Secluded Shelter Spiced Chicken Stew with Smoky Paprika
A warming chicken stew infused with smoky paprika and hearty vegetables, evoking the cozy isolation of a hidden refuge. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs medium, diced yellow onion, large, diced red bell pepper, medium, peeled and sliced carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 5, 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 1 large, diced red bell pepper
- 2 medium, peeled and sliced carrots
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1.5 lbs cut boneless skinless chicken thighs and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden on all sides but not fully cooked.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 large diced red bell pepper, 2 peeled and sliced carrots, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp smoked paprika and 1 tsp ground cumin, cooking for 1 minute until spices are toasted.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with their juices, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until chicken is tender and stew thickens.
- Step 5: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving for a fresh contrast to the smoky stew.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Secluded Shelter Spiced Chicken Stew with Smoky Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Secluded Shelter Spiced 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 medium, diced yellow onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Secluded Shelter Spiced 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 Secluded Shelter Spiced Chicken Stew with Smoky Paprika for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). 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 Secluded Shelter Spiced Chicken Stew with Smoky Paprika?
Mediterranean chicken 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.
