Hearty One-Pot Chicken and Vegetable Stew

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For a cozy, nourishing meal that comes together in just one pot, this Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce, this dish is perfect for any day of the week. The best part? It requires minimal cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy households.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 1.6 kg chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts, wings), with bone and skin
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose seasoned flour (*Note 1)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Vegetables:

  • 1 large onion, cut into 1.3 cm chunks
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1.2 cm rounds
  • 4 celery stalks, sliced into 1.2 cm rounds
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into 1.3 cm strips
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped (optional, to be added at the end)

For the Sauce:

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup (59 ml) cold water
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish (optional):

  • Chopped green onions or parsley

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by coating the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, ensuring they are well covered on all sides.
  2. Sear the Chicken : In a spacious pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.Add the floured chicken pieces to the pot in batches, browning them on all sides. After the chicken is browned, take it out of the pot and set it aside.
  3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
  4. Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Add the chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried thyme. Mix well, then let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.
  5. Thicken the Stew: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Gradually stir this slurry into the simmering stew. Continue cooking for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Final Touches: If using spinach, stir it into the stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Once the stew is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired.

Conclusion:

This Hearty One-Pot Chicken and Vegetable Stew is a wholesome, satisfying meal that brings warmth to the table with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, a variety of colorful vegetables, and a flavorful broth makes it a dish the whole family will love. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share, this stew is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy the simplicity of cooking and the rich flavors that come with every spoonful!

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