Gently Simmered Chicken and Vegetable Stew

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

A wholesome chicken stew simmered with fresh vegetables for a nourishing and tender meal. This mediterranean-inspired healthy bowls ready in about 50 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, carrots, celery stalks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces and sear for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned on all sides but not cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 2 diced medium carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and add 3 fresh thyme sprigs. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
  5. Step 5: Cover and let simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and cooked through and the vegetables are soft.
  6. Step 6: Remove thyme sprigs, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Gently Simmered Chicken and Vegetable Stew take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Gently Simmered Chicken and Vegetable Stew?

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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gently Simmered Chicken and Vegetable Stew?

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 Gently Simmered Chicken and Vegetable Stew 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 Gently Simmered Chicken and Vegetable Stew?

Mediterranean healthy bowls 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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