Mastering Southern Chicken Stew Recipes

From the heartwarming comfort food of the South, we bring you some delightful southern chicken stew recipes. Chicken stew is a traditional Southern dish that has charmed food lovers for generations with its robust flavours and comforting warmth. Today we will explore different variations of this beloved dish through our southern chicken stew recipes.

So without further ado, let’s plunge into the world of southern chicken stew recipes and discover what makes this humble dish a culinary gem.

• What is Chicken Stew? A hearty blend of chicken, vegetables, and spices, often served over rice or with biscuits.
• Southern Style Chicken Stew: This variant often includes potatoes, carrots, onions, and a variety of herbs for a rich taste.
• South Carolina Style Chicken Stew: A creamy version spiced up with generous dollops of hot sauce.
• Recipe Ingredients: Key ingredients include chicken, veggies like onions, carrots, potatoes, and a variety of seasoning.
• Tips for Flavorful Chicken Stew: Browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables adds depth to the flavour.
• How to Store Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Whether you are a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, these southern chicken stew recipes offer something for everyone.

A Delightful Culinary Journey to the South

Tasting these sumptuous southern chicken stews is like taking a culinary journey to the heart of Southern cooking.

The heavenly aroma of the stew wafting from your kitchen will be irresistible.

I encourage you to put on your apron and try these recipes, they’re sure to become family favorites.

Nourishing, flavourful and heartwarming – southern chicken stew is comfort food at its best.

What is Chicken Stew?

Chicken stew is a comfort food staple in many Southern households. It’s a versatile, one-pot concoction composed of tender chicken pieces, vegetables, and a savory broth.

Nature of Chicken Stew

You can find various adaptations of this wholesome dish across cultures. However, Southern chicken stew stands out with its distinct flavors and textures.

The stew can be made thick or thin, spicy or mellow, depending on personal preference. The star ingredient remains the succulent chicken that falls off the bone with ease.

Hearty Chicken Stew Inspiration

An excellent reference for an uncomplicated yet flavorful stew is Giada De Laurentiis’ Chicken Stew recipe. Known from Everyday Italian on Food Network, it epitomizes the essence of a hearty, mouthwatering comfort dish.

While each family has their unique twist to this classic meal, incorporating a tried-and-tested recipe can add an interesting touch to your dinner table.

Variations and Pairings

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can experiment with different vegetables or spices and create your own signature stew.

A traditional pairing for chicken stew is crusty bread, perfect for mopping up the rich sauce. Other options can include fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes.

Southern Style Chicken Stew

Imagine a chicken stew that takes your taste buds on a flavor-filled journey down south. A hearty balance of poultry, vegetables, and rich gravy.

This Southern style Chicken Stew recipe calls for:

• 3 bacon slices, cut into 1/2-in. pieces
• 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 1 1/4 lbs.)
• 1 1/2 oz. cake flour (about 6 Tbsp.), divided
• 1 cup chopped onion, flavored with fresh thyme
• 5 celery stalks, cut into 1/2-inch-thick pieces and garnished with 4 garlic cloves
• 5 large carrots, cut into 1-inch-thick pieces
• 2 leeks, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch-thick pieces
• A splash of white wine and kosher salt to taste.

The cooking process for this stew not only fills my kitchen with a tantalizing aroma but also builds layers of flavor in the dish.

The bacon crisps perfectly in the Dutch oven, its drippings used to brown the chicken pieces. The onion, thyme, celery, and garlic are sautéed until golden, before introducing the carrots and leeks to the pot.

A combination of flour and white wine is added next – this thickens the stew and adds depth to its flavor. The stock, salt, and browned chicken are then reintroduced to the Dutch oven and everything is left to simmer.

The chicken is removed, shredded, and returned to the pot along with the cooked bacon. The stew is then seasoned with freshly ground black pepper.

To finalize this hearty meal, homemade dumplings are prepared using cake flour, baking powder, unsalted butter, fresh chives, and buttermilk. These dumplings are gently added to the stew and left to cook until they’re thoroughly done.

This stew provides a window into the comforting world of Southern cuisine. It’s bold in flavor yet simple to make, suitable for any busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

South Carolina Style Chicken Stew

Known as “Chicken Bog”, this hearty stew is a South Carolina specialty, combining chicken, rice, and smoked sausage. As if the name didn’t already suggest it, this dish stands out for its thick, bogy texture.

Originating from Horry County, it has a unique quality distinguishing it from the more traditional chicken pilau found in Georgetown County. The former carries a moister texture, hence the term “bog”.

