This chicken stew combines tender boneless chicken thighs with root vegetables and a light herb-infused gravy for a classic comfort dish that's both rich and approachable.
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Instructions
1
Dice the onion and celery, mince the garlic, slice the carrots, and cut the baby potatoes in half before you begin.
2
Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp flour over the chicken and toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
3
Add the butter and olive oil to a large pot. Heat the butter and oil over medium until they are hot and sizzling.
4
Add the flour-coated chicken to the pot with the butter and oil and allow the chicken to brown on all sides (avoid stirring until browned on the bottom). When the chicken is browned and there is a nice brown layer of flour on the bottom of the pot, remove the chicken to a clean bowl with a slotted spoon. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this point, just browned on the outside.
5
Add the onion, celery, garlic, and carrots to the pot and continue to sauté until the onions are soft. Use the moisture released by the vegetables to dissolve and scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pot.
6
Once the vegetables are slightly softened, add the remaining 2 Tbsp flour to the pot and continue to sauté over medium for about two minutes more. The flour will begin to coat the bottom of the pot again.
7
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Also add the potatoes, parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage, pepper, chicken broth, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and dissolve any flour off the bottom of the pot.
8
Place a lid on the pot and allow it to come up to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, remove the lid and turn the heat down to medium-low. Allow the stew to simmer over medium-low, without a lid and stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the broth has thickened.
9
Taste the stew and add salt if needed (I did not add any, but it will depend on the salt content of the broth you used). Add a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
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Tips & Notes
Pro tips
Dredge chicken thighs in flour before browning to build a richer, deeper flavor base and help thicken the gravy naturally.
Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and finish at the same time as the chicken.
Don't skip browning the chicken and aromatics first—this develops savory depth that simmering alone won't achieve.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and dried parsley at the end; flavors meld and intensify as the stew cools.
Substitutions
Yellow onion → white or red onion (white is milder, red adds slight sweetness)
Dried parsley → fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary (add fresh herbs in the last 5 minutes to preserve brightness)
Butter + olive oil → all butter or all olive oil (adjust ratio to taste; all oil will be lighter)
Baby potatoes → russet or waxy potatoes, cut into chunks (avoid starchy varieties that break down easily)
Storage & make-ahead
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Common Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay more tender and flavorful during the long simmer. If using breasts, reduce cooking time by 5–10 minutes to prevent drying out.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Chicken thighs are cooked through at 165°F internal temperature, or when they shred easily with a fork after simmering for 25–30 minutes.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
What if my gravy is too thin?
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch or flour with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir into the simmering stew, and cook for 2 minutes until thickened.
Can I freeze chicken stew?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.