If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, you’re going to love this Easy Chicken Stew Recipe. This dish has become my go-to whenever I want something hearty, flavorful, and totally fuss-free. With simple ingredients and under an hour of your time, you get a stew that’s rich, chunky, and super satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be one of those recipes you keep coming back to.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, making it an easy weeknight winner.
One-Pot Wonder: No need for a million dishes—just your trusty Dutch oven or soup pot.
Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy, hearty, and perfect to warm you up on chilly days.
Family Favorite: My family always asks for seconds whenever I make this stew!

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, chicken stew recipe, quick chicken stew, hearty chicken stew, comforting dinner ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Easy Chicken Stew Recipe is in how these straightforward ingredients work together — wholesome veggies, tender chicken, and a creamy broth that’s just right. When you’re shopping, pick fresh, firm vegetables and good-quality chicken breasts to make it shine.

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, chicken stew recipe, quick chicken stew, hearty chicken stew, comforting dinner ideas

Olive oil: Adds a lovely base flavor and helps sauté the veggies to tender perfection.
Butter: I like combining it with olive oil for richer flavor and better browning.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; half a medium onion is just enough without overpowering.
Celery: Offers that classic stew aroma and a subtle crunch.
Carrots: Peel and slice for sweetness and color.
Garlic: Minced cloves pack a punch of flavor—don’t skip it.
Flour: This helps thicken the stew to a silky consistency.
Chicken broth/stock: The heart of the stew; homemade or store-bought both work great.
Heavy cream: Makes the stew luxuriously creamy without being too rich.
Italian seasoning: A simple blend that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Mushrooms: Use white or cremini for an earthy twist and meaty texture.
Russet potatoes: Chunky, starchy, and perfect for soaking up all those savory juices.
Chicken breasts: Tender and lean, but you can substitute thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasoning; I usually add to taste at the end so I don’t overdo it.

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

I love how flexible this Easy Chicken Stew Recipe is — you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or what’s in season. When I’m feeling adventurous or want to make it a bit healthier, I swap out or add a few things here and there. Give it a spin with your own favorites!

Using Chicken Thighs: I once switched to thighs for a juicier stew, and my family couldn’t tell the difference — just adjust cooking time slightly.
Adding Greens: Sometimes I toss in some spinach or kale towards the end for a boost of color and nutrition.
Dairy-Free Version: Coconut milk works well instead of cream if you need a lactose-free option, giving a subtle tropical hint.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika kicked up the flavor nicely for those who like some heat.

How to Make Easy Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies to Build Flavor

Start by heating olive oil and butter in your Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the veggies are tender and your kitchen starts smelling incredible. This base is where the stew gets its cozy, rich flavor — don’t rush this step, and stir occasionally so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Thicken It Up

Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir well to coat everything. Cook it for about a minute; this helps get rid of that raw flour taste and starts thickening your stew. Once the minute’s up, slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to dissolve the flour completely. This step prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, velvety texture.

Step 3: Bring on the Cream, Herbs, and Main Ingredients

Next, add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, sliced mushrooms, diced potatoes, and raw chicken breasts. Give it a gentle stir to combine. Then crank the heat up to high until you see a gentle boil bubbling up. This brings all those flavors together and starts softening the tender chunks of potato and chicken.

Step 4: Simmer and Season

Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover with the lid slightly ajar, and let the stew simmer for about 25 minutes. This slow simmer lets the chicken cook through and the potatoes soften perfectly. Stir once or twice during this time to prevent anything from sticking. When the chicken is cooked, fish it out and chop it up into bite-sized pieces before adding it back in. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed, then serve up a bowl of pure comfort.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Stew Recipe

Don’t Rush the Sauté: Softening the veggies slowly unlocks their sweetness and flavor—take your time here.
Flour and Liquid Mix: Add broth gradually while stirring to avoid clumps in your stew’s base.
Cut Chicken Into Uniform Pieces: This helps the meat cook evenly and makes serving easier.
Simmer with Lid Slightly Open: This prevents the stew from boiling over and helps thicken it up nicely.

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, chicken stew recipe, quick chicken stew, hearty chicken stew, comforting dinner ideas

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over my bowls—the bright color makes it look pretty, and the fresh herb flavor lightens up the creamy stew nicely. Sometimes I add a small drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice for a little zing.

Side Dishes

This stew stands tall on its own, but I love pairing it with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up all that goodness. A simple green salad or steamed green beans provide a fresh contrast that balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this stew in individual ramekins with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top, then placed under the broiler for a minute to brown slightly. It feels a bit fancy but is still so homey and comforting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend transferring leftover stew to an airtight container and refrigerating it within two hours of cooking. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and I’ve noticed the flavors even deepen after sitting overnight.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully! I usually let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. When frozen, it stays good for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave out the heavy cream if freezing, or add it fresh after reheating for best texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, a splash of broth or water brings it back to the perfect consistency. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent curdling or overcooked chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and add a bit more richness and juiciness. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—they might take a few minutes longer to cook through depending on size.
Is it possible to make this Easy Chicken Stew Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. This minor tweak keeps it creamy but avoids dairy, perfect if you’re sensitive or avoiding lactose.
How thick should the stew be?

The stew should have a thick, hearty consistency—not too watery but not like a heavy gravy either. If it’s too thin, you can simmer a bit longer uncovered, and if too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen it.
Can I prepare this stew in advance?

Definitely! You can prep the veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. The actual cooking is quick, so you can assemble and cook the stew fresh or make the whole thing a day ahead and reheat—it tastes even better after the flavors meld.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Stew Recipe has become one of those comforting classics in my home that I warmly recommend to anyone who wants a nourishing, tasty meal without the hassle. It’s forgiving, flavorful, and perfect for all seasons, whether you’re battling a cold or just craving a bowl of warmth. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how something so simple can taste this good. Happy cooking, friend!