Get ready to transport your taste buds to the heart of the South with this mouthwatering Southern Style Chicken Stew that's guaranteed to warm your soul and impress your dinner guests! Imagine a rich, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a flavor-packed broth that tells a story of Southern comfort cooking. Whether you're looking to recreate a family recipe or discover a new comfort food classic, this stew is about to become your new go-to meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 50 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean workspace. This includes the boneless chicken thighs, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, chicken broth, flour, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the boneless chicken thighs to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sear the chicken on both sides until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. You may need to do this in batches if your pot is not large enough.
- Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat them evenly. This will help thicken the stew later.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot as you stir.
- Add the thyme and return the browned chicken thighs to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld together.
- After 1 hour, check the chicken for tenderness. If it easily falls apart with a fork, it's ready. If not, let it simmer for an additional 15-30 minutes.
- Once the chicken is tender, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, ladle the stew into bowls. It can be enjoyed on its own or served with warm cornbread for a true Southern experience.
- Enjoy your Southern Style Chicken Stew, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in!
Tips
- For the most tender chicken, choose bone-in chicken thighs if possible, as they add extra flavor and remain juicier during slow cooking.
- Take your time when browning the chicken and vegetables - this step builds a deep, rich flavor foundation for your stew.
- Don't rush the simmering process. The longer the stew cooks, the more the flavors will meld together, creating a truly authentic Southern-style dish.
- If the stew becomes too thick, you can always add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during the simmering process or a splash of white wine when deglazing the pot.
- This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance - the flavors will continue to develop overnight.
- Serve with a side of warm cornbread or buttermilk biscuits to complete your Southern dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
