By Gary 
Chicken Stew for a Family of 5
In a world filled with culinary delights, few things bring comfort like a hearty chicken stew. This recipe combines tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a mixture of savory herbs to create a meal that is both satisfying and delicious. Perfect for a family gathering, this chicken stew will warm your hearts and your home.
Ingredients:
Vegetables:
– 1 yellow onion, diced
– 3 ribs celery, diced
– 1/2 lb. carrots, sliced
– 1.5 lbs. baby potatoes, halved
Aromatics:
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
Protein:
– 1.75 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
Fats:
– 2 Tbsp butter
– 1 Tbsp olive oil
Flour:
– 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour, divided
Seasonings:
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– 1/2 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
– 1/2 tsp dried sage
– 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
– 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Broths:
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups vegetable broth
Recipe Instructions:
Preparation
Begin by dicing the onion and celery, mincing the garlic, slicing the carrots, and halving the baby potatoes. For the chicken, cut the thighs into 1-inch pieces and coat them with 2 tablespoons of flour to ensure a crisp browning.
Initial Cooking
In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until hot. Brown the flour-coated chicken pieces in the pot, allowing them to sit without stirring until the bottom has developed a brown crust. Carefully remove the browned chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Vegetable Sauté
Using the same pot, sauté the onion, celery, garlic, and carrots until the onions become soft and translucent. The moisture released from the vegetables will help lift up those beautiful browned bits at the bottom of the pot – use a spatula to ensure the pot is deglazed for maximum flavor.
Thickening
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour to the sautéed vegetables and continue to cook for about two minutes. This step allows the flour to coat the vegetables and helps in thickening the stew.
Simmering
Return the previously browned chicken to the pot, adding the halved potatoes. Introduce the parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage, black pepper, chicken broth, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the flour is fully dissolved into the liquids.
Cooking Stew
Cover the pot and bring the stew to a boil. Once boiling, uncover and reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the stew to simmer for approximately 30 minutes. This will ensure that the potatoes are tender and the broth has thickened to the right consistency.
Final Touches
After cooking, taste the stew and adjust the salt levels as necessary according to your preference and the type of broth used. For an optional garnish, sprinkle fresh parsley over each serving to add a touch of color and freshness. Serve the chicken stew warm and enjoy!
Conclusion
This chicken stew is more than just a meal; it’s an experience to be shared with loved ones around the table. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, this dish is sure to become a favored recipe in your household rotation. Enjoy a cozy dinner with your family, where togetherness is the most essential ingredient.
Alex Harrington