Nothing beats a warm, creamy chicken stew on a chilly evening. This hearty dish is packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and a velvety broth, making it the perfect comfort meal. Whether you prepare it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot, this creamy chicken stew recipe delivers rich flavors in every bite. In this post, we will walk you through step-by-step instructions to make this delicious, creamy stew, ensuring it’s a hit for the entire family.
Ingredients for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Stew
The following items are needed to make this tasty dish:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into cubes)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or chicken stock for a richer taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for the creamy texture)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, diced
- 3 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup green beans (trimmed and cut)
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Optional Additions:
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill
- 1 cup sweet potatoes (for a slightly sweet touch)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
How to Make Creamy Chicken Stew
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
In a big pot or Dutch oven, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Pour in white wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer
Return the chicken to the pot and add chicken broth, potatoes, green beans, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce to a simmer after bringing to a boil. Cover and cook for 30 minutes until the chicken is tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Stew
In a small bowl, mix flour with 1/4 cup water to create a slurry. Slowly add this to the pot while stirring constantly. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Add the Cream
Stir in heavy cream after lowering the heat to low. Cook for 5 more minutes, ensuring it doesn’t boil. If using sour cream, add it now for extra richness.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread or dumplings.
Slow Cooker Method
For a crock pot creamy chicken stew, follow these steps:
- Place all ingredients except heavy cream and flour into the slow cooker.
- Cook for 6–8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high.
- In the last 30 minutes, stir in a flour-water mixture to thicken.
- Add heavy cream before serving.
Instant Pot Method
For a quick Instant Pot creamy chicken stew, follow these steps:
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté Mode. Brown the chicken and vegetables.
- Add broth, seasonings, and potatoes. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick release the pressure and stir in heavy cream and flour slurry.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty chicken stew pairs perfectly with:
- Crusty bread
- Fluffy rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttered noodles
- Dumplings
Storing and Reheating
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Keep portions in the freezer for up to three months.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Slow Cooker: Set to low heat until warmed through.
Why This Creamy Chicken Stew is a Must-Try
- Incredibly rich and creamy
- Packed with hearty vegetables
- Full of comforting flavors
- Versatile – stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
For more delicious comfort food recipes, visit ProfastfoodRecipes for more hearty meals and reader-favorite dishes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken breasts for the thighs?
Yes! While chicken thighs add more flavor, chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
2. How do I make this stew gluten-free?
Simply substitute flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener.
3. What is an alternative to heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, coconut milk, or a mix of milk and butter for similar creaminess.
4. Can I add dumplings to this stew?
Absolutely! Add homemade or store-bought dumplings during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
5. How do I make this stew even richer?
For extra richness, add a bit of sour cream, cream cheese, or Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy this delicious creamy chicken stew recipe, and don’t forget to check out ProfastfoodRecipes for more comforting meal ideas!
