This cozy chicken stew is packed with tender chicken and sweet butternut squash. It’s warm, hearty, and perfect for chilly nights when you just want a big hug in a bowl!
Honestly, the squash adds a nice touch of sweetness! I love how easy it is to throw everything together and let it simmer while I enjoy a little downtime. Perfect comfort food! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using chicken thighs for their juicy texture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with chicken breasts, but keep an eye on cooking times as they may dry out quicker.
Butternut Squash: This adds sweetness and creaminess. If you can’t find it, sweet potatoes make a great substitute! Just peel and dice them similarly.
Carrots and Potatoes: I find that both add a nice heartiness to the stew. You could switch carrots for parsnips if you want a slightly different flavor. For potatoes, any variety you prefer will work—Yukon Gold or red potatoes are good choices.
Broth: Chicken broth is the base flavor, but vegetable broth can be used if you want a vegetarian version. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Browned?
Browning the chicken is key for flavor. Start with a hot pot and ensure you don’t overcrowd the chicken—do it in batches if necessary. Here are the steps:
- Heat olive oil until shimmering. It should be hot but not smoking.
- Season the chicken well and lay it in the pot without crowding.
- Let it sear without moving it for about 4-5 minutes until golden, then flip and repeat.
- This browning step locks in flavors, so don’t skip it!
Cozy Chicken Stew With Butternut Squash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into chunks
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy chicken stew takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll need around 30-40 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at about 55-60 minutes to eat something delicious and hearty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken chunks, season with salt and pepper, and let them brown for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This step adds yummy flavor! Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Using the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onion is translucent and fragrant—this should take about 3-4 minutes. You can stir occasionally so that nothing burns!
3. Add the Veggies:
Now, toss in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and butternut squash. Stir everything well and let it cook for another 5 minutes. This helps the vegetables mix with those lovely flavors from the onion and garlic.
4. Combine the Liquids:
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with the juice) and the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients.
5. Bring in the Chicken and Herbs:
Add the browned chicken back into the pot, along with the dried thyme, rosemary, and the bay leaf. Stir to mix everything together nicely. It’s starting to smell amazing in here!
6. Cook the Stew:
Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
7. Final Touches:
After simmering, remove the bay leaf and taste the stew. Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference. You want it to be just right!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the stew hot in bowls, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. This dish is perfect to warm you up from the inside out—enjoy every cozy bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Stew?
Absolutely! If you have other vegetables on hand, like celery, zucchini, or green beans, feel free to incorporate them. Just make sure they have a similar cooking time to the other ingredients to ensure everything cooks evenly.
How Can I Make This Stew Thicker?
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, and stir it into the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, simply let the stew simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce and thicken naturally.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes! This stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove until warmed through.
What Can I Serve With This Stew?
This chicken stew is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping, a side salad for some freshness, or over rice or noodles for a heartier meal. Enjoy!
