This hearty Chicken Paprik stew is a delicious blend of Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a comforting meal. With tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic herbs, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a flavorful stew to share with family and friends, this recipe will be a hit. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stew:
- Chicken: 2 lbs (thighs and drumsticks), patted dry
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Yellow Onions: 1.5 cups, peeled and finely diced
- Bell Peppers: 1 cup (red, yellow, orange, and green), diced small
- Garlic: 1 tbsp, chopped
- Tomato Paste: 1 tsp
- Dry Thyme: 1/2 tsp
- Dry Oregano: 1 tsp
- Paprika: 1 tsp
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp
- Rosemary: 1 tsp fresh (1/2 tsp if using dry), reserve some for finishing and garnish
- Bay Leaves: 2 medium
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: 4, peeled and diced bite-size
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and cut bite-size
- Chicken Stock: 2 cups (or more as needed to slightly cover chicken; can substitute with water)
- Balsamic Vinegar or Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tbsp
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs and drumsticks dry with paper towels.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, place the chicken pieces with the skin facing down and cook until they turn a golden brown, roughly 5 to 7 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Cook the Onions and Peppers: In the same pot, add the diced onions and bell peppers. Cook over medium heat until the ingredients are tender, which should take around 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the tomato paste, thyme, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the vegetables in the spices.
Step 3: Build the Stew
- Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken back into the pot, nestling it among the vegetables.
- Add the Potatoes and Carrots: Scatter the diced potatoes and carrots around the chicken.
- Pour in the Chicken Stock: Add enough chicken stock to slightly cover the chicken and vegetables.
- Add Herbs and Bay Leaves: Toss in the rosemary and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine everything.
Step 4: Simmer and Finish
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it cook for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through, and the vegetables are soft.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar for brightness.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves and any large rosemary sprigs. Garnish the stew with reserved fresh rosemary. Serve hot, with crusty bread or a side of your choice.
Conclusion
This comforting Chicken Paprik stew is a delightful blend of hearty chicken, tender vegetables, and fragrant Mediterranean spices. The rich flavors meld beautifully together, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and heartwarming. Perfect for any occasion, this stew will bring a touch of Mediterranean sunshine to your table. Enjoy!