There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty Chicken & Vegetable Stew. This homestyle dish combines tender leftover roast chicken with a medley of fresh and frozen vegetables, all simmered in a rich chicken stock. It’s the perfect solution for a weeknight dinner when you want something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine sitting down with a warm bowl of stew, the aroma inviting family to gather around the table—after all, what’s better than a cozy meal to share?

Reasons to try it

Making Chicken & Vegetable Stew at home is a rewarding experience for several reasons. First, it’s a budget-friendly option that transforms your leftover roast chicken into something entirely new and delicious. Plus, you can load it up with seasonal vegetables, making it both healthy and fulfilling. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for a family gathering. The best part? It’s incredibly customizable based on what you have in the fridge, so you can adapt it to fit your taste preferences with ease.

“This stew was a lifesaver! I had some leftover chicken and a fridge full of veggies, and it turned out to be one of the best meals I’ve made in ages.” – A satisfied home cook

The cooking process explained

Creating this Chicken & Vegetable Stew is straightforward, and the satisfaction of making it from scratch is worth it. You’ll start by sautéing your base of onions, garlic, and other vegetables in chicken stock. This liquid harmony forms a flavorful base before you fold in the tender chicken and vibrant vegetables. The beauty of the process is in watching the dish evolve from a simple soup into a hearty stew that warms both body and soul.

What you’ll need

Here’s what to gather before you start your cooking adventure:

1 litre chicken stock
2 medium onions, roughly chopped
1 medium parsnip, finely chopped
2 sticks celery, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
500 g potatoes, peeled (100 g finely chopped, 400 g in bite-sized chunks)
400 g carrots (100 g finely chopped, 300 g in bite-sized chunks)
1 large leek (cut in half, half finely chopped, half roughly chopped)
Salt & pepper to taste
300-400 g leftover roast chicken, skin & bones removed, chopped into bite-sized pieces
120 g frozen peas
2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

Feel free to mix in any seasonal vegetables or herbs that you have on hand!

Step-by-step instructions

Here’s how to bring this stew to life:

In a large saucepan, add the chicken stock, onions, parsnip, celery, and garlic. Include the finely chopped potatoes, carrots, and leek. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cover and bring everything to a simmer.
Allow the mixture to simmer until the finely chopped vegetables are very soft, about 15-20 minutes. Once done, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until it’s almost smooth. Taste and tweak the seasoning as needed.
Next, add the chunky pieces of carrot and simmer for another 5 minutes. Stir in the bite-sized potato pieces and the roughly chopped leek. Continue simmering until everything is just tender, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking—this should take another 15-20 minutes.
Gently fold in the chopped chicken and frozen peas, simmering until they are heated through, typically 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally for even heating.
Adjust seasoning one last time. If you’re using parsley, sprinkle the remaining half just before serving for a fresh finish.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serving Chicken & Vegetable Stew is where you can really get creative. Ladle generous portions into bowls and consider pairing it with warm, crusty bread for a delightful dip. A sprinkle of extra parsley or even a dash of hot sauce can enhance the flavors beautifully. For a balanced meal, serve it alongside a refreshing green salad, allowing the bright flavors to contrast with the warmth of the stew.

Storage and reheating tips

To keep your leftover stew fresh, transfer it to an airtight container once cooled and store it in the refrigerator, where it’ll last for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the stew in portions for up to three months. When reheating, try doing so on the stovetop for the best results, adding a splash of water or stock if it seems too thick. Always ensure that the stew is heated all the way through before serving again to maintain safety and flavor.

Helpful cooking tips

For the best results in your Chicken & Vegetable Stew, consider these pro tips:

If you don’t have chicken stock on hand, homemade vegetable stock can work beautifully as a substitute.
Don’t rush the simmering process; allowing the vegetables to meld together enhances the flavor.
Using an immersion blender creates a wonderfully creamy texture without needing a full-blown puree, and it helps keep some chunks for a hearty stew feel.

Creative twists

There are countless ways to customize this Chicken & Vegetable Stew to suit your taste buds. Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to give it a kick. If you prefer a creamier version, consider stirring in some heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable stock instead; truly, there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!

Your questions answered

How long does Chicken & Vegetable Stew take to prepare?
Preparation and cooking typically take around 1 hour, depending on your chopping speed.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas?
Absolutely! Just be sure to add fresh peas toward the end of cooking to maintain their bright color and crunch.

Can I freeze any leftovers safely?
Yes! Chicken & Vegetable Stew freezes well. Just ensure it cools completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Chicken & Vegetable Stew is more than just a meal; it embodies warmth, comfort, and the joy of sharing with loved ones. Give it a try, and make it your own!