Vintage Farmstead Chicken & Apple Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting stew featuring tender chicken and sweet apples, reminiscent of Midwest farm auctions. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 70 minutes pairs chicken thighs, medium apples, medium carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper. Melt 1 tbsp butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then brown chicken on both sides (5-6 minutes total). Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Dice 1 large onion and 3 medium carrots, then cook in remaining butter with 2 tbsp flour until golden (about 3 minutes). Stir in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 tbsp thyme, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Add browned chicken back to pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for 25 minutes until chicken is tender.
  4. Step 4: Peel and dice 2 medium apples, then add to stew with 1/4 cup water. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until apples are tender but hold shape.
  5. Step 5: Skim excess fat from surface, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with crusty bread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vintage Farmstead Chicken & Apple Stew take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (25 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 Vintage Farmstead Chicken & Apple 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vintage Farmstead Chicken & Apple 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 Vintage Farmstead Chicken & Apple Stew 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 Vintage Farmstead Chicken & Apple Stew?

American slow cooker 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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