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Alabama Chicken Stew

Alabama Chicken Stew

Alabama Chicken Stew is a hearty Southern comfort dish featuring tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. This nourishing stew is perfect for warming up on chilly days and serves as a versatile meal ideal for lunch, dinner, or leftovers. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it brings the taste of Alabama’s culinary heritage right to your table.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Broth

  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 bay leaves

Vegetables

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

Seasonings and Fats

  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Dice the onions, slice the carrots and celery, peel and chop the potatoes, and mince the garlic. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry.
  2. Sauté the Base: In a large pot, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and beginning to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute to deepen the aroma.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Push the vegetables to the side of the pot and add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Brown until golden on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side, sealing in the juices and flavor.
  4. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth just enough to cover the chicken and vegetables. Add bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil then reduce to a simmer.
  5. Let it Simmer: Add the chopped potatoes and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer gently for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
  6. Final Touches: Remove the bay leaves, adjust seasoning as needed, and sprinkle fresh parsley over the stew just before serving for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for deeper broth flavor.
  • Don’t rush browning: it builds a rich flavor base.
  • Simmer the stew low and slow for tender chicken and melded flavors.
  • Season gradually during cooking for balanced taste.
  • Thicken stew naturally by mashing some cooked potatoes into the broth.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop Simmering
  • Cuisine: Southern American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Alabama Chicken Stew, Southern comfort food, chicken stew, hearty stew, gluten free stew, slow-cooked chicken