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A quick and easy one-pan stew – tastes like it’s been cooking for hours, but it’s on the table in just 40 minutes!

There’s a certain magic in a big pot of chicken stew simmering away on the stove – the kind that makes your kitchen smell incredible, tastes like you’ve put in way more effort in than you actually have, and turns a regular old Tuesday night into something deeply cosy and comforting. Let’s be honest … some nights just demand a bowl of something warm, rich and hearty. Maybe it’s freezing outside. Maybe you’ve just got home after jostling crowds on public transport or have finally emerged from nose-to-tail traffic and pelting rain. Now you’re craving something homemade and nourishing and you need a meal that practically cooks itself – so you can quickly get out of the kitchen and get onto that soft, comfy couch.

Overhead shot of a bowl of hearty chicken stew, garnished with fresh herbs.
Meal prep this on the weekend (without the cream and parmesan), then keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days for a busy day when you’ve only got time for reheating! Add the cream and parmesan just before serving.

This one-pot wonder ticks all the boxes. Golden, juicy chicken that’s browned for extra flavour. Soft, buttery potatoes and sweet carrots soaking up all the goodness. A rich, savoury broth that’s ridiculously comforting. Minimal effort, but maximum payoff.

Homemade Chicken Stew is the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside, feeds a crowd (or just yourself, twice over), and somehow tastes even better the next day. Grab a big spoon, a hunk of crusty bread, and prepare to fall in love with the easiest, cosiest, most satisfying chicken stew of your life. Make extra as this freezes brilliantly!

Overhead shot of hearty chicken stew in a bowl with a spoon
A warming stew ideal for busy days when you want something nutritious that tastes like it’s been cooking all day, but is on the table in 40 minutes.

What can I serve with Chicken Stew?

This is a full meal in a bowl, so the only thing I usually serve on the side is buttered crusty bread. However, you could serve it with my Freezer-friendly Garlic Bread or 5 Minute Cheesy Garlic Bread. Other good options would be rice, cauliflower rice or mashed potatoes.

What else could I add to Chicken Stew and can I play with the flavours?

You could add a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste for a slight tang of tomato. And add bay leaves for an extra depth of herby flavour, or use parsley, rosemary, tarragon, dill or sage as well as or instead of the thyme. A sprinkling of paprika is also a nice touch. Swap one or both of the potatoes for the same amount of sweet potato.

Side view of a bowl of hearty chicken stew, garnished with fresh herbs.
One pan, low-cost ingredients, and just 10 minutes of hands-on time = this flavoursome, soul-warming chicken stew. A full meal in a bowl … no sides required.

What’s the difference between a chicken casserole and a chicken stew?

The main difference between the two is that a casserole is generally baked in the oven, while a stew is cooked on the stovetop. A stew also usually contains more liquid than a casserole as the meat cooks in the liquid, rather than baking in the heat of the oven.

Can I make this stew dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Instead of butter, use 2 extra tablespoons of olive oil. Omit the cream and also omit the parmesan (just add extra salt, if needed, at the end). 

Why isn’t my stew thickening?

If your stew is turning out more like a soup, you’re not alone — but it’s an easy fix once you know what to look out for. Here are the most common reasons it might not be thickening:

  • Not enough heat – Simmering too gently can slow down evaporation. You want a steady simmer, not a low, barely-bubbling one. Once all the ingredients are in the pan, keep the heat at a low to medium simmer so the liquid reduces properly.
  • Wrong pan – This recipe is designed for a wide, heavy-based pan – not a deep pot. A wider surface area means more evaporation (and therefore thickening). Pots trap moisture and take longer to reduce, which can leave your stew too watery.
  • Didn’t cook long enough – The stew needs a good 15–18 minutes uncovered to reduce down. If your veggies are tender but it’s still looking soupy, turn the heat up slightly and give it another 5 minutes.
  • You made it dairy-free – If you’ve skipped the cream and parmesan, you’ll lose a bit of richness and body. That’s totally fine – just know you might prefer to cook it a few minutes longer to make up for it. 
Close-up of hearty chicken stew in a pan with a ladle, showcasing tender chicken and vegetables.
Make a big batch of this brilliant one-pan dish as the leftovers keep for 3 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Watch how to make Homemade Chicken Stew

If you enjoyed Homemade Chicken Stew, I think you’ll love:

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Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe

Overhead shot of a bowl of hearty chicken stew, garnished with fresh herbs.

