Chicken Stew With Vegetables

There are some nights when only a giant bowl of something cozy and comforting will do. It could be a chilly winter night or just the end of a stressful week, but you need a dish that'll fill stomachs with relatively little effort. Enter: this chicken stew packed with vibrant, nutritious vegetables.

A variety of fresh veggies and canned tomatoes add color and texture to the stew, while herbs such as dried dill, thyme, and bay leaves lend an enticing aroma. Since the stew uses a cut-up chicken or chicken thighs, it's an excellent choice for budget-conscious home cooks.

While there's a bit of prep work involved to chop the vegetables, the cooking itself is relatively hands off. Pop the stew into the oven or use a slow cooker—either way, the result will be delicious.

Veggies for Chicken Stew: The Options Are Endless

This recipe calls for a handful of easy-to-find vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and potatoes, but it's easy to customize to your family's preferences or what's available at the market.

• Yellow summer squash is a great substitute for zucchini in the summer months, when corn or green beans would be delicious, too.
• When cooler weather rolls around, swap the potatoes for sweet potatoes or butternut squash.
• Just avoid leafy greens as they don't hold up well to the long cooking time.
  

How to Thicken Stew

When it comes to texture, this chicken stew is definitely on the lighter side. If you're looking for a thicker, heartier stew, you can either reduce the liquid by cooking it uncovered on the stovetop or add a cornstarch slurry.

How to Thicken a Sauce With Cornstarch

What to Serve With Chicken Stew?

A big bowl of this chicken stew is filling and satisfying all by itself, but you can also serve it with dinner rolls or biscuits on the side.