Name: Mediterranean Chicken Stew Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 red onion, sliced; 1 aubergine (eggplant), cut into 2cm / ¾ inch chunks; 1 large courgette (zucchini), cut into 2cm / ¾ inch chunks; 1 bulb of fennel, cut into 2cm / ¾ inch chunks; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or crushed; 8 chicken thighs (or legs or a mixture), seasoned with salt and pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 400 ml chicken stock; 400 g tin chopped tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Rice, couscous or crusty bread

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors and hearty goodness, then you’re in for a treat with this Mediterranean Chicken Stew Recipe. I absolutely love how this stew combines tender chicken thighs with vibrant vegetables like aubergine, courgette, and fennel, all simmered in a fragrant tomato and oregano sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and makes everyone gather around the table eagerly. Keep reading and I’ll share all my tips so you can nail this stew every time!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple yet Flavorful: This stew marries just a few ingredients to create a deep, rich flavor that tastes like it’s been cooking all day.
Perfect for Busy Nights: Ready in under an hour, it’s a fantastic weeknight dinner that feels special but isn’t complicated.
Versatile Serving Options: You can enjoy it with rice, couscous, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread — whatever you have on hand.
Family Favorite: My crew goes crazy for it, and I bet yours will too once you try this Mediterranean Chicken Stew Recipe.

A round gray pot filled with four browned chicken leg pieces arranged evenly on top. The chicken pieces have a crispy, slightly charred skin and rest in a chunky vegetable sauce with visible pieces of red tomatoes, green zucchini, and dark purple eggplant. The sauce is thick and glossy, covering the veggies and chicken partially. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a folded beige and pale blue cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Mediterranean Chicken Stew, Chicken Stew with Mediterranean Flavors, Healthy Chicken Stew Recipe, Easy Mediterranean Chicken Dish, Hearty Chicken Stew with Vegetables

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Mediterranean Chicken Stew Recipe is in its straightforward ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store — and they work so well together. Choose fresh veggies and good quality chicken to really make a difference.

Flat lay of glossy aubergine chunks, vibrant green courgette pieces, pale fennel wedges with feathery fronds, sliced deep red onion rings, plump raw chicken thighs with skin on, two peeled garlic cloves, a glossy tin of rich chopped tomatoes with a few fresh oregano sprigs, and a small pool of golden olive oil artfully drizzled nearby, all arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Mediterranean Chicken Stew, Chicken Stew with Mediterranean Flavors, Healthy Chicken Stew Recipe, Easy Mediterranean Chicken Dish, Hearty Chicken Stew with Vegetables

Olive oil: Opt for extra virgin for that fruity, peppery flavor that’s classic in Mediterranean cooking.
Red onion: Adds sweetness and depth; slice it nice and thin for even cooking.
Aubergine (eggplant): Look for firm and shiny skin without blemishes; it’ll soak up the stew’s flavors beautifully.
Courgette (zucchini): Adds freshness and texture, cut into chunks to hold their shape while cooking.
Fennel bulb: This gives a subtle anise flavor that brightens the stew — don’t skip it if you can find it!
Chicken thighs: I recommend thighs because they stay tender and juicy, plus they’re more forgiving than breasts.
Garlic cloves: Adds aromatic punch when gently fried with the veggies.
Chicken stock: Use homemade or a quality store-bought version for the best base.
Chopped tomatoes (tinned): The heart of the sauce — look for good-quality tomatoes with no added sugar.
Dried oregano: A Mediterranean herb that ties the whole flavor profile together.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, add gradually and taste as you go.
Rice, couscous or bread: Choose your favorite for serving and soaking up all that lovely sauce.

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

One of the things I love about this Mediterranean Chicken Stew Recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment and make it your own.

Vegetarian version: I once swapped the chicken for chickpeas and extra aubergine, and even my meat-loving family enjoyed it — just increase the cooking time for the vegetables to get them super tender.
Spicy kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped chili if you like things with a bit of heat.
Herb swaps: Try fresh thyme or rosemary in place of oregano for a different herbal note; it changes up the flavor without much effort.
Different proteins: Chicken legs or skinless breasts work too, though you’ll want to watch the cooking time to avoid drying out.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Gently Soften the Onions

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a wide, deep saucepan. Add your sliced red onions and cover with a lid, cooking on low heat for about 5 minutes. You want the onions to soften and become translucent, but not brown — gentle heat here is key to drawing out their natural sweetness without bitterness.

