Cozy & Creamy Chicken Stew Recipe: A Comforting One-Pot Meal

When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats a bowl of creamy chicken stew. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, velvety broth, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a meal to warm you up on a cold day, this easy one-pot recipe has you covered!

The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make with pantry staples, and you can have it ready in under an hour. Plus, it pairs perfectly with fluffy biscuits or warm bread for a truly satisfying experience.

Ingredients and Preparation Steps

This creamy chicken stew comes together with a handful of wholesome ingredients and a few simple steps. Let’s dive right in!

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 ribs celery, diced
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp salted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tsp ground thyme
• 1 tsp salt (or more to taste)
• ½ tsp ground black pepper (or more to taste)
• ¼ tsp ground turmeric
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ¾ cup frozen corn
• 2 cups diced cooked chicken

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

First, heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Season with salt and black pepper to bring out the flavors.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

Next, melt the butter in the pot and stir in the flour, making sure all the veggies are evenly coated. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. The mixture should start to thicken, creating a smooth and creamy base for the stew.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Chicken

After that, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and add thyme, salt, black pepper, and turmeric. Stir well to ensure the flavors meld together. Then, mix in the frozen peas, corn, and diced cooked chicken, allowing everything to heat through.

Step 4: Simmer and Serve

Finally, let the stew simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Once it reaches the perfect consistency, serve it warm with your favorite side—like homemade 3-ingredient biscuits or fluffy pancakes for an ultra-cozy meal.

Why This Chicken Stew is the Ultimate Comfort Food

This creamy chicken stew is everything you want in a cozy, homemade meal—rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. The velvety broth coats every bite, while the tender chicken and veggies create the perfect balance of texture and taste. It’s best enjoyed on a chilly evening, paired with warm classic waffles or a side of loaded mashed potato casserole for an indulgent experience.

Looking for another comforting chicken dish? Try this slow cooker chicken pot pie for another cozy option!

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Chicken Stew

Can I make this chicken stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! Simply sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.

What can I use instead of milk?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can use unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or even cashew cream for a rich texture.

How do I thicken my chicken stew?

If you want a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the stew while simmering.

Can I freeze this chicken stew?

Absolutely! Let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Stew

1. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience: If you’re short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken adds incredible flavor and cuts down on prep work.
2. Go for homemade broth: While store-bought chicken broth works well, using homemade broth adds a richer depth of flavor.
3. Don’t rush the simmering process: Allowing the stew to simmer for at least 10-15 minutes ensures the flavors meld beautifully.
4. Customize with extra veggies: Feel free to add potatoes, mushrooms, or even green beans for extra texture and nutrition.
5. Add a hint of spice: If you enjoy a little kick, stir in a dash of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of homemade sweet chili sauce.
6. Thicken with heavy cream: For an even richer texture, replace half the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This creamy chicken stew stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Note that dairy-based soups may separate slightly upon reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the stew is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy consistency.

Perfect Pairings for Your Chicken Stew

This creamy chicken stew pairs beautifully with comforting sides that soak up the rich broth. Here are a few delicious options:

• 3-Ingredient Biscuits – Buttery, flaky biscuits are perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Fluffy Bisquick Pancakes – A unique but delicious pairing for a cozy meal.
• Classic Waffles – The crispy texture balances out the rich, creamy stew.
• Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole – A hearty side that complements the stew’s creamy base.

Enjoy the Ultimate Comfort of Homemade Chicken Stew

This creamy chicken stew is more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold evening, serving it to family for a cozy dinner, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. The rich, velvety broth combined with tender chicken and hearty vegetables makes every spoonful satisfying.

Want to switch things up? Try adding diced potatoes for extra heartiness or swapping chicken for turkey for a post-holiday meal idea. No matter how you customize it, this stew is guaranteed to bring comfort and joy to your table.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to check out our other comforting dishes like Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits or pair it with Classic Waffles for the ultimate cozy feast.

Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out! Share your creations on social media and tag us—we’d love to see your delicious bowls of creamy chicken stew. Happy cooking!