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Alabama Chicken Stew

Alabama Chicken Stew
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Alabama Chicken Stew is a hearty, soul-warming Southern dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs in a rich, savory broth. This comforting stew is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, offering a deep, satisfying flavor that can be easily customized to suit any palate.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Broth

  • 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 cups chicken broth

Vegetables

  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 large potatoes, diced

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil (such as vegetable or olive oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking. Mince the garlic and trim the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces for quick, tender cooking.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, stirring frequently until soft and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Increase heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces. Cook until lightly browned on the outside, sealing in juices without fully cooking the chicken.
  4. Add Broth and Spices: Pour in chicken broth. Add bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer to meld the flavors.
  5. Add Potatoes and Simmer: Stir in the diced potatoes, cover the pot, and simmer for approximately 30 minutes or until potatoes and chicken are tender and the broth has thickened slightly.
  6. Final Taste and Serve: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning as needed, and stir well. The stew is now ready to serve, warming hearts and filling plates.

Notes

  • Use dark meat chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
  • Slowly sauté vegetables to unlock natural sugars and build a rich base.
  • Simmer gently to prevent toughening the chicken while allowing flavors to combine.
  • Season throughout cooking, not just at the end, for deeper flavor.
  • To thicken stew naturally, mash a few potato chunks directly into the broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Alabama Chicken Stew, Southern Chicken Stew, Comfort Food, Chicken Stew Recipe, Gluten Free Stew, Hearty Stew, Chicken and Vegetable Stew

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/alabama-chicken-stew/