Mar 18, 2025

A step-by-step guide for making the perfect chicken stew

Siddhartha Jana

Pick the correct chicken

For stew, chicken thighs work best because they last longer while cooking. Although they can be utilised, chicken breasts should be added later to prevent overcooking.

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Brown chicken for flavour

To improve the flavour and caramelise the chicken pieces, brown them at a high temperature. Don't overcook; instead, concentrate on creating a deep flavour.

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Make vegetables softer

To thicken the stew, first sauté the celery, carrots, and onions. Then, add the flour. This step provides flavor and helps form a base for the soup.

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Include the vegetables, herbs, and broth

After adding the herbs and other veggies, pour in your preferred homemade or store-bought broth. To blend the flavours, let everything simmer.

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Creamy touch (optional)

For a creamy finish, drizzle some heavy cream over the stew. If you want a lighter stew, omit the cream; if you want a richer stew, add more.

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Adding sweet potatoes for thickness

Sweet potatoes naturally thicken stews. As they boil, their tender texture gives the stew substance, which thickens and fortifies the liquid.

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Thicken with flour or corn flour

Combine flour or cornflour with water or broth to thicken the stew. While cornflour is less lumpy, flour freezes or reheats more effectively.

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