When the weather turns chilly, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of Easy One-Pot Chicken Stew for cozy, hearty weeknight dinners. I remember one rainy evening, my son Jake declared this stew his favorite meal after just one bite. Itโs a comforting dish thatโs perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without all the fuss.
Why Youโll Love It
- It's a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
- Packed with flavor, it's a hit with the whole family.
- You can customize it with your favorite veggies.
Pure Comfort
This stew is pure comfort in a bowl. The tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and savory broth come together to create a dish that warms your soul. Plus, itโs so simple that even those who canโt cook will feel like a pro.
What You Need
- 1 lb 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs – You can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred.
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp olive oil – Can use vegetable oil instead.
- 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth.
- 2 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
- 3 3 medium carrots, sliced – Feel free to use frozen carrots.
- 2 2 medium potatoes, diced – Yukon Gold or Russet work well.
- 4 cups 4 cups chicken broth – Low-sodium is a healthier option.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp dried thyme – Fresh thyme can be used for a brighter flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust based on your preference.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prep the ingredients a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sautรฉ until it's translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This will create a lovely base for your stew.
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell that delicious aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Add the chicken thighs to the pot, cooking until they're lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds flavor and helps seal in the juices.
- Now, toss in the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Stir everything together, allowing the vegetables to soak up the flavors from the chicken and onion.
- Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
- Once done, remove the chicken thighs and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to combine everything. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine when cooking the onions.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping; itโs a match made in heaven.
- If you like it spicy, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Mix It Up
- Swap out the chicken for turkey for a different twist.
- Add in your favorite greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a side salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Pair with garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth.
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FAQs
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes, it freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or water with a bit of seasoning can work as a substitute.
Can I add more vegetables to the stew?
Definitely! Feel free to add peas, green beans, or any other veggies you love.
Conclusion
This Easy One-Pot Chicken Stew for cozy, hearty weeknight dinners is sure to become a family favorite. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the fuss. Give it a try, and I bet itโll warm your heart just like it does for mine!

Easy One Pot Chicken Stew for Cozy Hearty Weeknight Dinners
Equipment
- Large Pot
- forks
Ingredients
Main
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs You can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred
- 2 tbsp olive oil Can use vegetable oil instead
- 1 large yellow onion diced, adds sweetness and depth
- 2 cloves garlic minced, fresh garlic gives the best flavor
- 3 medium carrots sliced, feel free to use frozen
- 2 medium potatoes diced, Yukon Gold or Russet work well
- 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium is a healthier option
- 1 tsp dried thyme fresh thyme can be used for a brighter flavor
- to taste salt and pepper adjust based on your preference
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sautรฉ until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic.
- Add chicken thighs and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add sliced carrots and diced potatoes, stirring to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle in dried thyme.
- Bring mixture to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until chicken is cooked and vegetables are tender.
- Remove chicken thighs, shred with forks, then return shredded chicken to pot and stir.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.