The love affair with rice, especially in the Lowcountry regions of South Carolina, significantly contributes to its popularity among locals.

1. Traditional Recipe: The classic recipe only contains chicken, smoked sausage, rice, salt, pepper and occasionally onion.
2. Serving Style: Some folks like adding a few drops of hot sauce on top. This simple addition brings a spicy kick to the classic dish.
3. Cooking Process: Preparing Chicken Bog is fairly quick and effortless. This makes it an ideal choice for large gatherings or parties.

The Loris Bog-Off Festival in Loris is a great event dedicated to this favorite dish since 1979. Whether you’re cooking for a competition or simply serving up some homestyle comfort food, don’t forget to keep it true to its roots. Remember, less is more when it comes to Chicken Bog.

Recipe Ingredients

The beauty of Southern Chicken Stew lies in its simplicity and the richness of flavors it brings to your palate. The ingredients are common but essential.

This stew requires skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and diced into chunks. This lean meat is perfect for a hearty stew.

A key ingredient in this stew is fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and sweet corn. They not only add color to the stew but also enhance its taste and nutritional value.

We can’t forget about our spices either! Ground black pepper, salt, and thyme provide that quintessential southern taste.

Remember, choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients always results in the best meals!

Finish off with a hearty stock – chicken, vegetable or beef – all bring their unique flavors. Check delicious.com.au if you need more specifics.

Last but not least, I use a dollop of butter for extra richness. You won’t regret this addition!

Ingredients for Southern Stewed Chicken:

What protein source is used in this recipe?

The base for this heartening stew is boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They provide rich flavor when melded with other ingredients.

What kind of vegetables are added to the stew?

This recipe features a variety of vegetables such as peas, corn, and baby carrots. Additionally, pearl onions and sliced button mushrooms enhance the dish’s flavor profile.

What other ingredients do I need?

Apart from veggies and protein, you’ll need ingredients like all-purpose flour, dried thyme, salt, and ground black pepper for seasoning. Butter is also essential to sauté the ingredients.

Any specific liquids needed for this chicken stew?

Yes, chicken broth and milk play a crucial role in adding depth to the stew. These liquids help create a creamy consistency that is characteristic of southern stews.

Are there any special ingredients for this recipe?

This recipe calls for a touch of fresh parsley. Its vibrant color and fresh flavor uplift the entire dish, making it not just tasty but visually appealing too.

For more detailed instructions on how to prepare Southern Stewed Chicken, check out this recipe.

Ingredients For Famous Chicken Stew

Creating a Southern-style chicken stew requires sourcing the right ingredients. Let’s start with bacon, my choice being four slices, preferably chopped.

The hero of our dish is chicken thighs. Six of them with skin and bones intact should suffice.

A good stew needs a thickener. Here, we have all-purpose flour doing the job for us.

No flavor-rich stew is complete without onions and garlic. A large onion and five cloves of garlic minced will add depth here.

Ingredient	Quantity	Description
Bacon	4 slices	Chopped
Chicken Thighs	6 pieces	Skin and bones intact
All-Purpose Flour	To Coat	–
Onion	1 Large (2 cups)	Chopped
Garlic Cloves	5 pieces	Minced
These are the basic ingredients needed for famous chicken stew.

Moving towards liquids, canned stewed tomatoes, low-sodium chicken broth, and dry red wine would be useful. Two cans of the former, one can of the broth and three-quarters of a cup of the wine should do.

The herbs play a crucial role here, with chopped fresh basil and dried oregano bringing in the earthiness.

Lastly, two cans of drained and rinsed cannellini beans introduce a creamy texture to the stew.

Now that we’ve discussed the ingredients, you can get the complete step-by-step recipe here.

How To Stew Chicken On The Stove Top

Heating your frying pan to the right temperature is an essential step in creating a flavorful Southern chicken stew. It’s crucial to wait until a droplet of water sizzles and evaporates upon contact with the pan.

If you don’t hear the telltale ‘tsszzzaaaa’ sound, patiently allow the pan to heat a bit longer. Sometimes, it may take up to three minutes for electric stoves to reach the desired warmth.

After achieving the ideal temperature, you’re ready to add your chicken. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding; this helps prevent excess steaming and encourages a good sear.

1. Maintaining meat temperature: For optimal results, ensure your chicken is close to room temperature before cooking. This promotes even cooking and prevents the chicken from sticking to the pan.
2. Marinating time: A quick 15-minute rest on the counter is perfect! Not only does this bring your meat to room temperature, but it also allows time for marinating, enhancing flavour.

