This comforting Italian chicken stew is a family favorite, perfect for a cozy night in or a relaxed weekend gathering. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and tender chicken, this recipe is surprisingly simple to execute, yielding a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal. Forget complicated techniques; this stew relies on letting fresh ingredients shine, building layers of taste with each simmering minute. The rich sauce clings beautifully to perfectly cooked pasta or crusty bread, making it a complete and satisfying dish.
Beyond the incredible aroma that will fill your kitchen, this stew offers a versatility that caters to any preference. Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on your seasonal availability and personal tastes. Ready to experience the magic of this simple yet extraordinary dish? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create your own delicious Italian chicken stew.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Spoon
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Chicken thighs (skin-on, boneless): 6
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Italian seasoning: 2 teaspoons
- Hot pepper flakes
- Onion: 1 small, chopped
- Garlic cloves: 4, minced
- Marinara sauce: 24 ounces
- Water
- Potato (medium-sized, diced): 1
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
- Red bell pepper (small, chopped): 1
- Carrot (medium-sized, chopped): 1
- Green olives: 1 cup
- Green beans
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sear the Chicken and Sauté Aromatics
- Add olive oil to a pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add pepper flakes for heat. Sear until cooked through.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Stir and saute until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
Step 2. Build the Stew
- Add marinara sauce (use water to get residual sauce from the can). Stir to combine.
- Add diced potato, chopped celery, chopped red bell pepper, chopped carrot, and green olives. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Step 3. Simmer and Finish
- Add green beans, sprinkle over the top. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot.
Read more: Comforting Italian White Bean & Sausage Stew Recipe
Tips
- Use any type of chicken you prefer.
- Adjust the amount of hot pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- You can substitute green bell pepper for red bell pepper.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless, skinless breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in, skin-on thighs will add more flavor and richness to the stew. Just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
2. What can I do if I don't have all the suggested herbs?
Don't worry! This stew is forgiving. Use what you have – even just oregano and basil will make a delicious stew. The core flavors come from the tomatoes and chicken.
This easy Italian chicken stew is a recipe you’ll return to again and again, perfect for weeknights and special occasions alike. The warmth and comfort it provides are matched only by its delicious, simple flavors. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary efforts!