Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew

Chicken and vegetable stew is a comforting and hearty dish that can be prepared in no time with a few simple ingredients. This flavorful meal is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, vegetables, and aromatic spices makes it a nutritious and satisfying choice for the whole family.

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 45 minutes, and it serves four people. To ensure your stew comes out perfectly, make sure to brown the chicken before adding other ingredients to deepen its flavor. This simple step adds richness to the dish that enhances each bite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped finely
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into chunks
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies or your preferred type of tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cilantro for garnish (optional)

Steps to Prepare

1. Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil, then add the chicken pieces. Sear the chicken until it is golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

2. Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté them until they start turning translucent. This process usually takes around 5 minutes or more depending on the heat you use. Once done, add carrots and celery along with garlic; stir frequently for about another 2-3 minutes so everything gets cooked together evenly.

3. Afterwards, pour in the diced tomatoes (including their juice) along with chicken broth into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Return the browned chicken pieces back into the pot and add oregano and cumin for flavor.

4. Cover tightly with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 25-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender enough that you can easily pierce them with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent burning at the bottom of the pot.

5. To finish, adjust seasoning if needed by adding salt and pepper according to personal taste preferences. If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving warm alongside some crusty bread or rice pilaf for extra texture.

Enjoy Your Meal!

This chicken and vegetable stew not only provides a delicious meal but also offers various health benefits due to its rich content in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants derived from vegetables. It is ideal for those looking to eat healthier while enjoying hearty home-cooked meals without compromising on flavor.

Feel free to customize this recipe further by trying different types of meat such as chicken breast or thighs, adjusting spice levels based on your preference, adding more vegetables like bell peppers or potatoes, etc., making it versatile enough for any dietary needs. Whether you're having a casual dinner at home or hosting friends over, this comforting stew is sure to become a favorite dish among everyone who enjoys hearty soups and stews.