Step 2: Brown the Veggies

Next, toss in your aubergine, courgette, and fennel chunks. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to turn golden and fragrant — usually about 5 to 10 minutes. This step adds a lovely caramelized flavor and prevents your stew from tasting flat.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Season your chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper, then brown them skin side down for 3 minutes per side, getting a crispy golden crust. Feel free to do this before working on the veggies if juggling two pans feels tricky — I know how busy kitchens can get!

Step 4: Build the Stew

Turn your vegetable pan back to low heat, add the chopped garlic, and fry for one minute until it’s aromatic. Then pour in the chicken stock, tinned tomatoes, and sprinkle in the dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper, then bring everything to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavor

Place the browned chicken pieces carefully into the stew, skin side up. Cover with a lid and let it simmer on low for 25 minutes. This is where all the flavors meld beautifully and the chicken becomes tender.

Step 6: Final Simmer and Adjust

After that, give your stew a gentle stir and cook uncovered for another 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add a little splash of water if it thickens too much. This step thickens the stew and concentrates all those gorgeous flavors.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Mediterranean Chicken Stew Recipe

Don’t Skip Browning the Chicken: That golden crust on the chicken creates tons of extra flavor in the stew — it’s worth the extra pan.
Use a Wide Pan for Veggies: It helps them brown instead of steam, giving you better texture and taste.
Adjust Liquid Consistency: Keep an eye on the stew as it simmers; add water or stock to keep it saucy, or cook down for a thicker finish.
Layer the Flavors: Adding garlic last helps keep its flavor fresh and prevents it from burning or bitterness.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Stew Recipe

A round white pot holds four large pieces of cooked chicken with golden brown, slightly charred skin sitting on top of a stew with visible chunks of eggplant and tomato in a thick reddish-orange sauce, all layered evenly, filling the pot and creating a rustic and warm look. The pot rests on a wooden board placed over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Mediterranean Chicken Stew, Chicken Stew with Mediterranean Flavors, Healthy Chicken Stew Recipe, Easy Mediterranean Chicken Dish, Hearty Chicken Stew with Vegetables

Garnishes

I love topping this stew with a handful of fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of fresh oregano when available — it adds a pop of green freshness that brightens every bite. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving also perks it up beautifully and cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Mediterranean Chicken Stew are fluffy couscous to soak up all the sauce or some crusty artisan bread to dunk right in. Mashed potatoes are a cozy alternative if you want something more comforting and substantial.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this stew in wide, shallow bowls with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a scattering of toasted pine nuts on top — it adds a lovely crunch and a nutty finish. Pair it with a glass of Grenache rosé and it feels just as festive as dining out.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This stew actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld, so I always make a bit extra. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they’ll keep for up to 3 days without losing their deliciousness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stew successfully — portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing to help it keep its texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or stock helps refresh the sauce if it’s thickened too much in the fridge or freezer. Microwave works fine too, but take care to heat evenly to keep the chicken juicy.

FAQs

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

You can absolutely use chicken breasts, but I recommend cutting down the simmer time since breasts cook faster and can dry out. Keep an eye on them and remove once cooked through to keep the stew moist and tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Mediterranean Chicken Stew Recipe?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like additional aubergine, mushrooms, or chickpeas for protein. Let the veggies simmer longer for tenderness and enjoy a meat-free but satisfying stew.
What should I serve with this stew?

This stew pairs wonderfully with couscous, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread — whatever helps you soak up that luscious sauce. For a lighter option, a simple green salad balances the richness nicely.
Can I prepare the stew in advance?

Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days and the flavors deepen overnight. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks or entertaining.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Chicken Stew Recipe is one of those dishes that feels cozy and nourishing no matter the season. I love how it brings together simple ingredients for a meal that feels both rustic and refined. When I first tried making it, I was amazed how quickly it came together and yet tasted like something special cooked all afternoon. I hope you enjoy cooking and sharing it as much as I do — consider this one a new staple for your recipe collection!