When only the coziest comfort food will do, this Creamy Chicken Stew Recipe absolutely delivers. Imagine spoon-tender chicken, sweet carrots, and soft celery swimming in a luxurious, velvety broth that’s truly the definition of “soul-soothing.” Every bite is hearty and deeply satisfying, while pops of peas and a dusting of fresh parsley bring fresh color and flavor. Made with kitchen staples and ready in less than an hour, this is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself turning to all winter long — and probably a few times when you just crave a hug in a bowl.

Creamy Chicken Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Chicken Stew Recipe comes from simple ingredients working in perfect harmony. Each one has a role to play, from adding richness to supporting those homestyle flavors we all love. Here’s what you’ll gather to create the best bowl of stew ever:

Chicken thighs or breasts: Boneless and skinless, these pieces give you juicy, tender bites every time — thighs add more depth, while breasts keep it light.
Olive oil: A drizzle kick-starts the cooking and brings a subtle fruity note to the base.
Butter: Adds a smooth richness and helps veggies soften without browning too much.
Onion: Diced onion sets a savory, aromatic foundation for the stew.
Carrots: Sliced carrots offer sweetness and that signature pop of color.
Celery: Essential for building wholesome, classic soup flavor and a hint of crunch.
Garlic: Minced cloves infuse the stew with warmth and depth.
Dried thyme: A pinch brings gentle earthiness that perfectly complements chicken and veggies.
Dried rosemary: Just a little for a fragrant, robust note—it doesn’t overwhelm, just enhances.
Salt and black pepper: The dynamic duo that lifts every ingredient and makes the whole stew sing.
All-purpose flour: This is your hero for thickening the broth into creamy, spoon-coating goodness.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the base of the stew and gives plenty of savory flavor without oversalting.
Frozen peas: Quick, convenient, and just the thing for a sweet burst of green at the end.
Heavy cream: The ingredient that makes this stew unmistakably creamy, dreamy, and luscious.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A shower of fresh herbs at the finish keeps things bright and beautiful.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil and butter together in your favorite large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. When everything is shimmering and just starting to sizzle, add your chicken pieces. Don’t rush this step—allow the chicken to brown gently for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re not aiming to fully cook it yet; just give it some golden edges and develop that savory depth that lays the groundwork for the whole dish. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it cozy while you move to the veggies.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In all those flavorful drippings left behind, toss in your diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté them together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything softens and the onions become beautifully translucent. This blend creates the aromatic backbone of the Creamy Chicken Stew Recipe, filling your kitchen with those nostalgic, comforting smells. Now, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let them sizzle for just a minute—enough to lift their flavors, but not too long that the garlic turns bitter.

Step 3: Add Flour and Build the Base

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables. Give it a good stir so every piece gets coated—this is what gives the stew its signature body and silkiness. Take your time here and make sure you don’t see any dry flour left. Gradually pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, stirring constantly. This helps prevent lumps and results in a gorgeously smooth base. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer as it begins to thicken up with all that flour magic.

Step 4: Simmer with Chicken

Now it’s time to return your browned chicken (and any juices from the plate!) to the pot. Stir everything together and cover the pot. Let it all cook calmly for 15 to 20 minutes—just enough time for the chicken to finish cooking and the veggies to turn meltingly tender. The stew will already smell amazing at this stage, so expect to feel a little impatient!

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Peas

Uncover the pot and stir in the frozen peas and heavy cream. Let the stew gently bubble, uncovered, for another 5 minutes. The peas perk up with their bright green color and the cream swirls into the broth, transforming it into the dreamy, rich mixture that makes this Creamy Chicken Stew Recipe unforgettable. If you want a pop of freshness, sprinkle over some chopped parsley before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stew Recipe

Garnishes

To take your Creamy Chicken Stew Recipe from weeknight dinner to truly memorable, finish each bowl with a flourish! A sprinkle of fresh parsley wakes up the flavors and adds a vibrant green contrast to the creamy broth. For a rustic touch, try a crack of black pepper. If you’re feeling indulgent, a tiny grating of lemon zest can brighten the whole dish before serving.

Side Dishes

This stew craves the company of something that can soak up all that luscious sauce. Classic choices include crusty bread, warm sourdough, or even a buttery biscuit for dunking. For more of a meal, serve your Creamy Chicken Stew Recipe over pillowy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or egg noodles—each will turn your bowl into pure, soul-warming comfort food.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your meal feel extra-special by ladling the stew into ovenproof bowls and popping them under the broiler with a sprinkle of shredded cheese until bubbling. Or serve the stew inside hollowed-out bread bowls for a playful, pub-style twist. For a lighter take, offer it in smaller portions as a starter at your next dinner party—everyone will fall in love at the first bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got a little extra? Lucky you! Let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. The flavors keep developing overnight, making this Creamy Chicken Stew Recipe arguably even better the next day. Enjoy within 3–4 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

If you want to stash some cozy comfort for a rainy day, this stew freezes beautifully! Simply spoon cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (leave some room for expansion). Label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll have a ready-made dinner at your fingertips.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, pour the stew into a saucepan and warm gently over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot. If you notice the broth has thickened up too much in the fridge or freezer, just add a splash of extra broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Give it a taste and season if needed before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the Creamy Chicken Stew Recipe with rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Shred rotisserie chicken and stir it in during the last 5 minutes of simmering (with the peas and cream). It’s a fantastic shortcut that makes this dish even quicker, perfect for busy nights.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap out the butter and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives. Use olive oil or vegan butter for sautéing, and try coconut cream or any unsweetened dairy-free milk for finishing. The result will still be creamy, with a subtle new flavor twist!

What other vegetables can I add?

This Creamy Chicken Stew Recipe is wonderfully flexible. Try diced potatoes, chopped mushrooms, corn, or even small broccoli florets. Just adjust cooking times to ensure all your veggies are tender.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes! A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend will thicken the stew just as well without altering the flavor. You could also use cornstarch—just dissolve in a little cool broth before stirring it in at the end.

How can I make this stew lighter?

For a lighter version of the Creamy Chicken Stew Recipe, use half-and-half or whole milk in place of heavy cream. You’ll still get a touch of creaminess without all the richness, and the flavor is just as homey.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a meal that promises comfort, warmth, and plenty of happy sighs around the table, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Stew Recipe. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to make ordinary days feel extra special. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your family’s new favorite!

Creamy Chicken Stew Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Chicken Stew recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy meal. Tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a creamy broth make this stew a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the stew:

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup frozen peas
½ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the oil and butter: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
Cook the chicken: Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
Season and thicken: Add garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir well. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring.
Simmer and finish: Bring to a simmer, return chicken to the pot, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes. Stir in peas and heavy cream, simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.