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Alabama Chicken Stew

Alabama Chicken Stew
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Alabama Chicken Stew is a warm, comforting Southern dish featuring tender bone-in chicken, hearty potatoes, and aromatic vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for any day of the week, this one-pot stew offers rich, savory flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients and is easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2–3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs or breasts

Vegetables

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2–3 carrots, sliced
  • 2–3 potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • Optional: 1-2 stalks celery, chopped
  • Optional: 1 bell pepper, chopped

Liquids & Fats

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for sautéing)

Seasonings

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Gather and chop all your vegetables. Pat the chicken pieces dry, then season them with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor as you prepare the stew.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat butter or oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces until golden on all sides. This locks in juiciness and builds a deeper flavor base for the stew.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and any optional vegetables like celery or bell peppers. Cook until softened and fragrant, creating a savory base for the stew.
  4. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, add minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Reduce heat and let everything simmer gently until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld together beautifully, about 30-40 minutes.
  5. Finish with Potatoes: Add the chopped potatoes about 20 minutes before the stew is done, allowing them to cook until tender and soak up the savory juices.
  6. Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed. Ladle the steaming Alabama Chicken Stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for richer flavor and juicier meat.
  • Don’t skip browning the chicken to develop deeper flavors.
  • Whenever possible, use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for fresher taste.
  • Simmer gently on low heat to meld flavors without drying out the chicken.
  • Always taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
  • Optional additions like celery or bell peppers add crunch and freshness.
  • Try variations such as adding cayenne for heat, substituting mushrooms for a vegetarian version, or thickening with flour or cornstarch if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Alabama Chicken Stew, Southern stew, comfort food, one-pot meal, chicken stew, hearty stew

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