FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stew Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Chicken Stew
• Tips For Cooking Chicken Stew
• Storage Tips
• More Soup and Stew Recipes
• My Favorite Tools For This Recipe
• Chicken Stew Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

With ultra-tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and an array of chunky veggies, this chicken stew recipe combines basic ingredients and pantry staples into a steaming bowl of comfort food. I often have these components on hand at home, so this is the perfect dish to throw together when I’m not sure what to make. I think you’ll feel the same way! And if you’re a fan of cozy beef stew or pork stew , this heartwarming alternative is going to be your next dinnertime favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stew Recipe

• Packed with savory flavors
• Warm and comforting
• Common pantry ingredients
• Easy to make in one pot
• Naturally thickened with potatoes
• Perfect for cool nights

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for an easy chicken stew, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Chicken – Since you will be cooking the chicken into a stew, it’s best to use boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, instead of bone-in chicken breasts or thighs.
• Olive Oil – For sauteing. Avocado oil would also work.
• Vegetables – This chicken stew uses a medley of classic stew vegetables: Potatoes (you can use either Yukon gold or russet potatoes), carrots, celery, fresh or frozen peas, and onions. You could also add other veggies, such as mushrooms, green beans, or bell peppers to customize the flavor and texture to your liking.
• Garlic – I used fresh minced garlic, but you can easily use 1 teaspoon of jarred minced garlic for convenience.
• Fresh Thyme – You can also use other fresh herbs, like rosemary, oregano, or sage. If you only have dried herbs on hand, those will work — just use 1/3 of the amount because their flavor is more concentrated.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper
• Chicken Broth – I make homemade chicken broth when I have time, but store-bought reduced-sodium broth work fine. You can also use bone broth for added nutrition.
• Bay Leaves – They’re optional, but add a subtle depth to the stew’s flavor.
• Heavy Cream – Optional, for a rich and creamy chicken stew.

How To Make Chicken Stew

This section shows how to cook chicken stew with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Cook the chicken. In a medium Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden. Remove and transfer to a plate.
2. Saute the veggies. Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Sauted until vegetables are starting to soften.

1. Boil and simmer. Add the chicken back into the pot, along with the chicken broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then cover and cook over medium-low heat, until potatoes are soft.
2. Thicken. Unlike chicken soup, a recipe for chicken stew needs to be thick! Many versions do this with a roux or cornstarch, but I prefer to thicken naturally with potatoes instead! simply transfer 1 cup of the potatoes and 1/2 cup of broth to a blender , blend until smooth, and stir back into the pot.
3. Finish. Add the heavy cream, if using, and the peas. Cook the chicken stew until hot. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste.

Tips For Cooking Chicken Stew

• Cut the vegetables to uniform sizes. This will ensure that they cook at the same rate.
• For extra thick stew, blend more of the potatoes. The more of the potatoes you blend, the thicker the chicken stew will be. You can even add an extra cup of potatoes to the chicken stew recipe if you want it super thick while still having a lot of potato chunks.
• Use root vegetables instead of potatoes for a lighter option. Try rutabagas , jicama, or turnips.

Storage Tips

• Store: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Simply warm the stew in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• Freeze: You can freeze chicken stew, but it’s best to do so without any added cream. Cool completely, pour into freezer bags, and store in the freezer for 3-4 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and if you want cream, add that fresh.

More Soup and Stew Recipes

Want more warm and comforting dinner ideas? Try some of these recipes:

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Easy Chili

Buffalo Chicken Soup

Chile Verde

My Favorite Tools For This Recipe

• Dutch Oven – I love the even heating in this Dutch oven to make flavorful soups and cozy meals. However, a regular large pot will work, too.
• Blender – This is my is my go-to for soups and smoothies, because it’s powerful enough to puree anything.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 2 lb Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or boneless skinless chicken thighs; cut into 1-inch cubes) ▢
• 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 2 1/2 cups Yukon gold potatoes (cut into 1-inch chunks) ▢
• 1 small Yellow onion (diced) ▢
• 1 cup Carrots (sliced into ½ inch chunks) ▢
• 1 cup Celery (sliced into ½ inch chunks) ▢
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
• 1 tbsp Fresh thyme ▢
• 1 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 2 1/2 cups Chicken broth, reduced sodium ▢
• 2 medium Bay leaves (optional) ▢
• 1/3 cup Heavy cream (optional) ▢
• 1 cup Frozen peas (or fresh) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. In a medium Dutch oven or pot , heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes , until golden. Remove and transfer to a plate.
2. Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Sauté for 6-7 minutes , until vegetables are starting to soften.
3. Add the chicken back into the pot, along with the chicken broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then cover and cook for 18-20 minutes over medium-low heat, until the potatoes are soft.
4. Transfer 1 cup of potatoes and ½ cup of broth to a blender . Blend until smooth. Pour back to the pot and stir together. (This well help to thicken up the broth.)
5. Add the heavy cream, if using, and the peas. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes , until warm. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 1/2 cups

Nutrition info does not include optional ingredients.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Winter Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Chicken Stew

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

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Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

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Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Chicken Stew

This chicken stew recipe is comfort in a bowl. Tender chicken, potatoes and veggies simmer to perfection, with a special trick to thicken.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/chicken-stew/

Ingredients

• 2 lb Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or boneless skinless chicken thighs; cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 1/2 cups Yukon gold potatoes (cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 1 small Yellow onion (diced)
• 1 cup Carrots (sliced into ½ inch chunks)
• 1 cup Celery (sliced into ½ inch chunks)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp Fresh thyme
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 2 1/2 cups Chicken broth, reduced sodium
• 2 medium Bay leaves (optional)
• 1/3 cup Heavy cream (optional)
• 1 cup Frozen peas (or fresh)

Instructions

1. In a medium Dutch oven or pot , heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes , until golden. Remove and transfer to a plate.
2. Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Sauté for 6-7 minutes , until vegetables are starting to soften.
3. Add the chicken back into the pot, along with the chicken broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then cover and cook for 18-20 minutes over medium-low heat, until the potatoes are soft.
4. Transfer 1 cup of potatoes and ½ cup of broth to a blender . Blend until smooth. Pour back to the pot and stir together. (This well help to thicken up the broth.)
5. Add the heavy cream, if using, and the peas. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes , until warm. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 1/2 cups

Nutrition info does not include optional ingredients.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Winter Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)