You can find more helpful tips like these for stewing chicken and many other dishes at Simply Recipes.

It’s key not to rush when stewing chicken on the stove top; taking time ensures your dish will be juicy, tender, and full of flavor.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Let’s dive right in. Preparing the chicken is an art. Good seasoning can make all the difference, offering a mouthwatering flavor.

Begin by thoroughly washing the chicken. Hygiene is crucial in cooking and can help prevent any foodborne illnesses from spoiling your meal.

Once your chicken is clean, pat it dry. It’s essential to remove excess moisture as it can dilute the flavors of your seasoning.

Now, let’s get to seasoning. Seasoning is key to any dish, especially a Southern chicken stew.

Ingredient	Quantity
Salt	1 tsp
Black pepper	1/2 tsp
Paprika	1 tsp
Cayenne pepper	A pinch (optional)
Adjust according to taste.

The table above shows the basic seasonings needed for a good Southern chicken stew.

Mix these spices together and evenly apply them to your chicken. Ensure each piece gets an ample amount of seasoning.

This will not only add flavor but also give it that lovely golden hue we associate with well-cooked chicken.

Allow the seasoned chicken to rest for a while. This lets the flavors meld into the meat, enhancing its taste once cooked.

Kudos! You’ve just mastered the art of seasoning chicken southern style. Now, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Begin by adding some canola oil to your pan. Using medium heat, allow your pan to reach an optimal temperature.

This is a crucial step in preparing your southern chicken stew recipe, as browning the chicken adds a depth of flavor not achieved otherwise.

Your goal here is to brown the chicken evenly, which usually takes about four minutes on each side. So take your time and don’t rush it.

Once the chicken pieces have developed a beautiful golden brown color, it’s time to take them out of the pan.

Set them aside for now – they’ll be added back into the stew a bit later.

This step may seem simple, but it’s critical for achieving the sumptuous, hearty flavor that characterizes southern chicken stew.

Besides, the caramelization of the chicken skin will add a delightful crunchiness to your completed dish. It’s all these little techniques that make a big difference in your cooking!

I hope this step proves helpful. Happy cooking!

Step 4: Saute the Vegetables

Begin by heating up some oil in a large saucepan.

I recommend using high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

Once the oil is hot, it’s time to add the white spring onion slices.

Fry the Onion Slices

Saute the onion for about a minute to soften it.

This process will enhance their natural sweetness and give a wonderful base flavor to your stew.

Add Swede and Potatoes

Next, toss in your diced swede and potatoes.

Cook them for about 2-3 minutes more before introducing chicken, mustard, and stock to the mix.

Cover and Cook

With all ingredients added, it’s now time to cover your saucepan and let it cook.

Allow about 35 minutes for the stew to fully come together.

Your goal here is tender vegetables and thoroughly cooked chicken.

Monitor Your Stew

Keep an eye on your stew as it cooks.

Achieving the right consistency can sometimes require minor adjustments along the way.

Step 5: Making the Gravy for the Southern Stewed Chicken

After our chicken has been properly stewed, we focus on making the gravy. Start by adding flour to the pan.

Let the flour cook till it transforms into a lovely brown color. This step is pivotal in enhancing the flavor of your gravy.

• Adding Broth: Once your flour is ready, it’s time to pour in the chicken broth.
• Seasoning: Add a dash of Cajun seasoning to elevates the taste to another level.
• Mix Well: Make sure to stir everything together well so that all flavors blend perfectly.
• Simmer: Finally, bring the gravy to a light simmer. This helps in achieving that perfect thickness.

The key to tasty gravy lies in its consistency and flavor balance, both of which are achieved through careful attention during these steps.

To summarize, patience and accurate seasoning make or break this crucial part of our Southern stewed chicken recipe.

Step 6: Allow the Chicken to Stew

Now it’s time to return your chicken to the pan. Make sure to secure the lid afterward. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld.

Adjusting the Heat

For the perfect stew, you need to adjust the heat setting. Set your stove to medium-low, a temperature that’s perfect for slow cooking.

The Importance of Cooking Time

Patience is key in this process. The chicken should simmer for about 90 minutes. This allows it to be fully cooked and tender.

It’s worth noting that cooking times may vary. However, if you follow this rule of thumb, your chicken will likely turn out just right.

Stir Occasionally

To prevent sticking, don’t forget to stir occasionally. This simple action can help ensure even cooking and stop your chicken from burning at the bottom.

When it comes to southern chicken stew, slow and steady wins the race. By allowing ample time for your chicken to stew, you’re setting yourself up for a meal that’s packed with flavor and heart.