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Pioneer Woman Chicken Stew

Pioneer Woman Chicken Stew - recipe card
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This hearty chicken stew is a comforting, one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, rustic vegetables, and a rich, velvety broth. The Pioneer Woman-inspired recipe relies on a simple butter-and-flour roux to create a silky texture, while fresh thyme and garlic infuse every spoonful with savory depth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this stew satisfies like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds (about 1 cup)
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tsp)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice (about 2 cups)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme leaves (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat a large Dutch oven (5-6 quart) or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add butter and olive oil; swirl until butter is melted and foamy but not browning, about 1 minute. This combo adds richness and prevents the butter from burning.
  2. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until the onions become translucent and the carrots begin to soften. The vegetables should sizzle gently but not brown
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Garlic can burn quickly, so keep stirring and don’t let it darken beyond pale gold.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Stir continuously for 2 minutes, coating every piece. Cooking the flour removes its raw taste and creates a roux base that will thicken the stew.
  5. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits—this deglazing adds flavor to the broth.
  6. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer (medium heat). It should bubble softly, not roll hard. This slow introduction allows the roux to thicken without forming a pasty texture.
  7. Add the chicken thighs, potatoes, kosher salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir everything together to combine.
  8. Cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal) and the potatoes are fork-tender. Every 10 minutes, give it a stir to prevent sticking.
  9. Once the chicken and potatoes are tender, stir in the frozen peas. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, just until the peas are heated through and bright green. Do not overcook—peas can turn mushy.
  10. Discard the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The stew should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  11. Ladle the stew into warm bowls and garnish each with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad if desired.

Notes

Storage: Store cooled stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: Stovetop—reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until bubbling. Microwave—heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot (165°F / 74°C). If the stew thickens too much upon reheating, thin with a splash of chicken broth or water. The peas and potatoes may soften further after freezing, which is fine, but for best texture, add fresh peas when reheating if you’ve frozen the stew.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade chicken stew, chicken stew recipe, Pioneer Woman chicken stew, hearty chicken stew, creamy chicken soup, easy one pot chicken stew, comfort food, winter stew, with potatoes, with carrots, roux thickened stew

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-chicken-stew-recipe/