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
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
Instructions
- Prepare dried beans by submerging in water overnight, then thoroughly drain and rinse to remove excess starch and ensure clean flavor.
- Render bacon in a substantial Dutch oven, allowing fat to coat the cooking surface, then extract crispy pieces while preserving the rendered fat.
- Infuse the pot with aromatic depth by sautéing sliced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate robust root vegetables like carrots and hearty cabbage, continuing to simmer uncovered to concentrate flavors and ensure vegetable tenderness.
- Extract the chicken, carefully removing skin and bones, then delicately shred meat into rustic pieces for optimal texture and distribution.
- Reintroduce shredded chicken and crispy bacon to the stew, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
- 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.
- 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