Comforting Chicken Stew with Mediterranean Flavors 🍗✨ | Chicken Paprik

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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!

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