Cozy Country Chicken Stew Recipe: Homestyle Comfort in a Bowl

The aroma of a hearty country chicken stew wafts through kitchens, promising comfort and warmth.

Memories of grandmother’s cooking dance in my mind with every savory spoonful.

Rustic ingredients blend together, creating a symphony of flavors that speak to the soul.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among colorful vegetables, telling stories of simple, nourishing meals.

Fragrant herbs and slow-simmered broth invite you to lean closer and breathe in the deliciousness.

Robust and satisfying, this recipe connects us to traditions passed down through generations.

You’ll want to gather loved ones around the table and share this delightful meal together.

What Makes Country Chicken Stew So Comforting

• Dive into a Hearty Country Chicken Stew that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.
• Prep and cook this stew in just under 2 hours, making it perfect for leisurely weekend cooking.
• Packed with tender chicken, soft beans, and colorful vegetables, this stew appeals to all ages and tastes.
• Combines protein, vegetables, and beans in a single dish, offering a balanced and filling meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients for Hearty Chicken Stew

• Whole Chicken: The star of the stew, tender and flavorful protein source. Choose a fresh, plump bird for best results.
• Bacon: Adds smoky depth and richness to the stew. Opt for thick-cut bacon for more robust flavor.

• Dried Beans: Hearty protein and texture enhancer. Soak overnight for better digestibility and faster cooking.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that provides depth and aroma. Fresh ingredients are key for maximum taste.

• Bay Leaves, Thyme: Provides earthy, herbaceous notes. Use fresh herbs when possible for more intense flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste. Adjust to personal preference.

• Carrots, Cabbage: Add nutrition, texture, and sweetness to the stew. Choose crisp, fresh vegetables for best results.

• Lemon Juice or Vinegar: Bright, tangy element that lifts the entire dish. Adds freshness and balances rich flavors.

How to Make a Classic Country Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

Rinse dried beans thoroughly. Soak them overnight in cold water. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook bacon until golden and crispy. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until onions become translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Build Stew Foundation

• Whole chicken
• Prepared beans
• Bay leaves
• Fresh thyme sprigs

Pour water until ingredients are fully covered. Sprinkle salt generously. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for one hour.

Step 5: Introduce Vegetable Layers

• Chopped carrots
• Shredded cabbage

Continue cooking uncovered for 30 minutes until vegetables become tender and chicken is fully cooked.

Step 6: Shred and Restore Chicken

Remove chicken from the pot. Discard skin and bones. Shred meat into bite-sized pieces. Return shredded chicken and crispy bacon to the stew.

Step 7: Final Flavor Boost

Splash in fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve piping hot alongside crusty bread or fluffy rice.

Cooking Tips for Rich Stew Flavor

• Optimize Bean Soaking: Soak dried beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, ensuring a creamy texture in your stew.
• Bacon Fat Magic: Keep the rendered bacon fat for an extra layer of rich, smoky flavor that enhances the entire dish's depth and complexity.
• Perfect Chicken Tenderness: Simmer the chicken gently to prevent tough meat, allowing it to become fall-apart tender and infused with herb-infused broth.
• Brighten with Acid: Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end to lift the stew's flavors, cutting through the richness and adding a fresh dimension.
• Customize Your Comfort: Swap cabbage for kale or spinach, use different beans, or add root vegetables to make this stew your own unique winter comfort meal.

Reheating and Saving Chicken Stew Leftovers

• Store leftover country chicken stew in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remain good for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and maintain moisture. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature to ensure even heating throughout the stew.

What Goes Well with This Country Favorite

• Choose a medium-bodied red like Beaujolais or Pinot Noir to complement the hearty chicken and smoky bacon flavors, cutting through the stew's richness with its light tannins.
• Select a rustic sourdough or country wheat bread to soak up the delicious broth, providing a perfect textural contrast and additional comfort to the meal.
• Prepare a light herb-driven salad with fresh arugula, parsley, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the stew's deep flavors and add a refreshing element to the plate.
• Include quick-pickled vegetables like radishes or carrots on the side to introduce a bright, acidic note that cuts through the stew's richness and provides a palate-cleansing effect.

New Versions of a Classic Chicken Stew

• Vegetarian Bean Stew: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, using vegetable broth instead of water for deeper flavor. Skip bacon and use olive oil for sautéing.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free bacon or pancetta and verify bean and herb sources.
• Low-Sodium Option: Eliminate added salt, use low-sodium bacon, and enhance flavor with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage. Add smoked paprika for depth.
• Spicy Country Stew: Incorporate diced jalapeños during onion sautéing, add red pepper flakes, and include a splash of hot sauce for extra heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Country Chicken Stew FAQ Corner

• Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can substitute canned beans. Just drain and rinse them, and add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.

• Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the bacon and sauté the onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender.

• What type of chicken works best for this stew?

A whole chicken or bone-in chicken pieces work great. Bone-in cuts add more flavor and keep the meat moist during the long cooking process.

• Can I make this stew gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your bacon and any additional seasonings are gluten-free, and serve with gluten-free bread or rice if desired.

Country Chicken Stew Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Country Chicken Stew delivers comfort with rich, simmering flavors from rustic kitchens. Warm spices and tender meat create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs), skin removed if desired
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• ⅓ head green cabbage, shredded

Herbs, Beans, and Seasonings:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) dried navy beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 sprigs thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice or red wine vinegar (for finishing)
• Water, to cover

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare dried beans by submerging in water overnight, then thoroughly drain and rinse to remove excess starch and ensure clean flavor.
2. Render bacon in a substantial Dutch oven, allowing fat to coat the cooking surface, then extract crispy pieces while preserving the rendered fat.
3. Infuse the pot with aromatic depth by sautéing sliced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
4. Introduce whole chicken, pre-soaked beans, aromatic bay leaves, and earthy thyme into the pot, covering ingredients with water and seasoning with salt to enhance flavor profile.
5. Bring liquid to a robust boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to meld and tenderize under a covered environment for approximately one hour.
6. Incorporate robust root vegetables like carrots and hearty cabbage, continuing to simmer uncovered to concentrate flavors and ensure vegetable tenderness.
7. Extract the chicken, carefully removing skin and bones, then delicately shred meat into rustic pieces for optimal texture and distribution.
8. Reintroduce shredded chicken and crispy bacon to the stew, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
9. Elevate the dish’s brightness with a splash of citrusy lemon juice or tangy vinegar, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper to achieve a perfectly balanced taste.
10. Serve piping hot, accompanied by crusty artisan bread or fluffy rice to complement the stew’s rich, comforting characteristics.

Notes

• Select dried beans for deeper flavor and better texture, ensuring they’re fresh and free from cracks or discoloration.
• Opt for bone-in chicken pieces to enhance the stew’s richness and develop more complex flavors during slow cooking.
• Customize the stew’s thickness by mashing some beans against the pot’s side or adding a small amount of cornstarch slurry for desired consistency.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium bacon and monitoring salt content during seasoning stages, perfect for heart-healthy diets.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg