew
This tomato chicken stew is very flexible. You can change it up with different proteins or veggies. Try using shredded chicken or beans for a veggie option.
Adding zucchini or carrots can make it even better. These changes can make the stew taste amazing.
Spices are key to the stew’s flavor. Adding crushed red pepper flakes can make it spicy. Herbs like thyme or cilantro can also add a lot of taste.
Every change you make can make the stew special. It’s great for any time of year. So, try adding your favorite things to make it your own!
Final Thoughts on this Comfort Food Recipe
This tomato-based chicken stew is a great example of easy and comforting cooking. It only takes 50 minutes to make. It’s perfect for busy nights or family meals.
The mix of flavors is amazing. You’ll taste fresh ginger, garlic, and herbs like rosemary and thyme. It’s a dish that makes you feel good inside and out.
This hearty dish is great for any time. It’s also good for meal planning. Each serving is full of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
When you try this recipe, add your own special touch. See how it becomes a favorite in your home.
In short, this chicken stew is both tasty and healthy. I hope you try it and enjoy every warm bowl. It’s a dish you’ll want to share with loved ones.
