Chicken Waterzooi with Creamy Herb Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A velvety Flemish soup with tender chicken, vegetables, and a luxurious cream sauce, flavored with fresh herbs. This belgian-inspired soups ready in about 65 minutes pairs chicken thighs, all-purpose flour, butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Belgian cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry and coat with 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sear chicken for 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp dried thyme and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth until smooth, then add the seared chicken back to the pot.
  5. Step 5: Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until chicken is tender. Remove chicken, shred, and return to the pot.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Heat gently for 5 minutes until warmed through (do not boil). Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicken Waterzooi with Creamy Herb Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 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 Chicken Waterzooi with Creamy Herb Sauce?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken Waterzooi with Creamy Herb Sauce?

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 Chicken Waterzooi with Creamy Herb Sauce 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 Chicken Waterzooi with Creamy Herb Sauce?

Belgian 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.

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