Bacon and Chicken Stew with Smoky Paprika
A rich, slow-simmered stew featuring bacon, chicken, and vegetables in a smoky paprika-infused broth. This american-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs diced bacon, large, chopped onion, sliced carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 425 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 4 slices, diced bacon
- 1 pound, boneless skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken thighs
- 1 large, chopped onion
- 2, sliced carrots
- 2 stalks, sliced celery
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 4 slices diced bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the pot.
- Step 2: Add 1 pound cubed chicken thighs to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 1 chopped onion, 2 sliced carrots, and 2 sliced celery stalks to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup chicken broth and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Return chicken and bacon to the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped parsley and season with salt and black pepper.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bacon and Chicken Stew with Smoky Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Bacon and Chicken Stew with Smoky Paprika?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced bacon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bacon and Chicken Stew with Smoky Paprika?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Bacon and Chicken Stew with Smoky Paprika for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Bacon and Chicken Stew with Smoky Paprika?
American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my husband's birthday dinner, and it was delicious. The smoky note was perfect.
- ★★★★★
This stew was a hit with my family! The smoky paprika really elevated the bacon and chicken.
- ★★★★☆
My kids loved the stew, but it took longer to cook than the recipe said. Still, worth it.
