The Juiciest Succulent Stewed Chicken Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Savory aromas of succulent stewed chicken waft through my kitchen, promising comfort and warmth.

Tender meat falls gently from the bone, inviting you to experience pure culinary bliss.

Every spoonful carries rich memories of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones.

Slow-simmered spices create a magical symphony that dances across your palate.

Mediterranean traditions blend seamlessly with modern cooking techniques in this hearty dish.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected ingredients elevate this classic recipe beyond ordinary expectations.

Stewed Chicken You’ll Want To Make On Repeat

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this hearty chicken stew in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Loaded with aromatic spices like smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano, this one-pan wonder delivers rich, deep flavors that'll make taste buds dance with joy.
• Versatile Dining Delight: Easily adaptable to serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, this stewed chicken works brilliantly for casual family dinners or casual dinner parties with friends.
• Beginner-Friendly Technique: Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward steps, making it an excellent recipe for home cooks looking to build confidence in the kitchen while creating restaurant-quality results.

Ingredients in Stewed Chicken

• Chicken: A tender, lean meat that absorbs flavors beautifully and provides the main protein base for the stew.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that bring out the natural taste of the chicken.
• Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth, warmth, and aromatic complexity to the dish.
• Thyme, Oregano: Herbal notes that provide a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and slight kick to the stew.
• Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle, earthy background flavor to the sauce.

• Onions, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a rich, fragrant base for the stew.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Provide acidity, sweetness, and create a thick, luxurious sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens the overall flavor of the stew.

• Olive Oil: Helps with searing chicken and sautéing vegetables, adds a subtle fruity note.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herbal finish.

Stewing Guide for Succulent Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Season Chicken

Grab your chicken pieces and thoroughly dry them using paper towels.

Sprinkle a delicious blend of seasonings across the chicken, creating a flavor-packed exterior that will make your taste buds dance.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Step 2: Create a Golden Sear

Warm olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan, letting each piece develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the exterior turns a rich, appetizing color.

Transfer the seared chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 3: Build Aromatic Base

Using the same pan with all those delicious chicken drippings, sauté onions and garlic.

Let them become translucent and release their incredible fragrance, creating a foundation of flavor.

Step 4: Add Vibrant Sauce Ingredients

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Fresh thyme
• Dried oregano
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Stir everything together, allowing the ingredients to meld and create a rich, complex sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Pour chicken broth into the pan and drop in a bay leaf.

Carefully return the seared chicken pieces back to the skillet.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and let it cook slowly over low heat for 30 minutes.

Occasionally stir to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove the bay leaf and taste the sauce.

Adjust seasonings if needed to perfect the flavor profile.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the succulent stewed chicken alongside your favorite accompaniments like fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a slice of crusty bread.

The tender chicken and rich sauce are sure to impress everyone at the table.

Braised Chicken Tips That Keep It Juicy

• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear, which locks in flavor and creates a delicious crust.
• Build depth by using both dried spices on chicken and aromatic fresh herbs during cooking, creating a complex and rich taste profile.
• Maintain medium-high heat when searing to achieve caramelization without burning, which prevents bitter flavors and ensures tender meat.
• Cook chicken on low heat, covered, to break down connective tissues and guarantee incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to personal heat preference, making the dish adaptable for mild or spicy lovers without compromising overall flavor.

Stewed Chicken That Still Feels Tender Later

• Store leftover stewed chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out, stirring gently until heated through.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Bold Sides For Stewed Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to complement the rich, savory chicken stew and cut through its robust flavors.
• Serve with Rustic Country Bread: Choose a crusty, artisan sourdough or peasant bread to soak up the delicious tomato-based sauce and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Match with Herbal Green Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty chicken dish.
• Enjoy with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots seasoned with similar herbs to echo the stew's flavor profile.

Stewed Chicken Spice Swaps

• Low-Sodium Friendly: Replace salt with herb blend and use low-sodium chicken broth for heart-healthy option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and serve with quinoa instead of traditional bread.
• Spicy Caribbean Version: Add scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and coconut milk for authentic Caribbean flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Alternative: Transfer all ingredients to slow cooker after initial searing and cook on low for 6-7 hours for tender, fall-apart chicken.

FAQs

• Why should I sear the chicken before stewing?

Searing helps lock in the juices and creates a delicious golden-brown crust that adds deep, rich flavor to the chicken, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

• What if I don't have all the spices listed in the recipe?

You can still make the dish with what you have on hand. The key spices are salt, pepper, and some form of seasoning like paprika or herbs that will add depth to the chicken’s flavor.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the meat is tender and easily falls apart when prodded with a fork.

Succulent Stewed Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Cuban succulent stewed chicken delivers authentic island flavors straight to kitchen tables. Slow-simmered tender meat infused with citrus and spices creates a memorable meal that connects generations of Caribbean cooking traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 bay leaf

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse and pat the poultry completely dry, then lavishly coat with a robust blend of aromatic seasonings including salt, pepper, smoky paprika, pungent garlic powder, and zesty onion powder.
2. Ignite a deep skillet with olive oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering and nearly smoking over medium-high temperature.
3. Strategically place seasoned chicken pieces into the hot pan, creating a golden-brown exterior by searing each side for approximately 3-4 minutes until a rich caramelized crust develops.
4. Transfer the beautifully seared chicken to a temporary plate, reserving the flavorful pan drippings.
5. Within the same skillet, gently sweat chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
6. Introduce diced tomatoes, concentrated tomato paste, fragrant thyme, earthy oregano, and a sprinkle of fiery crushed red pepper flakes, stirring to combine and develop deeper flavor layers.
7. Cascade chicken broth into the pan, nestling a bay leaf among the ingredients, and carefully return the seared chicken pieces to the simmering liquid.
8. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the chicken to gently braise for approximately 30 minutes, occasionally rotating the pieces to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
9. Carefully remove the bay leaf and assess the seasoning, making delicate adjustments if necessary to balance the dish’s complexity.
10. Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the top and serve alongside fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a rustic slice of crusty bread.

Notes

• Enhance chicken’s flavor by generously rubbing spice mix into meat before cooking, allowing seasoning to penetrate deeply.
• Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels to achieve perfect golden-brown sear, preventing excess moisture from steaming the meat.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes, making the dish milder for sensitive palates or spicier for heat lovers.
• Transform this recipe into a gluten-free option by serving with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional bread or rice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg