Old Fashioned Chicken Stew is the quintessential comfort food, brimming with tender chicken, heartwarming vegetables, and a rich, herb-infused broth that brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation. There’s just something magical about a bubbling pot of this stew on the stove, promising a meal that’s both simple in ingredients and generous in flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family on a cold evening or just craving wholesome, nostalgic fare, this chicken stew wraps you in warmth and homey aroma from the very first spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Old Fashioned Chicken Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Old Fashioned Chicken Stew lies in how a handful of everyday staples create a dish with such deep, layered flavors. Each ingredient plays a purpose, adding color, texture, and that unforgettable homemade touch you simply can’t replicate with shortcuts.

Chicken Breasts: Lean, boneless, and easy to shred—these create the tender, meaty heart of your stew.
Salt: Balances and enhances every other flavor in the pot; don’t skimp!
Black Pepper: Adds just the right mild heat to round out the stew’s warmth.
Butter: Melted in stages for the vegetables and chicken, butter builds a savory richness you’ll crave.
Olive Oil: Prevents the butter from burning and infuses a hint of Mediterranean silkiness.
Yellow Onion: Diced onions are the aromatic soul of this stew, providing a sweet foundation.
Minced Garlic: Just enough garlic for depth without overpowering the broth—always a winner.
Carrots: Their mild sweetness and vibrant color make every bowl feel cheerful and nourishing.
Celery: Adds subtle bitterness and crunch, the unsung hero of savory stews everywhere.
Red Potatoes: Hold their shape, soak up flavors, and add satisfying heft with each forkful.
Chicken Broth: The liquid gold of the stew; homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s full-bodied!
Ground Sage: Earthy and slightly peppery, sage lends an unmistakable old-fashioned depth.
Dried Thyme: Lends lovely herbal notes that permeate every bite.
Dried Rosemary: Just a touch goes a long way—its piney notes evoke classic country kitchen aromas.
Bay Leaves: Essential for their unmistakable, subtle fragrance; don’t forget to remove before serving!
Cornstarch: Mixed with water, it’s the secret to a stew that’s luxuriously thick but never heavy.
Cold Water: Always use cold—this ensures the cornstarch fully dissolves for a lump-free finish.
Fresh Parsley: That final bright-green flourish; it’s visually appealing and adds a fresh, herbal lift.

How to Make Old Fashioned Chicken Stew

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and giving them a generous sprinkle of salt and black pepper on both sides. This essential step gives your meat a jump start in the flavor department. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of butter and the olive oil over medium heat, then add the chicken breasts, browning them for about 6–7 minutes per side. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it cool a few minutes before shredding it with two forks into hearty, bite-sized pieces. Set it aside as you create the stew’s flavorful base.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

With the chicken set aside, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in your same pot—there’s so much flavor left to grab! Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing just until fragrant and softened. Next, introduce the carrots, celery, and red potatoes. Stir everything together well and let the vegetables sweat out their flavors for about 5 minutes, drawing out the best of their natural sweetness and color.

Step 3: Simmer the Stew

Pour in your chicken broth, savoring that sizzle and pop as all those caramelized bits on the bottom lift into the liquid. Add the sage, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Now, bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let the stew cook, uncovered, for 20–25 minutes, until the vegetables are perfectly tender and the potatoes pierce easily with a fork. This is when the magic truly happens and those classic old fashioned chicken stew aromas fill the kitchen!

Step 4: Thicken the Broth

To give your Old Fashioned Chicken Stew its signature velvety finish, whisk the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this slurry into the simmering stew, then stir gently. In just about five minutes, the broth will transform into a perfect, satisfying thickness—rich, but never gloppy.

Step 5: Finish the Stew

Now comes the homestretch. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot and give it all a good stir. Let the chicken warm through for another five minutes, soaking up every last bit of that herby, vegetable-laden broth. Finally, fish out the bay leaves (they’ve done their work!) to avoid any unwanted surprises at the table.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Chicken Stew

Garnishes

A good garnish does more than look pretty—it wakes up every bowl with added freshness and color! Scatter each generous portion with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley just before serving. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few grinds of black pepper or even a dusting of Parmesan can add something special.

Side Dishes

This stew is hearty enough to shine on its own, but pairing it with a warm, crusty bread or homemade biscuits is simply irresistible. A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette can add refreshing balance, while fluffy white rice or steamed egg noodles will turn your Old Fashioned Chicken Stew into a feast worthy of guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Old Fashioned Chicken Stew in hollowed bread bowls for an extra-cozy touch. Mason jars are great for portable servings at picnics or potlucks. Or, ladle the stew into individual crocks, top with puff pastry, and bake for a charming “pot pie” presentation—it’s guaranteed to draw smiles!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (it rarely happens in my house), Old Fashioned Chicken Stew stores beautifully. Let the stew cool to room temperature, transfer it into airtight containers, and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days—if you can resist eating it all before then!

Freezing

To freeze, let the stew cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label and date each, and pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let the stew thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.

Reheating

Reheating is a cinch. Pour your desired amount into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot all the way through. If the stew seems extra thick after chilling, loosen it up with a splash of broth or water. The flavors only deepen after a night in the fridge—some say it’s even better the next day!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a wonderful alternative and will make your Old Fashioned Chicken Stew even more succulent and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to become tender and fully cooked.

What if I don’t have all the dried herbs?

Don’t stress! The blend of sage, thyme, and rosemary is classic, but you can improvise with what you have—try Italian seasoning or a handful of fresh herbs near the end of cooking for extra punch. The stew is quite forgiving and will still taste cozy and delicious.

How do I make the stew gluten-free?

Good news: this Old Fashioned Chicken Stew recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, thanks to the cornstarch thickener. Just double-check that your chicken broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free to be extra safe.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to toss in peas, corn, green beans, or even leafy greens like spinach near the end of cooking. Use what’s in season or whatever your family loves—Old Fashioned Chicken Stew is endlessly customizable.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

Let the cooked chicken cool just enough to handle, then use two forks to pull it into bite-sized shreds. For even less fuss, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix on low for a few seconds—it works like magic!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a big pot of Old Fashioned Chicken Stew with the people you love. With its simple ingredients and soul-soothing flavors, it remains a timeless dish you’ll turn to again and again. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every nostalgic, comforting spoonful!