Name: Hearty Chicken Stew with Crispy Roasted Potatoes and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1.5 kg (3 lb) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks (6 to 8 pieces); Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 onions, halved and cut into wedges; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 3 large carrots, cut thick end into 1.5cm (3/5″) pieces and thin end 2.5cm (1″) pieces; 4 celery stalks, cut into 2cm (4/5″) chunks; 600 g (1.2 lb) baby potatoes, halved (quarter large ones); 1/2 cup (125 ml) water; 3 tbsp (35g) all-purpose flour; 3 cups (750 ml) low sodium chicken broth; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 3 sprigs thyme, or 1 tsp dried thyme (or other herbs); 2 bay leaves (dried or fresh); Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped; Warm crusty bread

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 5 reviews

If you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and downright satisfying, the Hearty Chicken Stew with Crispy Roasted Potatoes and Fresh Herbs Recipe is a total winner. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken cooked to perfection with a rich, savory stew base and the irresistible crunch of crispy roasted baby potatoes. The fresh herbs add brightness and depth, making every bite feel like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s comfort food elevated, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on a chilly evening.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan with six pieces of raw chicken, including thighs and drumsticks, is shown from above. The chicken pieces have pale pink and white skin with some visible fat and bone, lightly sprinkled with coarse black pepper. The pan has some light yellow oil coating the bottom, which adds a slight shine to the chicken. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this stew lies in its simplicity; every ingredient is chosen to build layers of taste and texture that shine through. From the succulent chicken pieces that anchor the dish to the fresh herbs that provide aromatic freshness, these essentials work harmoniously together to create a stew that’s both hearty and approachable.

Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for browning the chicken and sautéing vegetables to develop flavor.
Chicken thighs and drumsticks: Bone-in and skin-on pieces lock in moisture and add richness to the stew.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing natural flavors throughout.
Onions: Offer sweetness and depth when cooked down in the stew.
Garlic cloves: Add a subtle punch of aromatic warmth.
Carrots: Contribute color, sweetness, and a tender bite.
Celery stalks: Bring a gentle crunch and fresh flavor that balances the rich broth.
Water: Helps lift those delicious caramelized bits off the pan to intensify the sauce.
Flour: Thickens the stew to a luscious, comforting consistency.
Chicken broth: The savory backbone that melds all the ingredients together.
Tomato paste: Adds depth and a hint of tangy sweetness, enriching the stew’s body.
Worcestershire sauce: Introduces complexity with its subtle umami notes.
Thyme sprigs and bay leaves: Infuse the stew with fragrant herbal layers.
Baby potatoes: Halved for roasting alongside the chicken, delivering a crispy outer layer and tender inside.
Fresh thyme or parsley: A fresh herb garnish that brightens each bite.
Warm crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into the rich, flavorful sauce.

How to Make Hearty Chicken Stew with Crispy Roasted Potatoes and Fresh Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F), then heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Season your bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt and pepper, and brown them on both sides until they develop a lovely light golden crust. Browning is key here—it locks in flavor and makes your stew base extra savory. If your pot isn’t big enough, brown the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Check your pot and remove any excessive oil to avoid a greasy stew. Toss in the halved onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions become translucent and soft, just about two minutes. Then add your chopped carrots and celery, cooking for another minute to release their fresh, sweet flavors.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Add half a cup of water to the pot, stirring to scrape up all those deeply caramelized bits stuck to the pan—that’s pure flavor magic. Let the liquid cook down until mostly evaporated. Next, sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir to make a roux that will thicken your sauce. Then pour in the chicken broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until the tomato paste fully dissolves into the mix. Toss in your fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves at this stage to infuse the broth with herbal aroma.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Return the browned chicken to the pot, arranging the pieces so their skin stays mostly above the liquid. Bring everything gently to a simmer, then cover the pot and transfer it to the oven to bake for 45 minutes. This slow cooking makes the chicken incredibly tender and lets those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Add Potatoes and Crisp the Chicken Skin

After taking the pot out of the oven, remove the lid and add the halved baby potatoes, making sure to push them into the stew liquid. Rearrange your chicken pieces so they rest on top with their skin exposed. Return the pot to the oven without the lid and bake for an additional 40 minutes. The chicken skin will become deep golden and super crispy, while the potatoes soften and soak up all the savory sauce.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Before serving, taste your stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This final step allows the flavors to balance perfectly according to your palate.

How to Serve Hearty Chicken Stew with Crispy Roasted Potatoes and Fresh Herbs Recipe

A bowl of chicken stew with two cooked golden-brown chicken pieces on top, surrounded by thick brown sauce with visible chunks of orange carrots, yellow potatoes, and green celery. A small green herb sprig rests on one chicken piece. The bowl is white and placed on a white marbled surface with a silver fork and a piece of bread in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your stew visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped thyme or parsley over the top just before serving. These fresh herbs add a burst of color and a vibrant, fresh contrast to the rich, hearty stew. If you like, a light drizzle of good quality olive oil on the herbs brings everything together with a velvety finish.

Side Dishes

This Hearty Chicken Stew with Crispy Roasted Potatoes and Fresh Herbs Recipe really shines on its own, but pairing it with warm crusty bread or even garlic bread turns it into a complete meal. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce. For a lighter option alongside, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can offer a refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the stew family-style right from the casserole pot for a cozy, communal feel. Alternatively, ladle the stew into deep bowls, making sure each serving includes chicken, potatoes, and plenty of sauce. Garnish with herbs and add a small side plate with torn bread for dipping, letting your guests customize their experience. This rustic presentation adds warmth and charm to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the stew taste even better the next day. Just be sure to cool it down before refrigerating.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the potatoes from drying out and to maintain the richness of the dish.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks add richness and flavor, you can use breasts or boneless pieces if preferred. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary, and the stew may turn out a little less juicy.

What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have thyme or bay leaves?

Rosemary, sage, or oregano can be excellent alternatives that complement chicken well. Use dried or fresh versions according to what you have on hand, but adjust quantities so the herbs don’t overpower the stew.

Is it necessary to brown the chicken first?

Yes, browning the chicken adds a depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction and helps create a richer, more complex stew. Skipping this step might lead to a less flavorful dish.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Definitely! For a slow cooker, brown the chicken and sauté the veggies first, then cook on low for 6–8 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown and cook veggies before pressure cooking the stew for about 15 minutes.

How do I get the potatoes crispy?

Placing the potatoes on top of the stew with their surfaces exposed during the final baking without a lid helps them crisp up. You can even turn on the oven’s broiler for a minute or two if you want extra crunch, just watch carefully to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Chicken Stew with Crispy Roasted Potatoes and Fresh Herbs Recipe is a beautiful blend of comfort, flavor, and homey satisfaction that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a cozy night in, this recipe warms both the heart and the soul. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make it your own—it’s simply too delicious not to enjoy again and again!