Hearty Chicken Stew Recipe
Craving something warm, cozy, and family-approved? This chicken stew recipe is a lifesaver for busy parents who still want a homemade dinner that feels special. It’s hearty, creamy, and full of tender chicken, potatoes, and veggies that hit the spot on any chilly evening. You’ll love how this comforting meal comes together in one pot with simple pantry staples—perfect for weeknights or lazy weekends when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
This delicious dish proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs love, a good simmer, and a hungry family ready to dig in! Be sure to check out my other easy chicken recipes for more weeknight meals!
Whether it’s a cold day or you just need an easy dinner idea that makes everyone happy, this recipe is about to become your new go-to.
Now, let’s dig into why this Hearty Chicken Stew Recipe deserves a place at your family table.
Why You’ll Love Hearty Chicken Stew Recipe
A good, easy chicken stew recipe is like a hug in a bowl. It’s warm, filling, and made with ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and one pot are all you need.
- Family-Friendly – Kids love the soft potatoes and mild flavors.
- Versatile – Add extra veggies or spices to match your family’s taste.
- Perfect for Busy Nights – Simmer while you handle other tasks.
- Comfort in Every Bite – Rich broth, tender chicken, and hearty potatoes.
You can serve this with buttery rolls, warm biscuits, or even over rice for a stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that leaves no one hungry!
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Ingredients for Hearty Chicken Stew Recipe
This homemade chicken stew uses everyday ingredients to create deep, rich flavor without any fuss. Here’s what brings it all together:
- Whole Chicken – The star of the dish! Boiling it builds a flavorful chicken soup base.
- Potatoes – Add thickness and heartiness to every spoonful.
- Carrots – Naturally sweet and colorful, perfect for balance.
- Green Bell Pepper – Adds a hint of freshness and color.
- Onion – Infuses flavor right from the start.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – The secret to the creamy texture and deep comfort.
- Italian Seasoning, Paprika, and Chili Powder – Add warmth and depth.
- Sage and Black Pepper – Finish it off with a savory punch.
Want exact measurements and a printable version of this creamy chicken stew?
👉 Scroll to the recipe card below for all the details you need to get started!
Instructions to Make Hearty Chicken Stew Recipe
Making one pot chicken stew couldn’t be simpler. Just follow these easy steps for a comforting meal that practically cooks itself!
- Start with the Chicken – Place the whole young chicken in a large pot and cover it with water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Add the onion chunks and let everything cook slowly for at least an hour until the chicken is tender and falling apart.
- Build the Base – Remove the chicken, but don’t drain the broth! Add the cream of chicken soup directly into the same pot and stir until smooth.
- Add the Veggies – Peel and cut the potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper. Add them to the pot and let them simmer in the creamy broth.
- Add the Chicken Back – Skin and debone the chicken, breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Add it back into the pot.
- Season to Taste – Add Italian seasoning, paprika, chili powder, sage, and black pepper. Simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender and everything blends beautifully.
This chicken and potato stew is hearty enough to stand alone—but a side of cornbread or crusty bread for dipping takes it over the top!
Dinner Tips and Tricks
Want to make your hearty chicken dinner even easier? Try these pro tips:
- Prep your veggies the night before for faster cooking.
- Use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
- Add a handful of frozen peas or corn at the end for extra flavor and color.
- Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving—it thickens beautifully!
Troubleshooting Hearty Chicken Stew Recipe
If your creamy chicken stew doesn’t turn out quite right, here’s how to fix it fast:
- Too Thick? Add a bit of chicken broth or milk to thin it out.
- Too Thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.
- Bland Flavor? Add a touch more Italian seasoning, or stir in garlic powder for a boost.
Recommended Resources
Make sure you have the right tools on hand to create this cozy meal with ease! Here are my favorite kitchen picks for preparing and serving this chicken stew:
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- Large Stock Pot – Perfect for simmering your stew evenly and safely.
- Heavy-Duty Ladle – Great for stirring and serving without spills.
- Storage Containers – Ideal for saving leftovers and meal prep.
Customizing this Dinner Recipe for Every Diet
This simple stew recipe can easily be adapted for your family’s needs:
- Low-Sodium – Use reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup and broth.
- Low-Carb – Swap potatoes for cauliflower or turnips.
- Dairy-Free – Substitute the soup with a dairy-free creamy base.
- Extra Veggie Boost – Add zucchini, green beans, or peas for more nutrition.
Making a Meal Out of Hearty Chicken Stew Recipe
Turn this quick family meal into a complete feast with easy pairings:
Recipes with Chicken
If you love this chicken stew, try these other chicken recipes for weeknights:
Shop My Printables
These printables are great for meal planning and organizing! Simply click the image to check out my shop products!
FAQs about Hearty Chicken Stew Recipe
Hearty Chicken Stew Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Leftovers make an incredible topping for mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or even rice bowls—hello, instant comfort meal!
Hearty Chicken Stew
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken young
- 5 lbs potatoes
- 1 small bag baby carrots
- ½ onion chopped up
- 3 cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp sage
Instructions
- Put the whole young chicken in a very large pot and fill with water to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil then reduce heat.
- Cut the 1/2 of onion into large pieces and add to water. Let the chicken and onion slowly cook until done and very tender (at least an hour).
- Remove chicken from the water, warning, it should fall apart easily. You do not want to drain out the water!
- Set the chicken aside to cool.
- Keep the pot with water on the stove on medium heat. Empty all 3 cans of cream of chicken soup into the water left in the pot.
- Peel and cut the potatoes. Add the potatoes to the soup mixture.
- Now add carrots and cut up bell pepper. While this is cooking, you will want to skin and bone the chicken.
- Break chicken meat into small chunks and add back to soup mixture. Let the soup continue to cook until potatoes are tender and fall of the fork when stabbed.
- The last thing you will want to do is add the seasonings. These seasonings are just guidelines. Add whatever you would like seasoning wise.
Nutrition
More Recipes Like Hearty Chicken Stew Recipe
Love cozy dinners? Try these next!
- Hearty Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Hearty Ground Beef Casserole Recipes
- Hearty Steak and Potatoes Soup Recipe
Nothing beats the comfort of a steaming bowl of homemade chicken stew after a long day. It’s wholesome, filling, and perfect for busy families who want dinner to feel special without all the stress.
Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next cozy night in—and share it with friends who love a hearty, one-pot meal that warms both belly and soul.
Oh that looks REALLY good… We are still having warm weather but we do get a few cold ones that blow in now and then… And on those days I always love making a nice pot of Stew or Soup… this looks like one I will be most CERTAINLY trying.. I have a linky party going on and would love for you to share it http://shoprubyjean.com/2011/12/sew-crafty-tuesday-linky-3-and-features/
Now that the weather is getting colder, this would be a nice change to try something new. I think this may be a winner with us.
Thanks. I’m going to try it next week.