This hearty chicken stew combines tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and veggies for a comforting meal. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you need some warmth and good flavors!
I love how easy it is to make—just throw everything in one pot and let it cook. Plus, the sweet potatoes add a yummy twist that makes it feel extra special. You’ll want seconds for sure! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer using bone-in chicken thighs for their rich flavor, but boneless skinless options work too. If you want a lighter dish, chicken breasts are fine. For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu!
Sweet Potatoes: The star of the dish! Their natural sweetness balances the spices nicely. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, regular potatoes work as well, but will alter the taste. Butternut squash could also be a great substitute!
Spices: I love using smoked paprika for the depth it adds. If you don’t have it, regular paprika is fine. For a spice-less version, just omit the cayenne pepper. Your stew will still be comforting and delicious!
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is wonderful if you have it, but store-bought works great too. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian version.
Nuts: Roasted cashews and peanuts add crunch, but if you want to skip them due to allergies, sunflower seeds will give you a similar texture. You could also leave them out altogether!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Perfect Chicken in Stew?
Cooking chicken in the stew is simple, but there are ways to ensure it’s juicy and flavorful. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat to brown the chicken—this locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Don’t crowd the pot. Cook in batches if needed so every piece gets a good sear.
- Make sure to stir the stew gently after adding the chicken to prevent it from breaking apart.
- Let it simmer long enough so that the chicken becomes tender and absorbs the flavors of the broth.
Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly tender chicken for your cozy stew! Enjoy every spoonful!
How to Make Easy Cozy Chicken Stew with Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- Sweet Potatoes: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Oil: 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Flavorings: 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Broth: 3 cups (720ml) chicken broth
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley; 1/4 cup chopped roasted cashews or peanuts; 2 tbsp shredded coconut (optional)
- Serving: Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy chicken stew will take around 10 minutes for prep and about 30-35 minutes to cook, resulting in a total time of about 45 minutes. Perfect for a quick yet comforting meal that warms not just your tummy but your heart!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent, filling the kitchen with a lovely aroma.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant—this will really boost the flavor of the stew!
3. Brown the Chicken:
Now, toss in the chunks of chicken. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re lightly browned on all sides. This step is key for enhancing the taste of the chicken!
4. Mix in the Spices:
Stir through the tomato paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and optional cayenne pepper. Cook this mixture while stirring for about 2 minutes to toast the spices and develop their flavors. Your kitchen will smell incredible right about now!
5. Add Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. This is what will create a delicious stew base.
6. Incorporate Sweet Potatoes:
Add the sweet potato chunks to the pot. Reduce the heat down to a simmer, then cover the pot and cook for 20-25 minutes. You want the sweet potatoes to be tender and the chicken to be fully cooked through.
7. Season and Finish:
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, taste your stew and season with salt and pepper as needed. This step really helps the flavors shine!
8. Add Fresh Herbs:
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a fresh pop of flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the stew hot, over a bed of cooked white rice. For a delightful crunch, sprinkle on some chopped roasted cashews or peanuts and a bit of shredded coconut on top. Your cozy chicken stew is ready to enjoy!
Dig in and relish the warm, comforting flavors that this dish brings. It’s perfect for a family dinner or whenever you need a little bit of comfort food goodness!
FAQs about Easy Cozy Chicken Stew with Sweet Potatoes
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat it dry before browning to prevent excess moisture in the pan.
Can I Make This Stew Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This stew can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the consistency. The flavors will meld even more, making it taste even better!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm in a pot on the stove or use the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this stew vegetarian! Substitute the chicken with canned chickpeas or diced tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The sweet potatoes and spices will still provide a delicious, comforting flavor!