
This hearty chicken stew brings together tender meat and garden-fresh vegetables in a rich, savory broth. The slow-cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a comforting dish that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Perfect for feeding a hungry family or entertaining guests.
A Classic French Country Stew
This rustic one-pot meal combines succulent chicken with seasonal vegetables in a silky sauce. The dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or aromatic rice to soak up every last drop. The recipe yields generous portions and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
Essential Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts: Cut into large chunks for juiciness
- 2 carrots: Thick-cut rounds
- 2 leeks: Thoroughly cleaned and chopped
- 1 onion: Forms the aromatic base
- 2 garlic cloves: Adds depth of flavor
- 200g mushrooms: Quartered
- 200ml broth: Creates the sauce base
- 200ml white wine: Adds classic French flavor
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing
- 1 tbsp flour: Thickens the sauce
- 1 bouquet garni: Herb bundle for seasoning
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Fresh parsley: For garnish
Cooking Method
- Browning the Chicken
- Sear chicken pieces in hot oil until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Creating the Base
- Sauté onions until golden, then add garlic until fragrant.
- Making the Sauce
- Sprinkle flour, stir well, then deglaze with wine.
- Combining Ingredients
- Add vegetables, bouquet garni, season, and pour in broth.
- Slow Cooking
- Return chicken to pot, cover and simmer 30-40 minutes.
- Final Touches
- Remove herb bundle, garnish with parsley, serve in deep bowls.

Chef's Notes
For maximum flavor, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts. The vegetable selection can be adapted based on seasonal availability - try adding turnips or potatoes. For an alcohol-free version, simply double the broth quantity. The stew pairs exceptionally well with fresh tagliatelle pasta, which soaks up the rich sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this stew ahead of time?
- Sure! It actually tastes better the next day. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- → What can I serve with this chicken stew?
- Crusty bread or mashed potatoes work great to soak up the sauce. You can also serve it with rice or pasta if you prefer.
- → Is it okay to use red wine instead of white?
- While white wine is traditional, red wine can be a good substitute too. The flavor and color will change, but it'll still taste amazing.
- → How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
- The chicken should be fork-tender and hit a temperature of 165°F in the thickest part. It should also easily pull apart when tested with a fork.
- → Can I freeze this stew?
- Absolutely! It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before freezing and reheat it slowly when ready to eat.