Spiced Paraguayan-Style Chicken Stew with Root Vegetables

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

A comforting, hearty chicken stew simmered with traditional Paraguayan spices and tender root vegetables for a rich, flavorful meal. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 70 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, large onion, diced, medium carrots, peeled and chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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: 55 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes per side until golden; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 chopped carrots, and 1 large cubed sweet potato. Sauté for 6 minutes until vegetables start to soften and onions turn translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp ground coriander, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken thighs to the pot and pour in 4 cups chicken broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 40 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken thighs, shred meat, and discard bones. Return shredded chicken to the stew, stir well, and cook uncovered for 5 more minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving warm with crusty bread or rice.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Paraguayan-Style Chicken Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (15 min prep + 55 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 Spiced Paraguayan-Style Chicken Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Paraguayan-Style Chicken Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 Spiced Paraguayan-Style Chicken Stew with Root Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Spiced Paraguayan-Style Chicken Stew with Root Vegetables?

Latin American 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.