Print

Alabama Chicken Stew

Alabama Chicken Stew
Print Recipe

Alabama Chicken Stew is a comforting Southern classic that combines tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth for a hearty and soulful meal. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this stew uses simple pantry ingredients to deliver warmth, tradition, and satisfying flavors in every bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks

Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium potatoes, diced

Seasonings & Broth

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Optional: fresh thyme, rosemary, parsley (to taste)

Roux Base

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Cut the boneless chicken thighs into chunks to ensure even cooking and flavor blending.
  2. Brown the Chicken: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown on all sides to caramelize and seal in juices, enhancing the flavor of the stew.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Remove the browned chicken and add chopped onions, celery, and carrots to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness.
  4. Build the Roux: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the vegetables. Sprinkle the flour over them and stir constantly to create a smooth roux that will thicken the stew, giving it a velvety texture.
  5. Add Broth and Potatoes: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to prevent lumps. Then add the diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so the potatoes soften and absorb the stew’s flavors.
  6. Return Chicken and Simmer: Place the browned chicken back into the pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender and the broth is rich and flavorful.
  7. Season and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or green onions.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs to keep the stew juicy and flavorful; breasts can dry out faster.
  • Stir the roux patiently to avoid lumps and ensure a creamy base.
  • Always use fresh vegetables for optimal texture and brightness in the stew.
  • Simmer gently to meld flavors and keep chicken tender.
  • Season gradually and adjust to taste for a perfectly balanced stew.

Nutrition

Keywords: Alabama Chicken Stew, Southern Stew, Chicken Stew, Comfort Food, Hearty Stew

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