Homemade Chicken Stew

Author: Nicole
4.9 from 48 votes
“Lick the bowl delicious! Even the fussy kids loved it ! Highly recommend.”
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This comforting Homemade Chicken Stew tastes like it’s been cooking for hours, but is actually quick, easy and all made in one pan. It’s a full meal in a bowl, so no extra sides are needed.
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 30 minutes
Total 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

CHICKEN
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 800 g (1¾ lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into 2–3 cm (¾–1¼ inch) pieces
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 60 ml (¼ cup) water
STEW
  • 1 brown onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated garlic
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
  • 125 ml (½ cup) dry white wine (optional)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (see note 1 to make recipe dairy-free)
  • 35 g (¼ cup) plain (all-purpose) flour
  • 1.25 litres (5 cups) chicken stock
  • 2 tsp dried thyme (can be substituted with Italian mixed herbs/Italian seasoning or dried oregano)
  • 2 medium potatoes, cut into 3 cm (1¼ inch) pieces (waxy are best)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 60 ml (¼ cup) thickened (whipping/heavy) cream (optional) (see note 1 to make recipe dairy-free)
  • 50 g (½ cup) freshly grated parmesan (see note 1 to make recipe dairy-free)
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, plus extra for garnish
  • Crusty buttered bread, to serve

Instructions

  • Brown the chicken – Heat the olive oil in a large, deep, heavy-based pan over medium–high heat. Add the chicken and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, tossing regularly until browned all over. Remove the chicken and set aside (it will continue cooking in the stew).
  • Add the water to the pan and stir to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
  • Cook the veggies – To the same pan, add the onion, garlic, celery and carrot. Cook, stirring, for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Make the stew – Add the white wine and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
  • Add the butter and cook for 1 minute, or until melted, then add the flour, stirring for 1 minute or until the flour has dissolved and formed a paste around the vegetables.
  • Cook the chicken in the stew – Return the chicken to the pan. Add the chicken stock, dried thyme, potatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 15–18 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened.
  • Add the cream and cheese – Turn the heat off. Add the cream and parmesan (if using), followed by the parsley. Stir to combine.
  • Serve – To serve, divide the stew among four bowls, top with extra parsley and season again with salt and pepper if needed. Serve with the crusty buttered bread on the side.

Nutrition information

Nutrition Facts
Homemade Chicken Stew
Amount per Serving
Calories
782
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
38
g
58
%
Saturated Fat
 
15
g
94
%
Trans Fat
 
0.3
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
16
g
Cholesterol
 
248
mg
83
%
Sodium
 
1260
mg
55
%
Potassium
 
1565
mg
45
%
Carbohydrates
 
47
g
16
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
10
g
11
%
Protein
 
55
g
110
%
Vitamin A
 
6013
IU
120
%
Vitamin C
 
32
mg
39
%
Calcium
 
205
mg
21
%
Iron
 
5
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes

Watch how to make it

Recipe notes

Note 1 – To make this dairy-free, instead of butter, use 2 extra tablespoons of olive oil. Omit the cream and also omit the parmesan (just add extra salt, if needed, at the end).

Make Ahead

You can make the entire stew up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge in an airtight container – but don’t add the cream or parmesan. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock or water if needed to loosen it. Add the cream and parmesan just before serving for best results.

Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of stock or water.

Equipment

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Course chicken
Cuisine American, Comfort Food, European