This Chicken Stew Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for those cozy, chilly evenings. It’s packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and a flavorful broth that’s thickened to perfection. It’s like a warm hug in a dish!
Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this casserole is easy to prepare and is sure to leave everyone satisfied. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and filling meal that’s bound to become a new favorite.
Full Recipe:
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1.5 lbs (700g) chicken thighs, skinless and boneless, cut into chunks
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1 onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 carrots, chopped
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3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 cup frozen peas
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4 cups (1L) chicken broth
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried rosemary
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/4 cup flour (for thickening)
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large oven-safe pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and brown on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
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In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for another minute.
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Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes until lightly golden.
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Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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Add the browned chicken, carrots, potatoes, peas, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
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Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Chicken Stew Casserole
Chicken Stew Casserole is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for the colder months or when you simply need a comforting meal that will bring everyone together. The recipe combines juicy chicken thighs, tender vegetables, and a rich stew sauce. With the addition of bacon, beef broth, and red wine, this dish is packed with savory flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Though traditionally stews require long hours of slow cooking, this Chicken Stew Casserole takes under an hour to prepare, making it a great option for busy days when you want something hearty but don’t have time for long cooking sessions. The use of boneless chicken thighs ensures that the meat remains juicy and tender, while the rich sauce enhances the flavors of the vegetables and chicken.
Why Chicken Thighs are the Best Choice for Stews
Chicken thighs are the star of this dish, and for good reason. Unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out when simmered for long periods, chicken thighs stay juicy and tender throughout the cooking process. The boneless, skinless variety is perfect for quick-cooking stews, as it doesn’t need the long braising time required by bone-in chicken pieces.
The thighs’ higher fat content contributes to a more flavorful dish, providing a deep and rich taste that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. Their ability to absorb the flavors of the stew sauce ensures that every bite is delicious, making chicken thighs the ideal choice for this casserole.
The Role of Bacon in This Dish
Bacon is not just a flavor enhancer, it’s an essential ingredient that takes this dish to the next level. The bacon is cooked first to render out the fat, creating crispy little bites that add texture and smokiness to the dish. The fond (caramelized bits) left behind by the bacon as it cooks forms the base of the stew sauce, which intensifies the overall flavor of the dish.
As the bacon cooks, it infuses the stew with a savory richness that balances the earthy flavors of the vegetables and the hearty taste of the chicken. When combined with the beef broth and red wine, the bacon contributes to the deep, complex flavors that make this casserole taste like it’s been simmering all day.
Red Wine and Beef Broth: A Flavorful Twist
One of the standout features of this Chicken Stew Casserole is the combination of beef broth and red wine. Traditionally, chicken stew recipes use chicken broth, but using beef broth in this recipe adds depth and richness to the sauce. Beef broth provides a darker color and a fuller flavor, giving the stew an almost caramelized taste that would normally take hours to develop.
The addition of red wine is another secret weapon in creating a deeply flavored dish. A good quality dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, not only contributes to the sauce’s rich brown color but also adds complexity and depth to the flavor. The wine’s acidity helps to balance the richness of the bacon and beef broth, ensuring that the dish doesn’t become too heavy. The alcohol cooks off quickly, leaving behind only the concentrated flavors that elevate the entire casserole.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
This Chicken Stew Casserole is a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal. With just 40 minutes of simmering, you can have a full, flavorful dish on the table in under an hour. Unlike traditional stews that require hours of slow cooking to develop rich flavors, this recipe uses a few clever shortcuts to achieve the same depth of flavor in a fraction of the time.
The recipe is simple yet incredibly rewarding. By browning the bacon and chicken, then simmering the vegetables and chicken in the flavorful broth, you create a rich base for the sauce that will make this casserole taste like it has been cooking all day. The combination of tender chicken, soft vegetables, and the mouthwatering sauce will satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
Customizing Your Chicken Stew Casserole
One of the best things about this Chicken Stew Casserole is its versatility. The recipe can be customized in many ways to suit your personal tastes or dietary restrictions. For example, you can substitute different vegetables based on what you have in the fridge or what’s in season. You could add parsnips, turnips, or even sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter variation.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap out some of the ingredients. Instead of using bacon, you can try turkey bacon or omit it entirely. If you don’t drink wine or prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute the red wine with more beef broth or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for a touch of acidity.
For a thicker sauce, simply let the stew simmer a little longer, or use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the liquid. You can also adjust the seasonings to suit your preference. Whether you prefer more thyme, rosemary, or a touch of garlic, the flavor profile of this casserole can be tailored to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Stew Casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with various sides. A thick slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich stew sauce. You can also serve the casserole with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables to add freshness and balance to the meal.
For an extra indulgence, consider topping the casserole with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. The possibilities for pairing this dish are endless, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
The Benefits of Quick and Flavorful Cooking
This Chicken Stew Casserole demonstrates that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a delicious, comforting meal. By using a combination of well-sourced ingredients, such as chicken thighs, beef broth, and red wine, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked all day, even with minimal prep time.
Not only is this recipe quick to make, but it also offers a healthy balance of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. The chicken provides lean protein, while the vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals. The dish is filling and satisfying, making it a great choice for dinner or meal prepping.
Conclusion
Chicken Stew Casserole is a perfect example of how you can create a hearty, comforting dish in less time without sacrificing flavor. The use of boneless chicken thighs, beef broth, red wine, and bacon gives the casserole a rich and savory flavor profile that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether you’re short on time or just looking for a satisfying meal, this recipe is a must-try for your next family dinner. With its versatility and depth of flavor, it’s a dish that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal in less than an hour!