There I was, arms deep in flour‑flecked memories in my grandmother’s old kitchen, stirring a pot that smelled like Sunday afternoons and warm hugs. That was the very first time I ever made Rustic Chicken Stew with her not because I knew exactly what I was doing, but because she smiled and said, “Just follow your heart.” Years later, when I recreate that same Rustic Chicken Stew, it’s not just dinner on the table; it’s a bridge to every memory woven into that kitchen the laughter, the stories, and the comfort that came with every simmering spoonful.
In this article, I’m going to walk you through every step to make the best Rustic Chicken Stew you’ve ever tasted from searing perfectly seasoned chicken to building a rich, hearty base with garden‑fresh vegetables and broth. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone who just wants something comforting at the end of a long day, this Rustic Chicken Stew recipe will become one you keep coming back to.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This Rustic Chicken Stew Is So Special
What sets this Rustic Chicken Stew apart from ordinary soups or stews? First, the flavor. The combination of seared chicken, vibrant veggies like carrots and celery, and tender potatoes creates layers of taste that evolve with every bite. Second, the texture hearty and satisfying, with chunks of soft potatoes and juicy shredded chicken suspended in a rich, golden broth. Most importantly, this Rustic Chicken Stew feels like nourishment for the soul, the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like love and home.
This Rustic Chicken Stew works beautifully as a centerpiece for dinner, perfect to share with family and friends. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, even on busy weeknights.
Rustic Chicken Stew
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Toss with 2 tbsp avocado oil and seasoning blend.
- Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth to deglaze. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in tomato paste and garlic. Cook 1 minute. Add flour, stir well, and cook 2 more minutes.
- Slowly add remaining broth, stirring constantly. Add potatoes and return chicken to pot. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until chicken is cooked and potatoes are tender.
- Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to the stew. Stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with rustic bread.
Notes
Ingredients for the Perfect Rustic Chicken Stew
For this unforgettable Rustic Chicken Stew, you’ll need:
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs – juicy and flavorful.
- 4 tablespoons avocado oil, divided – for searing and sautéing.
- ¼ cup Bailee’s Kitchen All‑Purpose Seasoning – or a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning for your own twist.
- 1 onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth.
- 3 carrots, diced – bright and fresh.
- 3 ribs celery, diced – flavor and crunch.
- 1 pound yellow potatoes, diced – makes the stew hearty.
- ¼ cup flour – helps thicken the broth for that lovely stew feel.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste – adds richness and color.
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced – for aroma and punch.
- 4 cups chicken broth, divided – the soul of the stew.
Every ingredient plays its part in this Rustic Chicken Stew, layering flavor and texture to create something more than just a meal it’s comfort in a bowl.
Step‑by‑Step
Here’s how to bring your Rustic Chicken Stew to life:
1. Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step might seem small, but it makes a big difference in how your Rustic Chicken Stew turns out. Dry chicken means better browning later on. Coat the chicken with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and Bailee’s Kitchen All‑Purpose Seasoning (or your own mix). This seasoning is essential for a deep, rich flavor base in your Rustic Chicken Stew.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat a large pot over medium‑high heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of avocado oil. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs in the pot in a single layer. Let them sear for 3–4 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust. This browning adds so much savory depth to your Rustic Chicken Stew.
Once seared, remove the chicken and set it aside. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked yet it will finish cooking later in the stew.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add your onions, carrots, and celery. Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth to help deglaze the pot that means all those browned bits stuck to the bottom come off and add rich flavor to your Rustic Chicken Stew.
Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften. If you want, sprinkle a little extra Bailee’s Kitchen All‑Purpose Seasoning here it’s another chance to build flavor.
4. Build the Base
Now stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic. Let them cook together for about a minute so the garlic becomes fragrant, and the tomato paste mellows just a bit.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir well. This is what begins to thicken your stew. Cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate that raw flour taste this is an important step for rich, silky broth in your Rustic Chicken Stew.
5. Simmer the Stew
Slowly pour in the remaining chicken broth, stirring constantly so the stew is smooth and lump‑free. Add the diced potatoes next. They’ll soften and help thicken the stew even more.
Return the chicken thighs to the pot. Cover it and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.
6. Shred the Chicken
Take the chicken out of the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it to your desired thickness. Then return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it into the broth and vegetables. This is where your Rustic Chicken Stew truly becomes a one‑pot wonder.
7. Taste and Serve
Before serving, take a moment to taste your Rustic Chicken Stew. Add more seasoning if needed sometimes a little extra salt or pepper makes all the difference.
Serve it steaming hot with thick slices of rustic bread for dipping. There’s nothing quite like tearing off a warm piece of bread and soaking up that flavorful broth.
Tips for the Best Rustic Chicken Stew
- Use thighs instead of breasts: The dark meat stays juicy and tender in your Rustic Chicken Stew.
- Deglaze the pot: When you pour a little broth into the hot pot after searing, you unlock tons of flavor that would otherwise be lost.
- Cut ingredients uniformly: That way your potatoes and veggies cook evenly in the Rustic Chicken Stew.
- Don’t skip simmering: Letting it cook slowly lets the flavors really come together.
Ideas to Customize Your Rustic Chicken Stew
This Rustic Chicken Stew is delicious as written, but feel free to make it your own:
- Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic boost.
- Swap yellow potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter note.
- Stir in a splash of cream toward the end if you prefer a richer stew.
Whatever additions you choose, always come back to the heart of this recipe: warm, wholesome, and deeply satisfying Rustic Chicken Stew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Rustic Chicken Stew ahead of time?
Yes! This Rustic Chicken Stew tastes even better the next day. Let it cool, store in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat gently on the stove.
Can I freeze Rustic Chicken Stew?
Absolutely. Freeze in freezer‑safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm on low heat.
What if I don’t have Bailee’s Kitchen All‑Purpose Seasoning?
No problem! Create your own using salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Your Rustic Chicken Stew will still shine.
Can I make Rustic Chicken Stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the chicken and sauté the veggies first for best flavor, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Why This Rustic Chicken Stew Will Become a Favorite
Every time you make this Rustic Chicken Stew, you’re not just preparing a meal you’re stirring memories into the pot. Just like my grandmother used to say, “Food is more than sustenance. It’s what brings us together.” This Rustic Chicken Stew is proof of that: rich, comforting, and full of homey goodness that keeps people coming back for seconds.
So the next time you need something to warm your soul and fill your kitchen with irresistible aroma, reach for this Rustic Chicken Stew recipe. Trust me it’s one you’ll make for years to come.
I’m the creator of Quicky Girl Recipes, where I share easy air fryer meals, cozy comfort food, and simple recipes made for real life.
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